In a proactive response to the escalating global food security challenges posed by the destructive bark beetle, West Virginia State University is collaborating with international partners to address the urgent ecological and economic threats caused by this pest. The pine bark beetle has wreaked havoc on forest ecosystems across various regions in the United States, including the Southeast, West Coast, and Rocky Mountains, and has spread its devastation to countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. The implications of this pest extend beyond environmental damage, threatening food security on a global scale.
Recognizing the need for comprehensive action, the 1890 Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense at WVSU has launched a project to combat emerging animal and plant pests and diseases. Dr. Ayesha Sarker, an assistant research professor of food science at WVSU, is spearheading the initiative. It is titled “A Collaborative Network for Monitoring Emerging Plant and Animal Diseases for Food Security.”
The Workshop
This summer, WVSU hosted an international workshop, “Addressing New and Emerging Pests and Diseases: The Case of Pine Bark Beetle in Belize.” This collaborative effort involved the University of Belize and the Forestry Department of Belize, bringing together technical experts, students, and stakeholders from WVSU, other 1890 universities, private industry, and local communities for a five-day session held at the Central Farm, University of Belize.
The workshop featured presentations, discussions, field visits, and data collection methodologies aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants.
“The workshop focused on potential technical support from regional partners in specialized areas such as pine bark beetle identification training and IPM control measures,” Sarker said. “In addition, it demonstrated a solid commitment to potential partners in the Central American Region, aiming to strengthen the network initiative by establishing ties with institutions in Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras.”
A vital outcome of the workshop was identifying crucial areas for future collaboration, including species identification of the beetle, monitoring, and evaluation strategies, and improved data collection and management practices. Participants also underscored the importance of enhancing networks among universities, public entities, and private sectors to tackle the transboundary challenges posed by new and emerging pests and diseases.