Preparedness in biological control of priority biosecurity

Benaki Phytopathological Institute (BPI) is a non-profit Research Institute, founded in 1929 as a legal entity of the public sector, supervised by the Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food (MRDF). For over 90 years, the Institute has established multi-disciplinary expertise and activities in entomology, weed science and plant pathology to safeguard plant health (quarantine organisms) and crop protection, and in pesticides’ chemistry/toxicology/ environmental fate through effective and safe use of pesticides for human health and the environment. BPI conducts fundamental/applied research in these fields and participates in or coordinates, several EU funded, Bilateral and National research projects. The core activities of BPI include are diagnostic services, information, training and technical consultancy to MRDF, agronomists, farmers and stakeholders for the prevention and control of plant diseases/pests/weeds in alignment with the EU legislation on plant health and sustainable agriculture. Its staff participates in expert groups of EU and international Organisations and National Mandated Bodies working on plant health, crop protection and safety (EFSA Plant Health Panel, EPPO Working groups). The Institute has state of the art ISO/EN-17025 certified laboratories with modern infrastructure and equipment, and greenhouse facilities including a P2/3 Containment Greenhouse. BPI hosts the national reference laboratories for plant health and for pesticide residue monitoring in agricultural products. In addition, BPI is authorized to conduct the evaluation of formulations and active substances of plant protection products and biocides for registration purposes. Finally, it has well-established, long-term collaborations with grower groups/Cooperatives and Private Sector SMEs.