Becoming a First Detector: Modules to become a first detector are available online at http://www.firstdetector.org/. In-person training events are also offered. The NPDN Crop and Biosecurity Course, released April 2008, consists of the following general modules: 1. Mission of the NPDN 2. Monitoring for High Risk Pests 3. Diagnosing Plant Problems 4. Submitting Diagnostic Samples 5. Photography for Diagnosis 6. Disease and Pest Scenarios

Benefits of becoming a First Detector: Receive notifications of exotic species that have

been detected near you. Earn one continuing education unit (CEU) per

completed module (approved for one continuing education unit in pest management by the National Certified Crop Advisor Program).

Access additional on-line resources and modules that offer in-depth training on special topics, such as emerald ash borer.

Apply NPDN First Detector Training as part of your county programming

Mission of the National Plant Diagnostic Network:

The National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) was established in 2002 to provide a nationwide network of public agricultural institutions with a system to quickly detect high consequence pests and pathogens that have been introduced into agricultural and natural ecosystems, identify them, and rapidly report them to appropriate responders and decision makers. To accomplish this mission, the NPDN has invested in plant diagnostic laboratory infrastructure and training, trained an extensive network of first detectors, and enhanced communication among agencies and stakeholders responsible for responding to and mitigating new outbreaks. NDSU Contacts for NPDN First

Detector Training: Kasia Kinzer, NDSU Plant Diagnostician

and NPDN First Detector Training Coordinator for North Dakota

Marcia McMullen, NDSU Cereals Extension Pathologist

Sam Markell, NDSU Row Crops Extension Pathologist

Janet Knodel, NDSU Extension Entomologist

Pat Beauzay, NDSU Research Specialist, Entomology

Lance Brower, NDSU Extension Agent and NPDN First Detector Educator – Stutsman County

North Dakota is part of the Great Plains Diagnostic

Network, one of five regions of the NPDN.

NPDN First Detectors assist in early detection of invasive pests.

Help protect U.S. agricultural and natural resources from exotic species.

Attend in-person training events or complete on-line modules.

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A new strain of wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis), UG99, is virulent on most of the wheat resistance genes employed today and so it threatens wheat production around the world. UG99 has not yet been detected in the Americas.

Photo credit: Donald Groth, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Bugwood.org

Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive insect pest that threatens ash trees in North Dakota. EAB has not yet been detected in North Dakota.

Photo credit: David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org