The document discusses the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) and becoming a First Detector to help detect invasive pests. It notes that becoming a First Detector provides benefits like online training modules, notifications of exotic species detections, and continuing education credits. Interested individuals can complete online training modules or attend in-person events to become a First Detector. The document provides contact information for NPDN First Detector Training in North Dakota.

1. NPDN First Detectors assist in early Help protect U.S. agricultural and Attend in-person training events or
detection of invasive pests. natural resources from exotic species. complete on-line modules.
Mission of the National Plant Diagnostic Network: Benefits of becoming a First Detector: Becoming a First Detector:
The National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) was  Receive notifications of exotic species that have Modules to become a first detector are available online
established in 2002 to provide a nationwide been detected near you. at http://www.firstdetector.org/. In-person training
network of public agricultural institutions with a  Earn one continuing education unit (CEU) per events are also offered. The NPDN Crop and
system to quickly detect high consequence pests completed module (approved for one continuing Biosecurity Course, released April 2008, consists of the
and pathogens that have been introduced into education unit in pest management by the National following general modules:
agricultural and natural ecosystems, identify them, Certified Crop Advisor Program). 1. Mission of the NPDN
and rapidly report them to appropriate responders  Access additional on-line resources and modules 2. Monitoring for High Risk Pests
and decision makers. To accomplish this mission, that offer in-depth training on special topics, such 3. Diagnosing Plant Problems
the NPDN has invested in plant diagnostic as emerald ash borer. 4. Submitting Diagnostic Samples
laboratory infrastructure and training, trained an  Apply NPDN First Detector Training as part of your 5. Photography for Diagnosis
extensive network of first detectors, and enhanced county programming 6. Disease and Pest Scenarios
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
A new strain of wheat stem rust
Coordinator for North Dakota
(Puccinia graminis), UG99, is virulent on Marcia McMullen, NDSU Cereals
most of the wheat resistance genes Extension Pathologist
employed today and so it threatens Sam Markell, NDSU Row Crops
wheat production around the world.
UG99 has not yet been detected in the
Extension Pathologist
Americas. ) Janet Knodel, NDSU Extension
Entomologist
Photo credit: David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org
Pat Beauzay, NDSU Research Specialist,
Entomology
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive
insect pest that threatens ash trees in Lance Brower, NDSU Extension Agent
North Dakota is part of the Great Plains Diagnostic North Dakota. EAB has not yet been and NPDN First Detector Educator
Network, one of five regions of the NPDN. detected in North Dakota. Photo credit: Donald Groth, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Bugwood.org
– Stutsman County