A comprehensive training on Wheat Disease Surveillance is currently underway at the National Plant Protection Centre (NPPC) in Thimphu. The training aims to build national capacity for effective detection and management of wheat rust diseases, particularly focusing on the role of barberry as an alternate host. It also emphasizes the integration of field surveillance tools and laboratory protocols to support ongoing plant protection efforts.

The training is facilitated by Dr. Dave Hudson, Principal Scientist at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), based in Nepal, and Dr. Maricelis Acevedo, a Research Professor from Cornell University, USA. Both facilitators are internationally recognized experts in wheat pathology.

The training is attended by technical staff from the NPPC and Regional Plant Protection Officers from the Agriculture Research and Development Centres (ARDCs) located at Bajo, Wengkhar and Samtenling.

The training covers a wide range of topics, including the identification and monitoring of wheat rust diseases, significance of barberry, and the use of Open Data Kit (ODK) for real-time field data collection. Practical sessions have been conducted to guide participants in collecting rust spores and barberry samples from the field. Additionally, the facilitators have provided a detailed overview of barberry testing protocols, with a focus on laboratory analysis and sample management procedures.