Derestricted
FTAA.ngag/inf/62
August 12, 2003

Original: Spanish
Translation: FTAA Secretariat

FTAA – NEGOTIATING GROUP ON AGRICULTURE

NICARAGUA

SPECIFIC PROJECT PROFILE WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE HEMISPHERIC
COOPERATION PROGRAM: TRAINING OF TECHNICIANS IN ASPECTS OF PHYTOSANITARY
DIAGNOSTICS, INCLUDING MODERN METHODOLOGIES AND PROCESSES FOR THE
DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PESTS.

1. Project Title
   
   Training of technicians in aspects of phytosanitary diagnostics, including modern methodologies and processes for the detection and identification of pests.
   
   
2. Background
   
   Prior to 1968, the tests conducted by the Plant Health Department focused mainly on entomology. As of 1970, phytopathological diagnostics were strengthened with the assistance of the German Technical Mission, which donated materials, reagents and equipment in use at the time to the Central Laboratory. Since the Central Laboratory was located on the outskirts of Managua, at a height very close to sea level, it was necessary to seek an alternative site, and an agreement was reached in 1987 to move the facilities to their current location, in the southern area of the capital, at approximately 380 masl. While some 1,200 tests were conducted in the 1970s and 1980s, this figure had increased 800 percent by the year 2000, with services being provided to: Plant importers and exporters, national producers, institutions involved in agriculture, and centers studying related issues.
   
   Over the last ten years, the country´s phytosanitary infrastructure has improved, as demonstrated by the establishment of eight Regional Phytosanitary Service offices in those regions with the greatest level of economic activity. Quarantine facilities have also been modernized, although they still require materials, equipment and offices in order to improve their operational efficiency. As part of the modernization process, the National Center for Phytosanitary Diagnostics is responsible for ensuring that it maintains the same standards and norms as its counterparts in countries with which Nicaragua has a trading relationship.
   
   Conventional methods of isolation used most frequently in phytopathology include humidity chambers, culture media, Baermann funnels, and biochemical testing, among others. Entomology frequently uses the comparison method, in which morphological structures key to a diagnosis are dissected. Weeds are also identified using the comparison method.
   
   
3. Rationale
   
   Technicians at the Phytosanitary Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Nicaragua test plant samples by employing conventional methods that have been in use for at least thirty years. The conventional process is believed to be effective, although it requires an average of eight days to obtain results. The processes of trade globalization in which Nicaragua is involved require rapid and effective solutions. The conventional method of phytosanitary testing for pests is reliable but quite slow, which raises the cost of imported plant products. The use of a rapid pest diagnostic method would enable importers to vastly reduce tariff payments, and local markets would then be able to sell fresher products with less spoilage.
   
   The climate in Nicaragua's land borders is extremely hot, which directly affects storage conditions for imported plants; many quarantine ports lack sufficient space to adequately serve the public. Our maritime ports have severe limitations, and cargo can often not be unloaded quickly due to the physical limitations of the facilities. The eight-day waiting period to obtain laboratory results further compounds the problem.
   
   
4. Purpose of Project
   
   
   1. General
      
      Train technicians performing phytosanitary diagnostics in modern analysis techniques for recognizing and identifying pests.
      
      
   2. Specific
      
      
      • Train mycology lab technicians in pest-detection techniques using DNA testing.
        
      • Train bacteriology and virology lab technicians in pest-detection techniques using PCR testing and molecular probes.
        
      • Train nematology lab technicians in pest-detection techniques using DNA testing and other rapid procedures.
        
      • Train entomology lab technicians in pest-detection techniques using DNA testing and other rapid procedures.
        
        
   3. Inputs: Resources required for the project
      
      
      • North- or South American laboratory where DNA and PCR tests, as well as molecular probes, are conducted to detect phytosanitary pests.
         
        
      • Training expenses for six individuals
        - Six airline tickets (US$ 4,200.00)
        - Per diems for six trainees for one month each (US$ 21,600.00).
        
        
      • Purchase of equipment and basic reactives to perform tests in Nicaragua after training is completed (US$ 175,800.00)
        
        
   4. Expected results
      
      
      • Nicaragua’s phytosanitary laboratory technicians detect, recognize and identify pests in a maximum period of eight (8) hours.
        
        
      • Importers and exporters of plant products will benefit, as well as Nicaraguans in general, who will be able to purchase a much less costly product.
        
        
      • Greater reliability of diagnostic results.