Research

RHS Science Exchange

What cost the world in your garden?
How great is the threat to our native and garden flora from the
accelerating international plant trade?

Date: 23 November 2005
Venue: Reading University
Sponsored by: Defra

The event provided an opportunity for gardeners, scientists, policy makers and the trade to discuss the issue of whether we risk importing new plant diseases and pests with the increasing international trade in plants.

The event was in response to two articles in the RHS journal, The Plantsman, in March 2005 - Preventing invasive pathogens: deficiencies in the system by Prof Clive Brasier and Time to avert disaster by Prof David Ingram.

Speakers

Speakers at the event were Professor Clive Brasier, Emeritus Mycologist at the Forest Research Agency, Farnham, and Visiting Professor at Imperial College who presented his perspective on the biosecurity risks, and Guy Barter, Head of Horticultural Advisory Services at the RHS who examined the current international plant trade. Professor David Ingram, Master of St Catharine's College and Honorary Professor at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow, chaired the event. The keynote speakers were joined by a panel of other scientists and experts.

For biographies of the speakers click here

Which 'exotic' pests & diseases are plants' worst nightmares?

Following the event, attendees should have a clear and shared sense of priorities for the future, and an understanding of how gardeners, scientists, policy makers and the industry can work together to address the issues identified. The event aimed to stimulate effective policy making and raise public awareness of the complexities in this environmental debate.

Share your views

You can share your views on the issues raised by the Science Exchange on the RHS Bulletin Board.

Both speakers have made a three-minute film in which they each make the case on the one hand for addressing the threat, and on the other for continued strength in international trade.

To view the films click here

To view the summary of the exchange click here

RHS science & learning

To find out more about the RHS Science Department click here

For further information about RHS research into invasive pests and diseases click here