From September 27 to 30, 2024, the "Symposium on Management of Emerging/Quarantine Pests and Biosecurity in Tropical Crops" was successfully held at Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City in Sanya, Hainan. The symposium focused on the management of emerging and quarantine pests in tropical crops, as well as biosecurity challenges in seed breeding and tropical regions. It aimed to promote the integration and innovation of key technologies in pest control and disease-resistant breeding through academic exchanges and technological cooperation, safeguarding biosecurity in tropical areas.

The event invited 17 leading experts and scholars in the field of tropical crop pest control and biosecurity from across the country. They engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as the management of emerging and quarantine pests, the selection and utilization of disease-resistant germplasm, detoxification and healthy vegetative propagation of infected breeding materials, and the biosecurity of genetically modified organisms in seed breeding regions. The experts also shared their research findings and practical experiences.

Prof. Zhang Peng and Dr. Ma Qiuxiang from the Shanghai Cassava Biotechnology Center attended the symposium. Zhang Peng presented a report titled "Pathogenesis and Control Strategies of Cassava Begomovirus," in which he detailed the epidemic situation of cassava begomovirus disease in Africa and Asia. He also discussed strategies for enhancing cassava’s resistance to cassava mosaic disease through the cultivation of disease-resistant varieties and biotechnological breeding. His presentation provided valuable insights into the current status of Sri Lanka cassava mosaic disease and offered references for its prevention and control.

During the symposium, the attendees visited the tropical crop pest monitoring and disease-resistant germplasm utilization base, where they observed the implementation of pest control and disease-resistant breeding efforts, as well as the practical application of digital pest monitoring technologies.

The successful hosting of this symposium holds significant importance for advancing the level of tropical crop pest control in China, fostering technological innovation, and ensuring biosecurity in tropical regions.