is a major pathogen that causes the new bacterial blight in rice, and its symptoms very similar to rice bacterial blight. Therefore, there is a dire need for an accurate and rapid method for detecting . In this study, an early and rapid visual detection method for was established. Using GyrB gene as the target sequence, an innovative recombinase-aided amplification detection system integrated with a lateral flow dipstick (RAA-LFD) was constructed. The optimized RAA-LFD detection method can be initiated at body temperature and does not rely on precise instruments. It does not require DNA extraction and can be used directly with plant tissue fluids. The results can be visualized after 10 minutes of amplification. The specificity and sensitivity tests showed that the RAA-LFD method could detect whereas other common plant pathogens were not detected, and its detection sensitivity for DNA reached 100 copies/µL. The detection of diseased tissues indicated that this method could accurately detect in artificially inoculated rice tissues in the early stages of infection before symptoms. The RAA-LFD detection system established in this study is simple and fast, with visual results, excellent specificity, and high sensitivity. It is semi-quantitative and should be used for the early detection and rapid field diagnosis of new leaf blight, which provides technical support for the early warning and real-time detection of field samples.

Southern sting nematode (), by far the most damaging nematode pest of turfgrass in Australia, was first reported from the Newcastle area of New South Wales in 1979 and is now widely distributed in the Central Coast region of NSW; is causing severe damage to sportsgrounds in Perth, Western Australia; and has been reported from a few locations in other states. This paper reports a recent example of interstate transfer, as small rolls of turf transferred from a turf nursery in Victoria to the Brisbane Cricket Ground (the Gabba) for the Australian Football League Grand Final in October 2020 were found to be infested with . Despite this transfer, evidence is provided to suggest that Queensland should be considered provisionally free of . First, in the period from 2006 to 2021, 744 turfgrass samples from 160 Queensland locations were processed by two diagnostic laboratories and was never detected. Second, was not found at the two Queensland locations reported in 2010 as being infested. Third, an action plan designed to eliminate from the Gabba (removal and disposal of the infested turf; fumigation of the sites where the infested turf had been laid; and application of nematicides to the fumigated areas and the whole oval) appears to have been successful, as was not detected in a post-treatment monitoring program. The paper concludes by arguing that Queensland biosecurity authorities should list as one of its priority pests, establish a surveillance program for the nematode, and develop strategies to minimise the risk of being transferred into and within the state.

When the Grand Final of the Australian Football League (AFL) was played at the Brisbane Cricket Ground (the Gabba) in October 2020, small rolls of turf from Victoria were laid at the three player entrances. This turf was infested with southern sting nematode () and so it was removed, the infested sites were fumigated, and nematicides were applied in an attempt to eliminate the nematode. Results published in September 2021 indicated that this appeared to have been successful, as was not detected in a post-treatment monitoring program. This paper reports results from an ongoing monitoring program which show that the eradication program was ineffective. Consequently, the Gabba is currently the only Queensland location known to be infested with . The paper finishes by listing the biosecurity issues that should be addressed to prevent further spread of the nematode.