Queensland Plant Pathology Herbarium and Insect Collection

[1] Based at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the collection holds specimens of known fungal pathogens of plants grown in Queensland, as well as insect pests that occur in the state.

[1] The Plant Pathology Herbarium contains: The Insect Collection has approximately: The correct identification of a pathogen or pest is not only of importance to individual farms but also has far-reaching economic consequences.

In many cases, the early detection of a pathogen or pest can save millions by allowing easy countermeasures that are also less destructive for the rest of the ecosystem.

In 2004, Pakistan authorities rejected the importation of two bulk carriers of wheat in the Port of Karachi.

[4][5] It was claimed that Karnal bunt (caused by the smut fungus Tilletia indica) had infected the wheat.

A sample of the weed Perennial Veldt Grass ( Ehrharta calycina ) photographed at the Plant Pathology Herbarium. This sample was used to disprove claims that an Australian wheat shipment to Pakistan in 2004 was affected by karnal bunt ( Tilletia indica ).