Protecting biodiversity from invasive plant pathogens
Invasive plant pathogens threaten our farms, forests, and urban landscapes. Without action, agriculture, biodiversity, and urban forests will suffer. Be part of the solution.
MISSION STATEMENT
At EcoPath Solutions, we are committed to protecting agriculture, forestry, restoration/urban greening programs, mining rehabilitation, horticulture, and both urban and natural landscapes through the development of scientifically validated diagnostic tools for detecting plant pathogens that inform effective management decisions.
By fostering collaboration, innovation, and education, we empower global stakeholders to proactively manage biosecurity threats. Our mission is focused on building resilient ecosystems and advancing sustainable practices by embracing circular economy principles and using recyclable products to reduce waste and support long-term environmental stewardship.
Sarah Dunstan | Director
Photo credit: Allison Mertin | Lord Howe Island, June 2024
EcoPath Solutions was founded with a mission to stop the spread of the destructive plant pathogen, Phytophthora. This silent yet powerful threat attacks plant roots, causing dieback and eventual death. With a wide range of plant hosts, Phytophthora can devastate entire ecosystems, including the animals that depend on healthy plant communities.
The pathogen spreads through infected soil, water, and the live plant trade, making its way into natural environments with disastrous consequences. Since Phytophthora is microscopic, testing is the only reliable way to ensure materials are free from infection.
Unfortunately, current detection methods are costly, time-consuming, and often ineffective on a large scale, it’s like searching for a "needle in a haystack."
About Us
The PhytoGuard™ System
In collaboration with the Botanic Gardens of Sydney’s PlantClinic, EcoPath Solutions has developed an innovative, cost-effective, and highly sensitive system to batch test plants, soil, and water for Phytophthora - PhytoGuard™.
This system precisely delivers water to release infective Phytophthora spores, which are then concentrated and trapped in a device containing baits specifically designed to attract Phytophthora while excluding other organisms. Detection is carried out using an immune-assay similar to a COVID rapid antigen test (RAT).
This system can be used in any situation from nursery to in the field.
Whether you're managing a nursery, quarry, soil production facility, farm, or restoration site or other, we provide on-site testing services with the PhytoGuard™ system to help safeguard your plants and ecosystems.
Contact us, and one of our experts will be able to customise a solution for you.
Ready to take
the next step?
“This plant pathogen can spread easily, causing disease, death and potential extinction in susceptible plants, and loss of habitat for animals. The disease, Phytophthora dieback, is often difficult to detect and can cause permanent damage to ecosystems and landscapes before it is identified.”
— Australian Government
Hero Image Photo Credit:
Phytophthora cinnamomi at Barrington Tops
by Johny Spencer
Contact us, and one of our experts will be able to customise a solution for you.