Increased concern about contamination of plant foods by the human pathogens Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. have highlighted the complex relationship between such pathogens and plants. Plant pathologists, with our knowledge and tools for investigating phytopathogen-plant interactions, have much to offer in advancing our understanding of the nature of human pathogen-plant interactions, how they are initiated, how they develop, and how they can be prevented. PPB has been working FDA and USDA to inform them of the expertise available from plant pathologists. Efforts include:
2013
PPB met with NSF on the possiblities of an RCN regarding the fundamental and practical knowledge of human pathogen-plant interactions. Updates were also provided to USDA and FDA and on progress regarding the Human Pathogens on Plants (HPoP) efforts and need increases in funding.
Whitepaper
2012
Successful cooperation with FDA and USDA, brought the first Human Pathogens on Plants Workshop held in February 2012. PPB again encouraged increases in research funding for fundamental and practical knowledge of human pathogen-plant interactions.
Whitepaper
2011
Meetings with food safety groups from both USDA and FDA to further promote collaborations and increase multi-disciplinary funding were received with interest and enthusiasm. A proposal led by PPB to host a research meeting in Washington DC was funded. Research funding and collaboration is also now under discussion within the White House Food Safety Working Group .
Whitepaper
2010
Continued cooperation with FDA and USDA sought and increases in research funding for fundamental and practical knowledge of human pathogen-plant interactions requested.
Whitepaper 
2009
Requests were made for an interagency working group specifically focused on gaining fundamental and practical knowledge of human pathogen-plant interactions. Meetings were held with FDA and USDA in November 2009, where presentations were provided highlighting how plant pathologists are uniquely suited to address specific food safety research questions.
Whitepaper
Phytopathology News Article
2008
Worked jointly with Colorado State University on a national workshop, "Human Pathogens on Plants: Research and Policy to Protect Vegetable Crops from Human Pathogens," (HPOP), October 2008.
Phytopathology News Article
2007
Coordinated with the Bacteriology Committee on symposia “Cross Domain Bacteria: Emerging Threats to Plants, Humans and Our Food Supply,” at the 2007 APS Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA. Initiatied APS Food Safety Working Group.
Phytopathology News Article
