[wpfilebase tag=fileurl id=1512 linktext=’Conference circular’ /]

Important dates:

12 February: Call for expression of interest
June 2015: Second announcement
November 2015: Opening of registration and abstract submission

Plant virus diseases still constitute a strong constraint for both yield and quality of crops worldwide. New viruses emerge regularly, thus constantly challenging research and development. Renewed knowledge concerning etiology and diagnosis, virus diversity and evolution, host-virus-vector-environment interactions is therefore needed to define the best possible management strategies. A multidisciplinary approach combining skills (virology, plant genetics, plant physiology, agronomy, entomology, ecology, modelling, etc.) is the key to success.

Held under the auspices of the International Committee for Plant Virus Epidemiology (ICPVE) of the International Society for Plant Pathology (ISPP), the IPVE symposium has been a forum to discuss the latest advances in all areas of plant virus epidemiology since 1981. Every three years, it brings together 150 to 200 international experts from different fields. The next symposium will take place at the University of Avignon, France, and will focus particularly on sustainable management of plant virus diseases.

This symposium will be a forum to discuss the latest advances in all areas of plant virus epidemiology and will stimulate exchanges between the actors involved in research to discover and develop integrated and sustainable ways to manage virus diseases. Avignon, situated in Southeastern France, is in the heart of a historic area of fruit and vegetable production, where virus epidemics still constitute a strong constraint for both crop yield and quality. Many seed companies are located in the region because of the importance of horticultural crops and the presence of INRA (French National Institute for Agricultural Research). Several technical institutes are also present near Avignon.