Organised by the Korea National Institute of Forest Science, the symposium brought together experts from South Korea, Japan, China, Portugal, Spain, and France, promoting the exchange of knowledge and experiences among countries facing different challenges in the management of Pine Wilt Disease.

Throughout the event, researchers presented findings and national strategies covering disease control policies, surveillance and early detection, pathogen biology, the development of resistant trees, and new technologies for disease management and prediction. The programme also included field visits to affected areas and Korean companies operating in the forestry sector.

As part of the symposium, Luís Fonseca, researcher and technical lead of the Nematology area at IPN, presented the Portuguese experience, addressing the evolution of Pine Wilt Disease in Portugal, the main surveillance and control measures implemented, scientific advances achieved in recent years, and the challenges associated with managing this significant threat to forest ecosystems.

IPN participation in this international event reinforces its commitment to research, innovation, and international scientific cooperation in the field of plant health, contributing to knowledge exchange and to the development of responses to the challenges affecting forest ecosystems.