Some two hundred scientists of 50 different nationalities are expected to attend the event to discuss their research work on phytopathogenic bacteria. These bacteria, which are the causal agent of plant diseases, are one of the primary causes of harvest loss in the world. There are several dozen species and new ones emerge regularly.
Some are genetically close to bacteria that are infectious to man.

The researchers in the joint research unit Plant Communities and Biological Invaders in Tropical Environment from CIRAD, INRA and the University of Réunion are currently conducting research work on two bacterial models:
- Ralstonia solanacearum, which causes wilt in over 250 plant species including tomato, potato, geranium.
- Xanthomonas citri, which causes serious diseases in cultivated species, particularly citrus species, as well as cotton, soybean and mango.

Improved understanding of these bacteria is essential for the development of efficient and lasting control strategies. Recent advances on these questions will be presented and discussed during the conference, particularly:

• The genetic evolution of bacteria in order to understand their remarkable capacity to adapt and find ways of overcoming them.
• The identification and taxonomy of bacteria in order to improve diagnostic methods because prevention is still an effective method of controlling them.
• The molecular interactions between plants and bacteria in order to understand the mechanisms of resistance that the plant uses against pathogenic bacteria.
• The epidemiology of bacterial diseases in order to further understanding of their capacity to spread spatio-temperally and to develop control strategies in the event of accidental introduction.

For the first time in the organisation of the conference, two world experts renowned for their research on infectious human bacteria will be invited.
The conference programme

ICPPB 2010 received support principally from CIRAD, INRA, IRD, the University of Réunion, the EU, the French state, Réunion’s Regional Council and General Council.
The event also benefits from a workshop on the bacterial genus Erwinia, organised by the University of Pretoria (South Africa). These bacteria cause rot on numerous crops throughout the world. In St. Denis, from the 5-6 June, the workshop will bring together 35 specialists on these bacteria, who will then take part in the ICPPB 2010 conference. An event within the event, which shows how strong the partnership is between research teams in Réunion and South Africa.