The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a member of the Northeast Plant Diagnostics Network, the regional chapter of the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN). NPDN was established in 2002 in response to the need for enhanced agricultural security through protecting the health and productivity of plants in agricultural and natural ecosystems in the U.S. Since then, NPDN has grown into an internationally respected consortium of plant diagnostic laboratories. The specific purpose of NPDN is to provide a cohesive network for rapid detection and identification of pests and pathogens of concern. To accomplish this mission, NPDN has invested in diagnostic laboratory infrastructure and training and enhanced communication among public agencies and stakeholders responsible for responding to and mitigating new outbreaks.