The Nematology Laboratory of INIAV (NemaINIAV), the Portuguese National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Plant-Parasitic Nematodes, hosts the Phytosanitary Emergencies Laboratory for Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and has been at the forefront of Portugal’s response to Pine Wilt Disease (PWD). Over the last 15 years, NemaINIAV has contributed to forest health protection through surveillance, diagnostics, research, training and scientific support to national and international stakeholders.

As part of the national PWN surveillance programme, NemaINIAV supports the detection, identification and monitoring of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and its vector Monochamus galloprovincialis, while providing scientific and technical advice to Portuguese authorities, including DGAV and ICNF, and to international organisations such as EPPO and EFSA. The laboratory contributes to pest risk assessment, surveillance strategies, diagnostic protocols and phytosanitary policies aimed at preventing the spread of forest pests and safeguarding forest resources.

Research and innovation activities are strengthened through participation in several ongoing national and international initiatives, including the Horizon Europe projects PURPEST (Plant Pest Prevention through Technology-Guided Monitoring and Site-Specific Control) and FORSAID, the ongoing collaboration with Forest Research UK on pinewood nematode research, the PineProtect project exploring the biocontrol potential of Esteya spp. against the pinewood nematode in Pinus pinaster, and Euphresco projects such as BxDetect and RAMWOOD. These initiatives focus on early detection, monitoring technologies, biological control, risk assessment and sustainable pest management. NemaINIAV also plays an active role in capacity building through MSc and PhD supervision, specialised training courses, university teaching, summer schools and field training activities. By integrating diagnostics, research, innovation, training and policy support, NemaINIAV contributes to strengthening forest resilience and enhancing preparedness against emerging phytosanitary threats.