The International Plant Propagators’ Society (IPPS) is a global network of professionals with an interest in plant production, including horticultural research and education, with the aim to improve the knowledge, skills, productivity and professionalism of its members. The Southern African branch of the Society held their 25^th Annual Conference in Port Edward, KwaZulu-Natal, on 28 February to 3 March. Dr Trudy Paap was invited to speak at this event on the topic of plant health in nurseries. Pests can cause significant economic impacts within a nursery, but can also present a threat to agricultural crops, ornamental gardens and natural environments, should they spread beyond the nursery. The focus of Trudy’s presentation was therefore on best practice measures to reduce the risk of pests entering and establishing in nurseries. Trudy also highlighted the plant health research being undertaken at FABI, the role of the FABI Diagnostic Clinic, and recent efforts to establish nursery focussed research projects.