The annual meeting of the Tree Protection Co-operative Programme (TPCP) and DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) is rapidly drawing closer. The event, which has become one of the most important for a relating to forest tree health in South Africa, will again be held in mid May (Monday 15th to Wednesday 17th). The main TPCP Symposium will be on Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th with satellite meetings, lab and facility visits and a meeting of the Core Team Members of the CTHB will be held on Monday 15th - with all welcome to attend these events.  

As has been the case in the past, the 28th annual meeting of the TPCP will focus on key issues relating to forest tree health in South Africa. Importantly, the meeting will again seek to provide feedback to forest industry and other stakeholders on programmes focused on dealing with threatening pest and disease problems following an integrated pest management approach. This year, we will again have the opportunity to learn from colleagues in other parts of the world and to ‘benchmark’ TPCP work internationally. Internationally recognized tree health specialists including Dr. Ecki Brokerhoff  (Scion, New Zealand), Dr. Jeremy Alison (Natural Resources, Canada), Prof. Tom Bruns (University of California, Berkely, USA), Prof. Rytas Vilgalys (Duke University, North Carolina, USA), Prof. Paolo Gonthier (University of Tornio, Italy) and Dr. Simon Lawson (University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia) will be amongst our guests and speakers.  

We look forward to welcoming you in Pretoria and once again to use this opportunity to exchange ideas and to further the important goal of “KEEPING TREES HEALTHY”. Please do not hesitate to contact us (mike.wingfield@fabi.up.ac.za) if you require any advice regarding this important event. A preliminary programme and registration details will be distributed soon.