I am pleased to hear from Nora that about half the members responded to the questionnaire about AAN membership of the International Federation of Nematologists (INFS). All responses were in favour of the proposal. Therefore, I can announce that the AAN will affiliate with the IFNS. The comments made by members will be considered when we determine our contribution to IFNS. The fees will be met from current subscriptions and will not result in an increase to members. I will keep you informed and will be able to say more in the next issue.

I hope to see most of you at the AAN meeting in Perth this year. Please make every effort to attend as your participation will result in a worthwhile meeting and a great opportunity for AAN members to interact. The WA people are putting in a good effort into this event and your support will be appreciated.

In December last year all members were asked for their votes regarding whether the AAN should join the International Federation of Nematology Societies (IFNS). Of the 73 members, 32 have responded, all in agreement that we should join. For those members who have not voted, please do so by email or fax by the 14 February. After this date, the AAN committee will respond to the IFNS. Since all of the replies so far have been in the positive, it is likely that the AAN will join the IFNS ranks under the proviso that it will cost less than $1.00 per person. Thanks to everyone who replied promptly.

During this exercise, it became apparent that many members are travelling around the country. Some people are just changing jobs and others are changing fields entirely. Please check the latest address list to ensure your details are correct and contact me if there are any errors. As the next AAN meeting is fast approaching (Perth, 28 September), an up to date list will make the transition period for the NEW secretary and NEW treasurer much smoother!

Nematode control - genes and microbes

The workshop will focus on non-chemical approaches to the control of plant parasitic nematodes. The workshop will be divided into two sessions - genetic approaches and biological control. Each session will consist of an overview, presentations of relevant Australasian projects and a review of research directions. Dr Thierry Vrain (Agriculture Canada, British Colombia) and Dr Graham Stirling (Biological Crop Protection Pty Ltd, Queensland), internationally respected nematologists in the respective areas have been invited (subject to funding) to present overviews and chair the discussions. Support is being sought from RIRDC. All participants will be invited to offer relevant presentations on current research.

The workshop will be held at State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Murdoch University, on Monday, 29 September. Participants will meet in Northbridge (Perth’s main restaurant precinct) on the Sunday evening for dinner and a general meeting of the association. The anticipated total cost is $75. More details can be obtained from the workshop convenors and will be provided by direct mail to members.

The workshop will be held in conjunction with the Australasian Plant Pathology Society Conference in Perth, 29 Sept - 3 Oct, 1997. Workshop participants are encouraged to stay on and provide a strong nematological presence at the conference.

Please note: As plans progress, some of the details above may be subject to change.