Common goals: policy implications of DNA barcoding as a protocol for identification of arthropod pests

The globalization of commerce carries with it significant biological risks concerning the spread of harmful organisms. International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) No. 27, Diagnostic Protocols for Regulated Pests, sets out the standards governing protocols for the detection and identification of plant pest species. We argue that DNA barcoding-the use of short, standardized DNA sequences for species identification-is a methodology which should be incorporated into standard diagnostic protocols, as it holds great promise for the rapid identification of species of economic importance, notably arthropods. With a well-defined set of techniques and rigorous standards of data quality and transparency, DNA barcoding already meets or exceeds the minimum standards required for diagnostic protocols under ISPM No. 27. We illustrate the relevance of DNA barcoding to phytosanitary concerns and advocate the development of policy at the national and international levels to expand the scope of barcode coverage for arthropods globally.