Alerts

The purpose of this notification is to advise of the publication of the final review of import conditions for brassicaceous vegetable seeds.
The review has recommended that additional biosecurity measures are applied to imported seed species, Brassica rapa (e.g. turnip and bok choy), Raphanus sativus (e.g radish) and Eruca vesicaria (e.g rocket) to manage the risk of fungal pathogens (Colletotrichum higginsianum and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. raphani) that are of biosecurity concern to Australia.
The risk management options available vary depending on the seed species and target pathogen. In general, the following options of broad spectrum fungicidal treatment, heat treatment or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing are prescribed.
The following table outlines the biosecurity measures that will be available for each of the seed species.

Table notes:

1. fungicide treatment to manage Colletotrichum higginsianum and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. raphani
   

2. heat treatment to manage Colletotrichum higginsianum only
   

3. seed testing using a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test to detect the presence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. raphani
   

4. A combination of heat treatment and PCR testing to manage Colletotrichum higginsianum and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. raphani.
   

When will the new import conditions commence?

• The department is finalising an implementation timeframe, and will publish a separate alert to advise all stakeholders.
  

• In the meantime, imports of Brassica rapa (e.g. turnip and bok choy), Raphanus sativus (e.g radish) and Eruca vesicaria (e.g rocket) seed may continue to be imported under their existing import conditions.
  

• Stakeholders can keep informed through these alerts by following the Brassica spp. seed for sowing BICON case.
  

Additional background
The increased biosecurity risk associated with imported seed has prompted the Department of Agriculture to review the import conditions for vegetable seeds that are imported for sowing.
We initiated a review of four vegetable seed policies, which was funded under the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper. The four vegetable families being reviewed are: Apiaceae (e.g. carrot, celery and parsnip), Brassicaceae (e.g. broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower), Cucurbitaceae (e.g. cucumber, melon, pumpkin) and Solanaceae (e.g. capsicum, eggplant and tomato)

Further information
Enquiries regarding the proposed changes to import conditions and their implementation should be directed by email to imports@agriculture.gov.au (please include ‘Tier 2 – Brassicaceous vegetable seeds import conditions’ in the subject heading) or by phone on 1800 900 090.