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Upcoming amendments to testing requirements for strawberry (Fragaria spp.) nursery stock

Effective from 13 December 2019

The purpose of this notification is to advise of upcoming amendments to the testing requirements for strawberry (Fragaria spp.) nursery stock. The amended requirements are planned to be introduced in June 2020.

The department has recently undertaken a review of testing requirements for Fragaria spp. nursery stock. As a result of the review, the following changes will be made:

  • a reduction of the duration in government post-entry quarantine (PEQ) from 18 months to 12 months

  • an increase in the number of tests during PEQ from 14 to 18, including replacement of existing test methods with testing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

In addition, tissue culture will remain the only form of propagative material allowed to be imported.

The department will be in touch with affected importers and import permit holders early next year prior to the implementation of the amendments in BICON.

Who does this alert affect:

Importers of Fragaria spp. nursery stock.

Further Information:

Please contact Plant Import Operations on 1800 900 090 or email imports@agriculture.gov.au.

This Alert applies to the following Cases: