Alerts

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has identified that the National Priority Plant Pest fire blight (Erwinia amylovora), a regulated quarantine pest, is associated with Rosa canina and Rosa rugosa. Accordingly, these species and their synonyms listed below have been added to the ‘Rosa canina and Rosa rugosa for use as nursery stock’ BICON case.

Additionally, the species Rosa canina has been assessed as synonymous with permitted species and can be imported subject to compliance with all import conditions.

To manage the risk posed by fire blight, a revised screening and testing program is now in place to detect the presence of additional quarantine pests within imported material:

1. Tissue cultures, dormant budwood and cuttings require 12 months in closed quarantine at the Commonwealth post-entry quarantine (PEQ) facility in Mickleham, Victoria, regardless of their country of origin.
2. Imported plant material must be tested for and found free of plant pathogens of biosecurity concern. This will involve four PCR tests for bacteria and one PCR test for fungi.

In line with the department’s standard operating procedures, additional testing may be required if disease symptoms are detected or if suspect pathogens are found, at the importer’s expense.

Import permits:
Affected import permits will be varied to reflect the changes, at no cost to permit holders. The department will contact affected permit holders regarding these variations.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of Rosa spp. nursery stock, custom brokers and departmental staff.

Further information:
Contact Plant Import Operations at imports@aff.gov.au or phone 1800 900 090.