Changes

It has been determined that the fungus Austropuccinia psidii, which causes guava rust in Myrtaceous plants, does not infect host plants systemically or infect roots. For this reason post entry quarantine growth is no longer mandatory for Myrtaceae seed from guava rust host countries. However, fungicide treatment, either prior to shipment or on arrival in Australia, is still required for all Myrtaceae seed due to seed being able to carry the fungus Austropuccinia psidii on the seed surface.

Seed that has been treated offshore must include the following additional declaration on the phytosanitary certificate: “The seeds in this consignment have been treated with a broad spectrum fungicide [insert name of the chemical and dosage] for Austropuccinia psidii (Guava rust)”. Any seed that does not have this additional declaration will undergo onshore fungicide treatment.

These changes are effective immediately and all current import permits have been varied to reflect these changes.

For full detail please refer to the import conditions in the Myrtaceae seed for sowing case by clicking on the case link below.

For further information please contact Plant Import Operations at imports@agriculture.gov.au.