Changes

Import conditions for Rubus spp. for use as nursery stock have been revised to include high throughput sequencing (HTS) as a testing method to detect viruses of biosecurity concern during post-entry quarantine growth and disease screening in Australia.

• HTS replaces polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing as the primary method to detect quarantinable viruses in Rubus nursery stock.
• The department’s use of HTS for testing imported Rubus spp. is limited to virus detection. The PEQ testing methods used to detect of other pests, such as bacteria and fungi, remain unchanged.
• The minimum quarantine period for Rubus nursery stock remains unchanged (i.e. minimum 12 months quarantine).

Further background on the department’s transition to HTS testing is located here.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of Rubus spp. nursery stock, brokers and department staff.

Further information:
Please contact Plant Import Operations on 1800 900 090 or by email at imports@agriculture.gov.au (please title the subject line of the email with ‘Plant T2 – High throughput sequencing’).