Changes

The department has revised the quarantine pest list associated with Saccharum (sugarcane) nursery stock imported as setts and tissue cultures, to ensure that import conditions continue to be fit-for-purpose in managing biosecurity risk.

Effective immediately, imported Saccharum plants will be subject to disease screening to detect the presence of a new bacterial pathogen, Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum.

Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum is a quarantine pest for Australia as it causes sugarcane gumming disease. It is not present in Australia and not under official control.

Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum will be screened for via routine visual inspections during post entry quarantine (PEQ) at the Commonwealth facility in Mickleham, Victoria. This will not result in additional cost to importers. However, in line with the department’s standard operating procedures, additional diagnostics and testing will occur at the importer’s expense if disease symptoms or suspect pathogens are found.

The minimum quarantine period for Saccharum spp. at the Commonwealth PEQ facility in Mickleham, Victoria will remain at 10 months.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of Saccharum species for use as nursery stock, brokers and department staff.

Import permits:
Import permits will be varied to include an updated list of sugarcane pathogens of biosecurity concern and PEQ testing requirements. Variations will be initiated by the department, at no cost to permit holders.

Background:
Australia has a strong biosecurity system in place to prevent the entry and establishment of pests and diseases that could threaten our agricultural industries, economy and environment. As part of this system, imported high-risk nursery stock must undergo rigorous testing for pathogens of biosecurity concern at the department’s PEQ facility in Mickleham, Victoria.

Further information:
Please contact Plant Import Operations on 1800 900 090 or email imports@aff.gov.au. Please include ‘Plant T2 - Saccharum nursery stock’ within the title of your email.