Changes

Following a review, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has identified Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus as a regulated quarantine pest associated with Solanum tuberosum. This pathogen is not reported in Australia and is already regulated on other import pathways, including strawberry nursery stock.

To manage the risks posed by Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus, an additional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is being added to the testing program for import of Solanum tuberosum for use as nursery stock. This change will be implemented for testing performed on plantlets during the post-entry quarantine (PEQ) period at the Commonwealth’s PEQ facility in Mickleham, or prior to export for plantlets produced under the SASA UK Potato Quarantine Unit approved source pathway. Other PEQ screening, testing and minimum quarantine period requirements will remain unchanged.

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 Solanum tuberosum for use as nursery stock, brokers and department staff.

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 to Australia.

The department recently identified records of Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus in association with potato plants in Europe, which presents an unacceptable biosecurity risk for the potato nursery stock import pathway into Australia. Measures are therefore being imposed for Solanum tuberosum, to ensure that the risk of introduction is being consistently managed across host pathways.

Further information:
Please contact Plant Import Operations on 1800 900 090 or email imports@aff.gov.au.