General Rationale

Many seeds are capable of transmitting seed-borne diseases and hence growth in quarantine is required to prevent the introduction of exotic diseases in this way.

Seeds that require post-entry quarantine must be grown at a department approved closed quarantine facility.

Restricted seed requiring growth in quarantine may have a quantity limit approved on the import permit. The quantity is sufficient to establish a line of imported seed in quarantine. This is sometimes referred to as envelope quantities in the seed trade.

During growth in quarantine plants must be inspected at various stages of growth for disease symptoms. The department may also require active testing of plants for specific diseases of biosecurity concern.

Seed harvested from plants that have been screened and found to be free of disease may be released from biosecurity control by a biosecurity officer. Any residue of the imported seed is to be disposed of once the imported variety has been cleared through quarantine unless special arrangements have been made. Please note that there are some plants such as lucerne (Medicago spp.) and Leuceana which may not readily produce seed during the specified time in quarantine. These are mentioned in the specific conditions and provision has been made for the release of healthy plants.

Note:
Some seeds are treated differently than outlined above. This is because of the availability of treatments or certification from the source of supply which will ensure freedom from the specified disease risk.