MPI have recently reached out to bulb importers, seeking their initial feedback on possible changes to the import requirements to manage phytoplasmas in the following genera:
- Alstroemeria
- Anemone
- Begonia
- Dahlia
- Dahlia
- Freesia
- Gladiolus
- Hyacinthus
- Lilium
- Narcissus
- Paeonia (herbaceous species)
- Ranunculus
Some of these species can be imported under the Naktuinbouw or BKD (Dutch Bulb Certification Scheme) and MPI have contacted the Netherlands National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) to clarify the measures they have in place under those schemes for the management of phytoplasmas, or the measures they are willing to put in place.
For bulbs not imported under these Schemes, MPI have asked importers what they think about the following management options:
- ‘Pest free area’ additional declaration. This will allow bulbs to be imported without a PEQ requirement.
- ‘Pest free place of production with mother plant testing’ additional declaration. This will allow bulbs to be imported without PEQ requirement.
- ‘Pest free production site with mother plant testing’ additional declaration. This will allow bulbs to be imported without PEQ requirement.
- Modified PEQ level 1 (plastic glass house) for a minimum of 3 months, with testing for phytoplasmas (PCR). Testing will be done once plants are grown as the PCR would destroy the bulbs.
- PEQ level 2 for a minimum of 3 months, with testing for phytoplasmas (PCR). Testing will be done once plants are grown as the PCR would destroy the bulbs.
MPI are seeking feedback by 13 August 2021.
Please get in touch if you import these genera and have any concerns.
kathryn@nzppi.co.nz, 021 029 78993