Interceptions of quarantine and absent non-regulated pests in imported plant material

Abstract:

The objective of this work was to evaluate qualitative and quantitative information on interceptions of quarantine and absent non-regulated pests in imported plant material. Information concerning pest interceptions by Embrapa's plant quarantine service during the period of 1977-2013 was obtained from a database, laboratory reports, and published lists of intercepted pests. Data interceptions were evaluated according to pest regulations, plant species, imported plant parts, and origin of importation. The plant material was categorized as botanical seeds and plant material for vegetative propagation. In the survey period, 75 pest species were intercepted in 114 interception events. Fungi, viruses, and mites were the most intercepted ones, and most interceptions occurred in lily, olive, wheat, grapes, rice, potato, and apple. The average annual rate of infestation/infection of the evaluated plant material was 2% of the import processes. The material for vegetative propagation had a higher rate of infestation/infection with pests than botanical seeds. Of the intercepted pests species, 63% are not regulated as quarantine pests for Brazil. These results indicate the urgent need to review the current list of quarantine pests in the country.

Index terms:
plant protection; germplasm exchange; seed pathology; post-entry quarantine; sanity of plant material for vegetative propagation; plant health.