Final group pest risk analysis for soft and hard scale insects on fresh fruit, vegetable, cut-flower and foliage imports
We have now completed the group pest risk analysis (PRA) for soft and hard scale insects on fresh fruit, vegetable, cut flower and foliage imports.
When we do a group pest risk analysis, we:
- review the available scientific knowledge on the pest group, including pest interception data and previous PRAs, to provide an overarching analysis of the risks posed by the group
- assess and analyse biosecurity risks
- propose risk management measures to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection, if required
- consult the public on the draft group PRA and then review stakeholder comments. Take relevant comments into consideration in preparing a final report
- publish the final group PRA and issue a biosecurity advice.
About the group pest risk analysis
We are improving the effectiveness and consistency of the PRA process. A key step in this improvement is the development of the group PRA, which considers the biosecurity risk posed by a group of pests across numerous import pathways.
Organisms are grouped if they share common biological characteristics, and, as a result, also have similar likelihoods of entry, establishment and spread, and comparable consequences. Thus, posing a similar level of biosecurity risk.
We will use the finalised group PRA to identify risk management measures and alternative risk management options. These may be considered on a case-by-case basis when developing new import conditions for specific commodities or reviewing existing import conditions that are currently traded.
This is the third group PRA to be finalised. Group PRAs for thrips and orthotospoviruses, and for mealybugs and the viruses they transmit were finalised in 2017 and 2019, respectively.
Summary of the final report
Scale insects can cause economic impacts across a range of crops by reducing yield, quality and marketability.
This group PRA considered the biosecurity risks posed by all members of the family Coccidae (soft scales) and the family Diaspididae (hard scales) in the insect order Hemiptera on fresh fruit, vegetable, cut flower and foliage imports. In addition, this group PRA assessed all plant viruses transmitted by the soft and hard scales.
This group PRA identified the key quarantine pests of biosecurity importance to Australia in these two families of organisms.
Pests
- 243 species of soft scale insects were identified as quarantine pests for Australia, including:
- nine species that are pests of regional concern for Western Australia
- one species that is a pest of regional concern for New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.
- 332 species of hard scale insects were identified as quarantine pests for Australia, including:
- two species that are pests of regional concern for the Northern Territory
- 30 species that are pests of regional concern for Western Australia
- one species that is a pest of regional concern for the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia.
- No plant viruses of biosecurity concern were identified as being transmitted by soft and hard scale insects.
Risk management measures
The indicative unrestricted risk estimates for scale insect quarantine pests was assessed as ‘Low’, which does not achieve the appropriate level of protection for Australia. Therefore, risk management measures are required for these pests if the indicative unrestricted risk estimate of ‘Low’ is verified for a specific plant import pathway.
These measures and alternative risk management options may be considered on a case-by-case basis when developing new import conditions for specific commodities or reviewing existing import conditions for commodities that are currently traded. Import commodities will be regulated if they are infested with scale insect quarantine pests to reduce the risk of establishment of these organisms in Australia. Where measures are required, the following options are recommended:
- pre-export visual inspection and if quarantine scale insects are found, remedial action (e.g. suitable treatment) to manage the identified pest
- a systems approach
- treatment
- area freedom.
On-arrival verification will be undertaken to provide assurance that Australia's import conditions have been met and appropriate level of protection achieved.
Imported goods that are frequently found to be infested with scale insects may be subject to mandatory, pre-export treatment approved by Australia.
Download submissions on the draft report
Available until June, 2022.
| Document | Pages | File size |
|---|---|---|
Apple & Pear Australia LTD PDF  |
2 | 165 KB |
| Flower Industry Australia PDF |
10 | 172 KB |
| WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development - Letter PDF WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development - Submission PDF |
1 6 |
501 KB 287 KB |
| QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries PDF |
2 | 570 KB |
blished submissions may not meet Australian Government accessibility requirements as they have not been prepared by us. If you have difficulty accessing these files, contact us for help.
Download final report
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, June 2021.
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for help.
Download draft report
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, November 2020.
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for help.
Next steps
We will use this group PRA when reviewing existing import conditions, or when developing new import conditions, for specific commodities when scale insects are identified as a potential pest.
New scientific information
Scientific information can be provided to us at any time, including after a risk analysis has been completed. We will consider the information provided and review the analysis.
Keep informed
Register as a stakeholder
Subscribe to Biosecurity Risk Analysis Plant via the department’s online subscription service to receive Biosecurity Advices and other notifications relating to plant biosecurity policy.
Contact us
For more information, you can email plantstakeholders.