23 December 2010
Biosecurity Australia Advice 2010/40 - Biosecurity Australia Advice 2010/40 - Final review of policy for the importation of hops (Humulus species) propagative material into Australia
This Biosecurity Australia Advice (BAA) notifies stakeholders that the review of the policy for the importation of hops propagative material has been finalised. The importation of hops propagative material may be permitted subject to the Quarantine Act 1908 and the application of phytosanitary measures as specified in the Final review of policy: importation of hops (Humulus species) propagative material into Australia.
Australia’s policy for the importation of hops propagative material was suspended in 2004 due to disease concerns, pending the outcome of a pest risk analysis (PRA).
Subsequently, the Australian industry requested Biosecurity Services Group (BSG) to develop import conditions for propagative material of Humulus species and their cultivars.
Biosecurity Australia has now reviewed the policy for the importation of hops propagative material. This review has identified insect pests and pathogens of quarantine concern associated with hops propagative material (soil free dormant rhizome, foliage free dormant cuttings, tissue culture and seed for sowing) and proposed quarantine measures to manage the risks.
The draft policy review was released on 29 October 2010 for a 30 day consultation period (BAA 2010/30). Following stakeholder consultation all comments received were carefully considered in the finalisation of the policy review.
Biosecurity Australia considers that the risk management measures proposed in this PRA report will achieve Australia’s ALOP against identified pests. The final policy has the following risk management measures for the different propagative materials are:
Soil free dormant rhizomes and foliage free dormant cuttings
- On-arrival inspection and fumigation, hot water treatment (50 °C for 30 minutes), surface sterilisation (1% NaOCl for 10 minutes), growth in closed government quarantine facilities of mother plants at 15–25 °C for a minimum period of six months for visual observation; and
- Molecular testing techniques including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for fungal pathogens, herbaceous indexing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and/or PCR for viruses and viroids and generic nested primer PCR for phytoplasma.
Seed for sowing
- Hot water treatment (50 ºC for 30 minutes), surface sterilisation (1% NaOCl for 10 minutes); fungicidal treatment and growth in closed government quarantine facilities at 15–25 °C for a minimum period of six months; and
- Molecular testing techniques including PCR test for fungal pathogens, herbaceous indexing and ELISA and/or PCR for viruses.
Tissue culture
- Growth in closed government quarantine facilities at 15–25 °C for a minimum period of six months for visual observation; and
- Herbaceous indexing, laboratory assay and molecular testing techniques including ELISA and/or PCR test for fungi, viruses and viroids and generic nested primer PCR for phytoplasma.
The policy will be taken into account by decision makers when considering import permit applications for Humulus nursery stock in accordance with the Quarantine Act 1908 and Quarantine Proclamation 1998 as amended.
The Final review of policy: importation of hops (Humulus species) propagative material into Australia is available on this page.
Dr Colin J Grant
Chief Executive