15 November 2017
This Biosecurity Advice advises stakeholders of the release of the ‘Final pest risk analysis for Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV)’.
The final pest risk analysis takes into account submissions and comments received from stakeholders on the draft report, released in April 2016.
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) initiated this pest risk analysis to provide scientific justification for Australia’s emergency measures against CGMMV associated with host cucurbit seeds (Citrullus lanatus, Cucumis melo, Cucumis sativus, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita pepo, Lagenaria siceraria, Trichosanthes cucumerina and any hybrid of these species).
Biosecurity Advice 2016/10, of 8 April 2016, announced the release of the draft pest risk analysis for Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) for a 30 day consultation period, which was extended to 60 days in response to requests from stakeholders. All stakeholder comments were considered before finalising this pest risk analysis.
The department considers that the current emergency measures are adequate to mitigate the risk posed by CGMMV associated with host cucurbit seeds. These emergency measures are recommended to become the standard conditions to import cucurbit seeds in which CGMMV is known to be seed-borne, with some minor amendments. The recommended minor amendments include the option of testing small seed lots off-shore, and acceptance of the use of a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing method approved by the department.
The recommended import conditions for cucurbit seeds associated with CGMMV are summarised below:
- Testing – mandatory off-shore or on-shore testing by International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) validated Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) or a PCR method approved by the department on a sample size of 9,400 seeds (or 20 per cent for small seed lots) to verify freedom from CGMMV; and
- Certification – seed lots tested off-shore must be accompanied by an official government phytosanitary certificate endorsed with an additional declaration; and
- On-arrival inspection – seed lots must be subjected to on-arrival inspection to verify freedom from live insects, soil, disease symptoms, prohibited seeds, other plant material (for example, leaf, stem material, fruit pulp and pod material), animal material (for example, animal faeces and feathers) and any other extraneous contamination of quarantine concern.
The department considers that the risk management measures recommended in this final review of policy will address the biosecurity risks and achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection.
The final report and information about the risk analysis process are available on the department’s website. Printed copies of the report are available, if required.
The final import conditions for CGMMV-host cucurbit seeds for sowing will also contribute to the current review of import conditions for cucurbitaceous crop seeds.
Dr Marion Healy
First Assistant Secretary
Biosecurity Plant Division
Contact: Peter Creaser
Telephone: +61 2 6272 5094
Email: Plant Stakeholders