29 August 2018
This Biosecurity Advice notifies stakeholders of the release of the draft report for the review of biosecurity import requirements for fresh decrowned pineapples from Taiwan.
This draft report proposes that importation of fresh decrowned pineapple fruit to Australia from all commercial production areas in Taiwan be permitted, subject to a range of biosecurity import requirements.
The draft report is being issued for a 60 calendar day public consultation period. Stakeholders are invited to submit written comments by 29 October 2018.
The department announced the commencement of this risk analysis on 23 August 2017, via Biosecurity Advice 2017/17, advising it would be progressed as a review of biosecurity import requirements.
The draft report identifies five quarantine pests (mealybugs) and two regulated articles (regulated thrips) associated with decrowned pineapples from Taiwan, that require risk management measures, combined with operational systems, to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection. These pests are:
- Mealybugs: grey pineapple mealybug (Dysmicoccus neobrevipes), papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus), Madeira mealybug (Phenacoccus madeirensis), Pacific mealybug (Planococcus minor), and Jack Beardsley mealybug (Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi).
- Thrips: cotton thrips (Frankliniella schultzei) and onion thrips (Thrips tabaci). These thrips are regulated articles because they can transmit and spread orthotospoviruses that are quarantine pests for Australia.
The draft report proposes fruit treatment (such as methyl bromide fumigation) to reduce the risks posed by these pests.
The draft report and more information about this risk analysis are available online. Printed copies of the report are available on request.
Stakeholders are invited to have their say on the draft report. The closing date to submit comments is 29 October 2018. The department will consider all stakeholder comments received during the public consultation period in preparing a final report.
The department invites stakeholders interested in receiving information and updates on biosecurity risk analyses to subscribe via the department’s online subscription service. By subscribing to Biosecurity Risk Analysis Plant, you will receive Biosecurity Advices and other notifications relating to plant biosecurity policy, including this risk analysis.
Dr Marion Healy
First Assistant Secretary
Biosecurity Plant Division
Telephone: 1800 900 090 (option 1, option 1)