21 March 2019
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise that the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have updated the irradiation treatment options and requirements in the Import Health Standards (IHSs) for table grapes, capsicum and papaya.
Summary of changes and key points
- Two new irradiation treatment options are available for table grapes (Vitis vinifera)
- Treatment at a rate of 150 Gray in conjunction with in-field control activities that are effective against yellow peach moth (Conogethes punctiferalis).
- Treatment with irradiation at a rate of 289 Gray.
- The export of grapes to New Zealand must include the mandatory treatment of sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide fumigation for redback spiders.
- The irradiation rate to address yellow peach moth (Conogethes punctiferalis) for capsicums (Capsicum annuum) and papayas (Carica papaya) has increased to 289 Gray.
- The Bilateral Quarantine Arrangement, BQA SOM 6E and the Manual of Importing Country Requirement (MICoR) cases for table grapes, capsicum and papaya to New Zealand have been updated.
- The BQA SOM 6E is available in MICoR Plants.
Background
New Zealand MPI updated the IHS for table grapes to include irradiation as a treatment option for the management of regulated fruit flies and yellow peach moth. During this review, the irradiation dose rate for yellow peach moth was revised and has therefore been amended for capsicum and papaya from 250 Gray to 289 Gray.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email the Horticulture Exports Program.
David Ironside
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch