Older news
Horse chestnut leaf miner
The first finding in the UK of horse chestnut leaf miner (Cameraria
ohridella) has been confirmed on a sample submitted to DEFRA's Central
Science Laboratory from a garden in Wimbledon. This insect was first described
from Macedonia in 1985 and has since spread north and west across Europe.
DEFRA and the Forestry
Commission (Click here
for exotic pest alert - pdf) are planning
to conduct a small survey to establish the extent of the outbreak, and
to prepare advice on possible control measures. A "Pest Risk Assessment"
carried out by DEFRA in 1998 found that, because of climatic factors,
horse chestnut leaf miner was unlikely to thrive in the UK, although it
was possible that one or two generations would be produced in warm dry
summers. The conclusion was that horse chestnut trees in southern and
central European countries are at greater risk of damage from the pest
than trees in the UK.
12 July 02
| The bi-annual Plant Health Newsletter has been issued (pdf file - Click here to download Adobe Acrobat software) 1 July 02 |
Chrysolina americana - the Rosemary beetle |
Comments have been sought on a study being carried out by The National
Audit Office (NAO) on plant pests and disease. Please click
here for details.
9 May 2002
Colorado Beetle Publicity Campaign
Every three years we run a publicity campaign to heighten public awareness
of Colorado beetle. Over the
years we have asked the Police, trade organisations, horticultural/agricultural
colleges and environmental health departments to display and distribute
our publicity material on Colorado beetle as part of our campaign. This
has proved to be a useful tool in preventing this pest from becoming established
in this country.
The campaign for 2002-2004 got underway last week and we hope to have
our publicity material sent to those who wish to participate in the campaign
by the end of May.
Click here for more information
28 Mar 02
ACTION ON POTATO RING ROT IN ILLEGAL IMPORT
OF POTATOES
The bacterium which causes Potato ring rot
has been found in a sample of potatoes imported from the USA in contravention
of plant health controls.
Plant Health and Seeds Inspectors seized the illegal consignment at Stansted
Airport after being alerted by vigilant importing agents. The presence
of the ring rot bacterium was confirmed by the Department’s Central
Science Laboratory.
Potato ring rot is a serious threat to the UK and this finding highlights
the need for all importers to stay vigilant for illegal imports. Protecting
the UK potato industry against ring rot will continue to be a high priority
for the PHSI.
Importers who suspect that consignments may contain illegal produce should
notify their local PHSI immediately. Contact
details are available on this website (see link above) or from the Inspectorate's
Headquarters in York on 01904-455174. Concerns about consignments arriving
in other parts of the UK should be given to the relevant Plant Health
Service.
8 Mar 02
Potato brown rot |
Outcome of Rhizomania consultation
The Rhizomania consultation finished in mid-January. Over 450 replies
were received, but only a limited number commented on one of the options
suggested. Taking into account views expressed by industry organisations
the outcome was a decision to ask for renewal of Protected Zone status
only in Northern Ireland. The resulting changes in legislation are now
being made in Brussels and will be followed by the implementing legislation
in the UK. A summary of the response to the consultation will be placed
on the web-site when it has been prepared.
27 Feb 2002
Daylily Rust - Puccinia hemerocallidis Hemerocallis growers are becoming increasingly concerned about a new imported disease commonly known as Daylily Rust. The disease is caused by the fungus Puccinia hemerocallidis. It is native to Asia but has recently become a major problem in the USA following possible introduction from Central America. It is now widespread in the USA and known to occur in most states east of the Mississippi and also California, Oregon and Hawaii. It is not known to occur in the UK. Growers are asked to report any suspicious symptoms to their local PHSI. The rust is heteroecious, the spermogonial/aecial host is Patrinia sp. (Valerianaceae) which is not commonly grown in the UK; the uredial/telial host range is restricted to Hemerocallis (Liliacea) with possible pathogenicity on Hosta. It is reported that symptoms may take 2-3 months to appear. There are a number of websites providing further information . The EPPO site: http://www.eppo.org provides a comprehensive summary with links through to other sites with good photographs, details on susceptible cultivars and treatments (note that only products approved for use in the UK may be used in the UK). DEFRA are currently carrying out a study into the risk this disease poses to plants in the UK. 20 Feb 2002 |
Export of seed to the United States of America
We have been informed by the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service
of the United States Department of Agriculture that as from 22 Jan 2002
they will begin to consistently and routinely enforce an existing requirement
that a phytosanitary certificate accompany ALL CONSIGNMENTS
OF SEED exported to the USA.
To arrange for the issue of a phytosanitary certificate please contact
your local Plant Health & Seeds Inspector,
or for more information on this requirement contact Plant
Health Division (Tel. 01904 455188).
6 February 2002
Poinsettia powdery mildews |
2001
| Technical Review of Rhizomania research
A technical review of current and recent research work into Rhizomania was held at the Central Science Laboratory on 28th November 2001 (Please click above). 22 December 2001 |
| Export of Apples to Canada |
Restrictions on planting potatoes
Potato growers are reminded that only potatoes which have been grown in Member States of the European Community* or Switzerland may normally be planted in Britain. The Plant Health (Great Britain) Order 1993 prohibits-· import of potatoes intended for planting from any other country (article 3(1)(c)), and
· planting any potatoes which were grown in any other country, regardless of whether
they are intended as seed or ware potatoes (article 18(1)).
Potatoes from other countries may be planted only if their import has been licensed and they have passed official quarantine tests which allow them entry into this country for varietal selection, gene conservation or scientific research.
Further information about the licensing and quarantine procedures is available from Plant Health Division.
* EC Member States are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira), Spain (but not the Canary Islands) and Sweden
20 November 2001
(Click for Importer's Guide)
Thrips palmi
The Thrips palmi outbreak on AYR chrysanthemums has been eradicated
thanks to concerted efforts by the Plant Health Service and the nursery
involved. A report of the outbreak and its successful conclusion are available
by clicking here.
Growers are reminded that Thrips palmi is a serious pest which
can cause damage to a wide range of glasshouse ornamental and vegetable
crops (eg: cucumber, pepper and aubergine). Symptoms and advice are provided
on a DEFRA identification poster and information
sheet. Growers of protected crops are advised to monitor their crops
very carefully and to report any suspicious findings to their local Plant
Health and Seeds Inspector.
Updated 9 August 2001
'Sudden Oak Death' July 2001
Page last modified:
10 Oct 2006
Page published: 3 May 2003