Virus-Tested Certification for Fruit Tree Nursery Stock Sarah Gettys Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture FTCPN Meeting February 25, 2011

Virus-Tested Certification Programs for Fruit Tree Nursery Stock GOAL: to ensure a supply of fruit tree nursery stock that is certified free from tested viruses Includes fruit-bearing and ornamental Prunus, Malus, Pyrus, Chaenomeles, and Cydonia Stone Fruit, Apple, Pear, Flowering Quince, and Quince Focus on graft-transmissible viruses, viroids, phytoplasmas and their vectors Participation is voluntary

Virus-Tested Certification Programs for Fruit Tree Nursery Stock Propagation of fruit tree nursery stock is a high risk pathway for the movement of viruses Virus certification programs are based on the propagation of trees: from material that has originally tested free from all detectible viruses (G1 Level) under conditions that mitigate the risk of (re)introduction of virus

Two-Pronged Approach 1. Creation of a harmonized state level model regulatory standard State Level Model Regulatory Standard: Virus-Tested Certification Program for Prunus, Malus, Pyrus, Chaenomeles, and Cydonia Nursery Stock Production Systems 2. Initiate pilot studies in nurseries to gauge success of the standard and the required nursery-instigated best management practices Both the standard and the pilots embrace a systems approach and are audit-based

Harmonization Needed 11 States and Canada have fruit tree nursery stock virus regulations Subtle differences in regulatory language and requirements can lead to confusion and lack of consistency Harmonization allows for a unified approach to virus control and monitoring Trade is facilitated when regulations are in agreement Nurseries can promote certified stock in marketing efforts The model provides a template for states interested in instituting or revamping regulations Most regulations have not been updated in over 30 years, and several are inactive

Road to the Model Regulation Fruit Tree Certification Working Group of the Fruit Tree Clean Plant Network established in 2009 Representatives from state departments of agriculture, USDA-APHIS, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, clean plant centers, universities, and the nursery industry Working Group agrees on concept and format Use the systems approach, which involves independent components that work together to minimize the presence and spread of viruses i.e. virus-testing, field inspection, isolation distances and vector control Make the system auditable, and a cooperative effort between regulators and industry Format based on RSPM No. 35 Guidelines for the Movement of Stone and Pome Fruit Trees and Grapevines into a NAPPO Member Country Pennsylvania writes the first draft and submits to Working Group for comment

Pilot Studies Five nurseries participating in three states Michigan, Oregon, and Pennsylvania Evaluate the efficacy of the systems approach in mitigating spread of virus in nursery stock Gain a better understanding of the viruses effecting nursery stock and the most useful detection tools available Encourage cooperation between industry and regulators Echo United States Nursery Certification Program Pilot

Where Are We? The second draft of the regulation, modified based on the comments received, was distributed to the Working Group in December, 2010 Supporting appendices are being finalized Specific requirements have been moved from the body of the regulation to appendices to allow for ease of adjustment and modification Pilot programs are gearing up

Nursery Milestones in PA 1. Submit the Initial Application for Participation form. 2. An Initial Program Entrance Review of the facility will be completed by the PDA. Three main processes will occur during the review: Systems Audit Pest Management Manual Cooperative Agreement

Nursery Milestones in PA 3. Report yearly any changes made to critical facility information on the Annual Continuation of Participation form. 4. Perform an annual internal nursery review of the Pest Management Manual. 5. Cooperate with the PDA in an Annual Systems Audit. 6. Allow Surveillance Audits carried out by the PDA throughout the year.

Take-Away Message Virus certification programs facilitate early detection and rapid response to viruses Regulators spend more time in nurseries Nurseries are required to implement best management practices to detect and mitigate virus introduction Participation in the certification program depends upon a long term commitment from both the regulatory agency and the nursery - becoming a virus certified facility is a long process, and can not be granted overnight Basic infrastructure needed to combat new viruses and vectors is in already in place

Contact Sarah Gettys Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture The End