USDA Post Entry Quarantine Do’s & Don’ts Presented by Cindy Cooper WSDA Plant Protection Division 360-902-2062

What is Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ)? PEQ is a USDA program administered in some states by departments of ag- WSDA Allows entry of high risk plant genera from certain approved countries- Malus, Prunus, Pyrus from Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Great Britain are subject to PEQ.

Why do we need it? to detect viruses & diseases which are latent or difficult to see during initial entry inspection. To exclude pests of concern that are not established in the U.S. Intended to aid introduction of new varieties (small quantities)

Basic PEQ Process WSDA inspector will assist by: Conducting surveys of growing sites to approve and ensure growing requirements are met Inspecting postentry plant material during two growing seasons (for pathogens & vectors) Completing and distributing appropriate forms to secure release from USDA

Step 1: Site Approval Contact state inspector to arrange for site approval They will fill out form 546 with you Importer signs it, WSDA forwards to USDA for approval

PEQ Site Do’s Do allow good accessibility for inspection Do provide enough field space for the number of plants being imported Do maintain a buffer zone of at least 10 feet (3 meters) distance from domestic plants of the same postentry genus and any other postentry genera Do pick a site with environmental conditions conducive to growing disease free plants Do have control of the property for the length of the quarantine period

Step 2: Import Permit Importer applies for import permit with USDA @ http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/permits/ USDA issues permit, with instructions for importer & shipping labels Once you have the permit, you may arrange for plants to be shipped

Import Permit

Shipping Do’s Do send foreign grower green & yellow shipping labels for boxes. Do label boxes with USDA address so they don’t come to you without inspection Do have shipment sent with a phytosanitary certificate and a copy of the import permit

Shipping Don’ts If you suspect plants were shipped directly to you, instead of to USDA: Don’t open the boxes- call your WSDA inspector immediately. Plants must be sent to Seattle USDA for inspection first.

Clues that shipment was not inspected yet No box appears to have been opened and resealed Original phyto is present No yellow PEQ tag or form 236 present

Step 3: Plants Arrive at USDA Inspection Station Inspected by USDA Form 236 & PEQ tag issued If insects found, will be fumigated or returned @ importers expense Importer arranges plant pick up

Step 4: Plants grown at approved site for 2 growing seasons

Quarantine Period Do’s Importer responsibilities during quarantine period: Do contact State inspector if PEQ material dies or appears infected or infested. Do save all dead PEQ material in plastic bags. Do dispose of dead PEQ material under WSDA supervision: Approved Disposal: Burning Autoclaving – 15 lbs. for ½ - 1 hour Deep burial (more than 2 feet) Disapproved Disposal: Composting Public landfill

Do keep PEQ Tags with the plants in the field- Notify WSDA if tags are lost or become illegible

More Do’s during Quarantine period Importer responsibilities continued: Do stay in touch with your WSDA inspector Do notify WSDA when you Change your address or the responsible person changes request to increase the number of plants (propagate PEQ plants) request to cut flowers for sale Must have written permission

Potential Violations- Don’ts Prohibited plants on premises (improperly entered) PEQ plants on an unapproved site Refused entry to inspector during business hours PEQ plants have no label or label is incorrect Other imported or same genus plants are within 3 meters of PEQ plants PEQ plants propagated without written approval by USDA PEQ plants not treated when required PEQ plants not destroyed when directed to do so

Vectors must be controlled during PEQ period

Potential Violations- More Don’ts Failure to report: A conspicuous plant abnormality plant deaths plant disposition A violation listed on the PPQ Form 546—Screening Notice Plants with viral symptoms will be tested

Step 5: Release from Quarantine When inspections are completed, WSDA will recommend release to USDA. While in PEQ, plants have not legally entered commerce- wait for written release

ONLY USDA can RELEASE Plants from Quarantine- DO NOT MOVE plants until written release is received (USDA form 569)