Growers, Florists want CWR quarantine lifted

A recent story in GrowerTalks magazine describes efforts by both growers of chrysanthemums and florists to convince the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to lift the quarantine on plants infected by Chrysanthemum White Rust (Puccinia horiana, "CWR"). The concerned groups, which include the Society of American Florists (SAF), the American Nursery and Landscapers Association (ANLA), and florists and growers and Connecticut and Massachusetts, point out that the cost of enforcing the quarantine on mums impacted by CWR is expensive for all parties involved and that the effectiveness of that quarantine is questionable. Since concern remains that a complete removal of the quarantine would lead to rampant spread of the pathogen and a big increase in control costs, a common ground may exist in the designation of CWR as a "Regulated Non-Quarantine Pest," which would require that CWR outbreaks be controlled if found on imports but would not impact the transfer of cuttings or plants between states unless a state enacted its own regulations.

Input Sought on Wood Packaging/Firewood Regs

APHIS is seeking input on the issue of whether the federal government should regulate crates, pallets, cable drums and spools, and other forms of wood packaging that moves in the interstate and domestic market, as well as firewood that moves across state lines. The purpose of this regulation would be to prevent spread of introduced insects and other pests from areas where they have become established to other vulnerable areas.

To read the full documentation and submit comments, visit the Federal Register. The "Submit Comments" button is on the top right side of the page. Comments are due by October 26, 2009.