20 June 2013
This Biosecurity Advice notifies stakeholders of the release of the Final pest risk analysis report for the importation of fresh island cabbage leaves from the Pacific (Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu).
The formal commencement of a pest risk analysis to assess fresh island cabbage leaves was announced in Biosecurity Advice 2012/02 on 19 January 2012.
The Final pest risk analysis report for the importation of fresh island cabbage leaves from the Pacific (Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu) considers the risks associated with importing island cabbage (Abelmoschus manihot) leaves (and leaf stems). It does not include the main stems with lateral buds, as island cabbage can be readily propagated from stem material.
While island cabbage is known to grow in northern Australia, there is no local industry producing island cabbage in Australia for commercial sale.
This pest risk analysis has been conducted in collaboration with MAF New Zealand, which released its import health standard in July 2012.
The report identifies ten pests of potential quarantine concern to Australia that are associated with island cabbage in the countries assessed. The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci ‘Nauru’ biotype), tortoise scale (Coccus capparidis) and Pacific mealybug (Planococcus minor) have been identified as pests requiring phytosanitary measures. Planococcus minor is present in parts of Australia, but is assessed as a pest for Western Australia.
The following risk management measures and operational procedures are recommended to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP):
- pre-export phytosanitary inspection of fresh island cabbage leaves, as well as certification by the NPPO that the consignment is free of quarantine pests
- on-arrival inspection to verify that quarantine pests, or any other regulated articles, are identified, if present, and subjected to remedial action
- clearance by DAFF.
The biosecurity measures contained within the final report, or their equivalent, may be taken into account in consideration of granting import permits. Import conditions will be available shortly in the DAFF import conditions database (ICON).
Tom Aldred
First Assistant Secretary
Contact: Bill Magee
Tel: +61 2 6275 3933
Fax: +61 2 6271 3307
Email: Plant Biosecurity