New import conditions for nursery stock host plants of pathogenic fungi Ceratocystis spp

The Australian Government has completed a review of exotic Ceratocystis species, their potential impact and the risks posed by the nursery stock pathway. With the exception of a few native species infecting Eucalyptus, and one undescribed species infecting Syngonium, Australia is free from all other species of Ceratocystis

A review of the risk posed by the nursery stock pathway has concluded that inspection alone of susceptible nursery stock host genera is insufficient to manage the risk of Ceratocystis species. Therefore, new measures are implemented. Host genera of quarantine pest Ceratocystis species will require 12 months of post-entry quarantine growth in a closed government facility, with active testing by culturing (or equivalent) for species of Ceratocystis

The following genera are subject to these measures: AcaciaActinidiaAlocasiaAnnonaArracaciaBetulaBrachystegiaBurkeaCarapaCaryaCitrusCoffeaColocasiaColophospermumCombretumCrotalariaCunninghamiaDalbergiaEriobotryaEucalyptusFaureaFicusGmelinaHeveaIpomoeaJulbernadiaMangiferaManihotMetrosiderosOchna, Ozoroa, ParinariPassifloraPlatanusPopulusProteaPrunusPunicaQuercusRapaneaSchizolobiumSchotiaSpathodeaStyraxSyzgygiumTerminaliaTheobromaTilia and XanthosomaThis will apply to imports from all countries. 

As the majority of these host genera are low volume imports that already require growth and testing in post entry quarantine, it is anticipated that there will be minimal impact to trade. Tissue cultures and seed are excluded from these measures as they are deemed to be a low risk pathway for these fungi.