Final pest risk analysis for Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV)

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has completed a final pest risk analysis for CGMMV. This pest risk analysis was initiated in response to the introduction of emergency measures for the importation of Citrullus lanatusCucumis meloCucumis sativusCucurbita maximaCucurbita moschataCucurbita pepoLagenaria sicerariaTrichosanthes cucumerina and any hybrid of these species.The draft pest risk analysis was released on 7 April 2016 for a 30 day stakeholder consultation period, which was extended for a further 30 days in response to the requests received from stakeholders, and was published as a SPS notification with reference number G/SPS/N/AUS/384.The import conditions for cucurbit seeds associated with CGMMV are summarised below:

 - Testing – mandatory off-shore or on-shore testing by International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) validated Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) or a PCR method approved by the department on a sample size of 9,400 seeds (or 20 per cent for small seed lots) to verify freedom from CGMMV; AND  - Certification – seed lots tested off-shore must be accompanied by an official government Phytosanitary Certificate endorsed with the following additional declaration: 'The consignment of [botanical nameGenus species)] was tested by ELISA [insert laboratory name and report number] on a sample size of 9,400 seeds (or 20 per cent of small seed lots) and found free from CGMMV'; OR 'The consignment of [botanical nameGenus species)] was tested by PCR [insert laboratory name and report number] on a sample size of 9,400 seeds (or 20 per cent of small seed lots) and found free from CGMMV'; AND  - On-arrival inspection – seed lots must be inspected on arrival to verify freedom from live insects, soil, disease symptoms, prohibited seeds, other plant material (for example, leaf, stem material, fruit pulp and pod material), animal material (for example, animal faeces and feathers) and any other extraneous contamination of quarantine concern.