24 July 2008
Citrus Longhorn Beetle (Anaplophora chinensis)
Please look out for this pest
Citrus longhorn beetles (CLB) (Anoplophora chinensis) have recently been found in the UK, following the distribution by mail order of at least 90,000 potentially infested maple trees (Acer palmatum). The trees were imported from China via the Netherlands before distribution from Guernsey.
This beetle is a serious invasive pest and measures are required to control any findings and prevent further spread.
Those who received the trees by mail order are being contacted directly, but the beetles may of course move about. We are asking members of the public look out for these distinctive beetles. Anybody finding one should isolate it (best in a sealed rigid container) and contact the Scottish Government's Horticulture and Marketing Unit on 0131 244 6303 or email hort.marketing@scotland.gsi.gov.uk. They should also be notified if plants show evidence of CLB infestation.
Information on how to spot this pest is available on the Defrawebsite.
Statutory Notification of Imported Potatoes
Following a consultation exercise, the Scottish Government proposes to introduce new rules to guard against the introduction of disease with potatoes from elsewhere in the EU. Statutory notification prior to entry will be required for all seed potatoes, including those from other parts of the UK, and for ware potatoes from Poland. Legislation will be laid before the Scottish Parliament in September
15 July - Consultation on Phytophthora ramorum and kernoviae
A consultation paper has been issued inviting interested parties to contribute to a review of the future management of risks from P. ramorum and P. kernoviae. Views would be welcome particularly from commercial growers and traders of plant material, owners and managers of woodland and moorland, and those responsible for historic and public gardens. Responses are invited by 7 October 2008."
30 April 2008 - Prohibited import of Goji plants
Defra has discovered that a substantial number of goji plants (Lycium barbarum) originating ie n China have been brought into the UK and Guernsey, via the Netherlands. These plants are prohibited from being imported to the EU from most third countries, because they can carry diseases which affect crops such as potato and tomato. Anyone who has bought goji plants which come from China, from a nursery or garden centre or by mail order, is asked to destroy them. More information is available on the Defrawebsite
17 April 2008 - Change to Plant Health Fees
Regulations have been laid before the Scottish Parliament to increase the fees charged for inspections relating to plant passporting. This increase was subject to consultation based on a Regulatory Impact Assessment.
The Plant Health Fees (Scotland) Regulations 2008 (SSI 2008/153) also consolidate the provisions for fees for licensing services and potato quarantine testing.