USDA publishes list of prohibited plants, flowers

The Not Authorized Pending Pest Risk Analysis list (APHIS-2011-0072) of plants and flowers has been published by USDA for public comment. The NAPPRA list are those plants which could be prohibited for import into the U.S. until a pest risk analysis has been completed for them.

Society of American Florists said the list is another step in APHIS’ efforts to revise the Quarantine 37 regulations. The list includes 41 taxa of plants that may be quarantine pests themselves (invasive), and 107 taxa that could be hosts of 13 quarantine pests and are therefore suggested for addition to the list.

APHIS has prepared data sheets that detail the scientific evidence it evaluated in making the determination that the taxa are quarantine pests or hosts of quarantine pests. The data sheets are available to the public for review and comment.

SAF will formally comment on the list and is urging growers and businesses to review the list and comment individually and to advise SAF of any specific concerns. Comments are due Sept. 26, 2011.