Changes in aphis regulations in interstate movement of low-risk plant pests in the continental U.S.

Authors: Stockwell, Virginia; FARINAS, CORALIE - The Ohio State University

Submitted to: Phytopathology News
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/26/2020
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The newsletter article describes a change in the regulations of APHIS that are important to plant pathologists and entomologists. APHIS recently generated a list of native or naturalized insects and microorganisms in the USA that are 'permitted by regulation.' Previously, a federal permit from APHIS was required to receive microorganisms or insects from other states. APHIS has instituted a new policy that specific micro-organisms or insects are exempt from needing a permit to receive cultures from another state within the continental USA. Permits are still required for international shipments. The purpose of the article is to inform the members of the professional organization, The American Phytopathological Society about this change in regulations. The article was reviewed and edited by the PPQ Pests, Pathogens, and Biocontrol Permits Branch of APHIS.

Technical Abstract: This is the text of the entire article for submission to the newsletter: The Public Policy Board would like to inform you of recent changes in the APHIS Plant Pest Regulations. Under the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.), the Secretary of Agriculture has the authority to regulate the movement of plant pests and biological control organisms. APHIS no longer requires permits for the interstate movement within the continental United States of certain species of plant pests and biological control organisms. For example a permit is no longer required for interstate movement of domestic isolates of Botrytis cinerea, Erwinia amylovora, Meloidogyne hapla, and Tobacco Mosaic Virus in the continental U.S.