New Zealand
September 24, 2010

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has issued an amendment to the import health standard (IHS) 155.02.05: Importation of Seed for Sowing.

The standard is dated 22 September 2010 and replaces the previous version dated 19 March 2010.
The revised IHS can be viewed at: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/ihs/155-02-05.pdf

The following changes have been made:

1. 1) The IHS has been amended to include Japan as an approved country for the Zea schedule. Gloeocercospora sorghi was considered as the only hazard requiring risk management measures to allow for Japan to be approved for the export of Zea seeds for sowing. MAFBNZ has included this fungal organism on the pest list in the Zea Schedule with options for sourcing from a pest free area or providing effective pre-export fungicide treatment. General fungicide treatments are reported to be effective on Gloeocercospora species.
    
2. 2) The pest Xanthomonas translucens pv. translucens has been removed from the Triticum and Hordeum schedules as this bacteria is now considered as present in New Zealand.

A number of other minor changes have been made to the IHS, which do not affect importing requirements or biosecurity clearance procedures.

Any questions relating to any of the above changes can be directed to:

Plant Imports
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
PO Box 2526
Wellington
Fax: 04 894 0662
Email: plantimports@maf.govt.nz

Website: http://www.maf.govt.nz

Published: September 24, 2010