Phytosanitary and Regulatory Issues in the Movement of Plant Genetic Resources:
Phytosanitary and Regulatory Issues in the Movement of Plant Genetic Resources: A U.S. Perspective
Karen A. Williams and Gary Kinard
Corresponding author<EMAIL_ADDRESS>The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of regulatory considerations in the U.S. when importing or exporting germplasm.
Outline
- Introduction
- Importing germplasm into the United States
- Exporting germplasm in the United States
- Movement of threatened and endangered plant material
- Conclusion
- Additional Information
- Acknowledgments
1. Introduction
1.1 Overview
Introduction of exotic (non-native) plants has played a vital role in agricultural and horticultural development in every country in the world. It remains essential to import new plant material for plant breeding and research, enhancement of collections in plant genebanks, and other purposes. Regulating imported plant material minimizes the risks of also introducing species that may be harmful to local agriculture, forestry, industry or the natural environment. Exotic species designated as plant pests may cause or transmit diseases, displace native plant species, and diminish the economic or aesthetic value of a product or the environment. These unintentionally introduced exotic species may include insects and other arthropods, microorganisms, and other plants. Citrus greening disease, Dutch elm fungus, chestnut blight fungus, citrus canker bacterium, plum pox virus, European corn and Emerald Ash borers, Japanese beetle, brown marmorated stink bug, fire ant, purple loosestrife and cheatgrass are just a few examples of pests that have caused severe damage and economic losses in the U.S. after being introduced and becoming established. Conversely, grape phylloxera is an insect that originated in North America and was spread with plant material to become a threat to grapevine cultivation worldwide.
This introductory eBook chapter, phytosanitary issues in germplasm movement, is written for genebank employee training and as a teaching resource for college courses. It is an overview of the factors to be considered when importing and exporting germplasm, but does not provide extensive detail nor should it serve as a checklist guide. It focuses on U.S. applications, but also notes there are international authorities that aim to minimize global risk when germplasm is exchanged. Regulatory guidelines are vital in genebank management, where the receipt and distribution of plant material are an inherent and critical components of the genebank mission.
Upon completion of this eBook chapter, learners will be able to:
- Describe the importance of regulatory oversight when importing and exporting germplasm.
- Describe the basic documentation requirements when importing and exporting plant genetic resources.
- Identify the regulatory authorities in the U.S. that issue permits and conduct inspections needed for the movement of plant genetic resources, based on the type of plant material.
1.2 Definitions and Regulatory Org