AUS/455
WTO/SPS
AU Australie
  • 65 - Agriculture
2018-10-08
2018-08-13

Seed of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and wild tomato species (Solanum chilense, S. chmielewskii, S. parviflorum, S. peruvianum and S. pimpinellifolium)

Draft pest risk analysis for Pepino mosaic virus and pospiviroids associated with tomato seed (draft report)

The draft report presents pest risk assessments for Pepino mosaic virus and five pospiviroid species: Columnea latent viroid, Pepper chat fruit viroid, Tomato apical stunt viroid, Tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid and Tomato planta macho viroid, but not for Potato spindle tuber viroid, as it is no longer categorised as a quarantine pest for Australia. The pest risk analysis considers imports of seed of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and wild tomato (Solanum chilense, S. chmielewskii, S. parviflorum, S. peruvianum and S. pimpinellifolium). Information is presented about tomato seed production and trade, the epidemiology of the pathogens and Australian testing of seed imports for the pathogens.

The draft report proposes a range of risk management measures to mitigate the risks posed by Pepino mosaic virus and the pospiviroids associated with imports of tomato seed. The proposed measures include mandatory laboratory testing or mandatory laboratory testing combined with dry heat treatment. Verification of laboratory testing is also proposed to ensure the reliability of the measures.

The draft report includes:

-      introduction to Australia's biosecurity policy framework and pest risk assessment method;

-      overview of commercial tomato seed production;

-      overview of Pepino mosaic virus biology, association with tomato seed and transmission;

-      overview of pospiviroid biology, association with tomato seed and transmission;

-      pest risk assessments for Pepino mosaic virus and pospiviroids;

-      statement on situation of Potato spindle tuber viroid; - pest risk management proposals.