Primary Industries and Regions South Australia have advised that they will be introducing restrictions for blueberry rust host material, effective 14 February 2017.

Background

Due to an expanding blueberry industry in South Australia, Primary Industries and Regions South Australia are introducing restrictions on hosts of blueberry rust (Thekopsora minima). The establishment of entry conditions will reduce the risk of introducing the disease into South Australia.

IMPACT TO VICTORIAN BUSINESSES

South Australian entry conditions will be implemented as of 14 February 2017.

There is no direct impact to Victorian producers of blueberry rust hostsin relation to this change. There are however impacts for businesses that receive and reconsign blueberry rust hosts originating from areas and states that are not free of the disease.

Victorian entry conditions remain in place for importation of blueberry rust host material sourced from states and areas that are not free of the disease.

In June 2016, Victoria regained freedom for blueberry rust, which allows unrestricted trade for the disease to South Australian and Tasmanian markets under Victorian state freedom.

Western Australia continues to reject Victoria’s blueberry rust freedom and therefore all host material must be certified to enter Western Australia.

Please note:Entry restrictions for other pests and diseases remain unchanged (e.g. fruit fly).

RECONSIGNING PRODUCE

Businesses receiving certified produce from blueberry rust affected areas for reconsignment to blueberry rust sensitive states will be required to ensure certification is maintained for the produce.

Businesses reconsigning produce must ensure it is certified by either:

  • Reconsigning the produce under the accreditation ICA-17: Reconsigning Whole or Split Consignments; or
  • Having the produce recertified by an Agriculture Victoria Officer.

Blueberry rust host material

The following plants and fruits of plants are considered hosts for blueberry rust:

  • Vaccinium spp. (incl. blueberry, cranberry,huckleberry)
  • Gaylussacia
  • Tsuga(hemlock)
  • Rhododendron (including azalea)
  • Lyonia
  • Menziesia
  • Pernettya
  • Hugeria
  • Pieris
  • Leucothoe
  • Oxycoccus.

Used agricultural equipment or packaging employed in the farming or subsequent processing of these plants/fruit are also considered to be hosts of the disease.

further information

For more information, please contact your local Agriculture Victoria Officer – phone 136 186 or email:

Accessibility

This document is also available on the Agriculture Victoria website