Plant Quarantine and Pest Risk Analysis (PRA)

Introduction

The introduction of several pests into Europe in the 19th century paved the way for the development of plant quarantine measures.

• The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) was developed to address organisms that are directly or indirectly injurious to plants.
• IPPC provides a framework of measures against invasive alien species, aligning with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• In its 1997 revision, IPPC established International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) under the World Trade Organization (WTO).

International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs)

• ISPM (1996a): Standard on pest risk analysis.
• ISPM (2001): New standard on pest risk analysis for quarantine pests.

Plant Quarantine Acts and Organizations

• United States: Plant Quarantine Act – 1912.
• India: Destructive Insects and Pests Act (DIPA) – 1914.
• Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine, and Storage (DPPQS): Established in 1946, headquartered in Faridabad.
• India became a member of IPPC in 1951.

What is Pest Risk Analysis (PRA)? Pest Risk Analysis (PRA), also called Import Risk Analysis, is a systematic process that involves:

1. Investigation & Evaluation: Assessing the risk of a particular pest being introduced into a country.
2. Decision-Making: Determining the probability and severity of the impact of quarantine pests.
3. Phytosanitary Measures: Evaluating the means to reduce risk and taking necessary actions to eliminate quarantine pests from imported commodities.

Why is Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) Important?

• Protects agriculture and forestry from harmful quarantine pests introduced via imported commodities.
• Prevents the entry, establishment, or spread of pests, mitigating potential biological and economic consequences.

PRA Process:

1. A detailed study is carried out by the importing country after receiving technical information from the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the exporting country.
2. The importing country may request additional information from the exporting country.
3. The process culminates in a decision aimed at reducing or preventing the probability of pest entry or establishment.

Technical Information for Pest Risk Analysis (PRA)

1. Plant and Plant Product Details
   • Scientific & Common Name
   • Resistant or Non-resistant Varieties
   • Importing Countries
2. Production Area
   • Site Details: District/Province & Country of Production
   • Export Capacity: Volume in Tons per Year
3. Cultivation Practices
   • General Pest Surveillance & Management Practices
   • Information on Pest-Free Areas
   • Harvest Method & Time
   • Plant Protection Measures
4. Pest List
   • Scientific & Common Name
   • Taxonomic Position
   • Host Range
   • Plant Parts Affected & Symptoms
   • Distribution & Pest Status
   • Management Strategies (A1 & A2 Pest Lists)
5. Packaging Details
   • Packaging Method
   • Inspection Procedure
   • Post-Harvest Treatment
   • Storage Conditions & Security
6. Export Program (Policy/Activity)
   • Trading Partners
   • Existing Procedure for Issuing Phytosanitary Certificates
7. Copies of Relevant Documents

Stages in Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) Process

A) Stage 1: Initiation PRA is initiated due to:

a) Identification of a Pathway

• • International trade of a new commodity
  • Import request or appearance of new consignments
  • Importation of new plant species for research
  • Non-commodity pathways (e.g., natural spread, mail, garbage, passenger baggage)

b) Identification of a Pest

• • Emergencies due to:
    • Discovery of an infestation or outbreak
    • New pest appearing in PRA area
    • Interception of a new pest in imported commodities
    • Scientific research identifying a new pest risk
  • Pest becomes more damaging or reported in new areas
  • Repeated interceptions during audits
  • Request to import an organism
  • Identification of an organism as a vector for other pests
  • Genetically altered organisms showing plant pest potential

c) Review or Revision of Existing Policy

• • A national decision is taken to review phytosanitary regulations, requirements, or operations
  • A proposal made by another country or international organizations (FAO, IPPC) is reviewed
  • A dispute arises on phytosanitary measures, requiring reassessment

B) Stage 2: Pest Risk Assessment

This stage is divided into:

1. Pest Categorization
2. Assessment of the Probability of Introduction
   • Entry Potential
   • Establishment Likelihood
   • Spread Potential
3. Assessment of Potential Economic Consequences
   • Includes environmental impacts

Example: Pest Data Sheet

Step 1: Pest Categorization Table

Conclusion for Pest Categorization

1. If a pest meets all criteria for a quarantine pest: It is classified as a quarantine pest. The PRA process should continue to further assess the risk.
2. If a pest does not meet all the criteria: It is not considered a quarantine pest. The PRA process for that pest may stop.
3. If information is insufficient: Identify gaps in data. The PRA process should continue until more information is gathered.

Step 2: Assessment of the Probability of Introduction

Probability of Entry

Likelihood of a quarantine pest arriving in an importing country through various pathways:

• Survival during transport or storage
• Survival through existing pest management procedures
• Successful transfer to a suitable host

Probability of Establishment

Factors affecting establishment in the PRA area:

• Availability of suitable hosts, alternate hosts, and vectors
• Climatic suitability
• Cultural practices and control measures
• Other pest characteristics (adaptation, reproductive strategy, survival methods, previous establishment records)

Probability of Spread After Establishment

Factors influencing spread:

• Environmental suitability for natural spread
• Presence of natural barriers
• Movement through commodities or transport
• Intended use of the commodity
• Potential pest vectors and natural enemies

Step 3: Assessment of Potential Economic Consequences

1. Impact on Productivity: Quantitative & qualitative losses (e.g., yield loss, increased control costs, post-harvest disinfestation).
2. Impact on Trade and Market Access: Effect on domestic and international trade, Market access restrictions due to pest presence
3. Economic Consequences Analysis: Time and location factors, Analytical techniques for assessment, Non-commercial & environmental consequences, Use of an economist to estimate economic impact (hypothetical scenario assuming pest introduction)

Conclusion for Pest Risk Assessment

1. All or part of the PRA area may be designated as an endangered area: This can lead to a regulated area, restricting movement of certain plants and plant products.
2. Some categorized pests may be selected for Pest Risk Management: These pests require further evaluation and control strategies.
3. An overall assessment of the probability of pest introduction is completed: Economic and environmental consequences are considered, A final risk rating is assigned

C) Stage 3: Pest Risk Management

1. Assess the Level of Risk
2. Evaluate Technical Information related to the pest and its control
3. Determine the Acceptability of Risk for import/export decisions
4. Identify and Select Risk Management Options
   • Consignment-based measures to prevent/reduce infestation
   • Ensuring pest-free areas or places of production
   • Regulating different pathways
   • Options within importing countries (quarantine, restrictions, or monitoring)
   • Possible prohibition of high-risk commodities
5. Phytosanitary Certificates and Compliance Measures
   • Certification requirements for trade
   • Additional compliance regulations for quarantine pests

D) Stage 4: Documentation

Purpose of the PRA

• Pest categorization and risk assessment for quarantine pests.
• Identification of pest list, pathways, PRA area, and endangered area.
• Sources of information used for analysis.
• Categorized pest list compiled from interceptions in imported commodities.

Conclusions of Risk Assessment

1. Probability of Introduction Assessment of entry, establishment, and spread potential.
2. Consequences of Introduction: Impact on productivity, trade, and economic factors.

Conclusion of Risk Management

1. Options Identified: Various risk mitigation strategies for pest control.
2. Options Selected: Implementation of phytosanitary measures, quarantine regulations, and control mechanisms.

Quarantine Regulations & Pest Interceptions

Pests Intercepted in Imported Commodities

Nematodes & Stored Product Pests Intercepted

Plant Quarantine Inspection Process

The Plant Quarantine Department inspects materials at three locations:

1. At the point of origin (where the material is being sent).
2. At the port of entry (when it reaches the importing country).
3. At storage locations (where the material is kept).

Strict Quarantine Laws

• Import of beneficial insects is only permitted at:
  • IARI, New Delhi
  • FRI, Dehradun
  • IVRI, Mukteshwar, Izatnagar
  • Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata
  • Commonwealth Institute of Biological Sciences (CIBS), Bangalore
  • NBAII, Hebbal, Bangalore

Restricted Imports

Complete prohibition on the following imports due to pest risks:

• Unginned cotton from Australia, Philippines, Fiji
• Potato, garlic, onion, unmanufactured tobacco
• Unfumigated American cotton
• Sugarcane, berseem seeds, sunflower