PQHDS

Plant Quarantine

Function

Imported plants, plant material have the potential to harbor exotic pathogenic organisms that may be of quarantine importance in terms of the Agricultural Pest Act, 1983 (Act no 36 of 1983). Accidental introduction of these regulated quarantine pests can present serious risks to South Africa’s agricultural industry, the direct environment and/or people's health. The NPPO of South Africa (NPPOZA) based on a pest risk analysis (PRA) may pose post entry quarantine as risk management measure on different crops or commodities.

Plants are held in PEQ facilities for inspection and/or diagnostic testing before final release. PEQ facilities and management systems are designed to prevent the escape of regulated pathogenic organisms that may be associated with imported plants and plant material

Imported propagation material (cuttings, seed, tissue culture, etc.) of quarantine crops are established and maintained at one of the two official plant quarantine stations, approved external quarantine facilities and outsourced institutions.

The following crops are currently handled under a post entry quarantine period:

• Mediterranean Crops: Stone fruit (peach, plum, apricot, almond, cherry, nectarine), pomefruit (apple, pear, quince), other Prunus spp, grapevine, olive, hops, strawberries, raspberries, Ribes spp (currants, etc.), Protea, Leucadendron, Leucospermum, Adenanthos, Brunia, blueberries (Vaccinium), figs, Morus, persimmons (Diospyros), walnuts (Juglans), Pistachia, pomegranates (Punica) and hazelnuts (Corylus).
• Sub-Tropical Crops: Litchi, Avocado
• Citrus
• Sugar Cane 

OBJECTIVE OF POST ENTRY QUARANTINE (PEQ) OF PLANTS

To exclude regulated pathogenic organisms from South Africa by isolating imported plants and plant material after importation in order to perform inspections and diagnostic testing designed to detect the presence of quarantine pests and diseases and to verify the phytosanitary status of plants. Plant quarantine should not be regarded as a process to free or “clean” plant material of regulated organisms. If a particular pathway or plant species is found which routinely harbors regulated organisms, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) may take action to close that pathway or impose further restrictions or conditions on future imports of material of the specific species.

 ORGANOGRAM

The Division Plant Quarantine Services resorts under the Directorate Inspection Services in the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Services rendered by the Division Plant Quarantine Services

• Facilitate the importation of plant propagation material of new fruit cultivars/varieties into South Africa.
• Advisory service to importers on procedures, requirements, regulations and acts pertaining to importation of plant propagation material into South Africa
• Maintenance and monitoring of plant propagation material while in post entry quarantine and give feedback to clients/importers regularly
• Engage and communicate with stakeholders/clients/importers through meetings on a regular basis
• Facilitate the diagnostic testing and evaluation of imported plant propagation material during the post entry quarantine period.
• Provide plant propagation material of a high quality and pest free to clients/importers after release from post entry quarantine.

Plant Health Diagnostic Services
Mandate:
To provide an efficient and effective phytosanitary diagnostic service based on the WTO-SPS principles of detection, identification and interception of pests and pathogens of trade and quarantine importance in order to protect trade and safeguard our agricultural environment and natural resources
Functions:

• Develop and implement methodologies, policies, systems and procedures in plant diagnostics
• Provision of technical and scientific  support and advice
• Perform technical and scientific diagnostic analyses and regulatory functions
• Improve methodologies through research and networking
• Develop and train human capital

Organogram:
The Division Plant Quarantine Services resorts under the Directorate Inspection Services in the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.