Country: United States

Title: USDA Adopts Final Rule to Relax Movement Restrictions on Barberry Plants Resistant to Black Stem Rust

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Report: The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is adopting as a final rule—without change—a proposed rule amending its black stem rust quarantine and regulations. The final rule allows the movement of clonally propagated, rust-resistant Berberis cultivars to move into or through quarantine areas without a required two-year growth period.

A two-year growth period is not necessary for clonally propagated, rust-resistant plants because they are genetically identical to their parental source and naturally rust resistant. This action provides producers and distributors relief from unwarranted restrictions to prevent the spread of black stem rust.

All seed-propagated plants and seedlings of Berberis will continue to be restricted from interstate movement prior to reaching two years of age. Seeds, fruit, seedlings and other seed-propagated materials can yield black stem rust-sensitive plants, which if infected, could spread the disease to protected areas.

APHIS is also adding 13 varieties to its list of 126 rust-resistant Berberis species. The addition of these species is based on recent testing to determine rust resistance.

Black stem rust is an significant disease of wheat. It has a wide host range including wheat, oats, barley, rye and barberry. APHIS’ black stem rust regulations quarantine the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia and govern the interstate movement of certain plants of the genera Berberis, Mahoberberis, and Mahonia.

The final rule is scheduled to be published in the Feb. 3 Federal Register and becomes effective upon publication.
 

Posted Date: Feb. 7, 2006, 9 a.m.