Import Health Standard  
Issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Persea americana  Plants for 
Planting  
MPI.IHS.PERSEA.PFP  
16 October 2023  
 Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 1 of 24 
TITLE  
Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting 
COMMENCEMEN T 
This import health standard comes into force on 16 October 2023  
REVOCATION 
This import health standard revokes and replaces Import Health Standard:  Persea americana Plants for 
Planting  and all prior amendments to that standard.  
The document history to this import health standard is set out in the Schedule 6.  
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This import health standard is issued  under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993 . 
 
Dated at  Wellington, 16 October 2023 
 
 
 
 
Janine Collier  
Acting Manager Plant Health  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under delegated authority of the Direc tor-General)  
 Contact for further information  
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)  
Biosecurity New Zealand Plant Health PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140 
 
Email: PlantImports@mpi.govt.nz   
 Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 2 of 24 
Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  Requirements  5 
1.1 Application  5 
1.2 Incorporation by reference  5 
1.3 Definitions  5 
1.4 General requirements for P.  americana plants for planting 5 
1.5 Import permit  6 
1.6 Options for import  6 
Part 2:  Specific requirements  8 
2.1 Leafless cuttings  8 
2.2 Plants in vitro  8 
2.3 Screening for regulated pests  9 
2.4 Post-entry quarantine  9 
Part 3:  Inspection, verification and documentation requirements  12 
3.1 Inspection 12 
3.2 Verification 12 
3.3 Phytosanitary certification 12 
3.4 Additional declarations  13 
Schedule 1: Regulated pest list  14 
Schedule 2: Inspections and mandatory testing requirements  16 
Schedule 3: Approved insecticide treatments –  P. americana leafless cuttings 18 
Schedule 4: Approved miticide treatments –  P. americana leafless cuttings  20 
Schedule 5: Definitions 22 
Schedule 6: Document history  24 
 
 
 Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 3 of 24 
Introduction 
This introduction is not part of the  import health standard , but is intended to indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
An import health standard specifies the requirements for importing risk goods into New Zealand from all 
countries. This import health standard specifies the requirements that must be met when importing  Persea 
americana  (P. americana)  plants for planting into New Zealand.  
Background 
An import health standard issued under the New Zealand Biosecurity Act 1993  specifies the requirements to 
be met to effectively manage biosecurity risks associated with importing risk goods, including the risks from 
incidentally imported new organisms. Import health standards include measures that must be applied in the 
exporting country before the risk goods are exported. Import health standards also include requirements that 
must be met b y importers during importation, including while the risk goods are in transit to New Zealand and 
held in a transitional facility, before biosecurity clearance can be given.  
Post-clearance conditions may also be specified in an import health standard.  
Who should read this? 
This import health standard should be read by anyone involved in the process of importing P.  americana 
plants for planting into New Zealand (or who has an interest in importing P.  americana plants for planting).  
Why is this important? 
It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure that risk goods (i.e. P.  americana plants for planting) comply 
with the requirements of the relevant import health standard. Risk goods that do not comply with the 
requirements of an import health standard may not be cleared for entry into New Zealand and may be directed for treatment, re- export, destruction or further act ion deemed appropriate by a chief technical officer (CTO). 
The pathway may be suspended if certain types of viable regulated pests or weed seeds are intercepted on 
the consignment.  
Importers are liable for all associated expenses.  
Equivalence 
A chief t echnical officer may consider an application for an equivalent phytosanitary measure to be approved, 
different from that provided for in this import health standard, to maintain at least the same level of protection 
assured by the current measures.  
Equivalence will be considered with reference to the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures 
(ISPM), Publication No. 24: Guidelines for the determination and recognition of equivalence of phytosanitary 
measures  ISPM  24. 
Guidance information 
Guidance boxes are included within this import health standard for explanatory purposes. The guidance 
included in these boxes is for inf ormation only and has no legal effect.  Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 4 of 24 
Document History  
Refer to Schedule 6  for the amendment record for this IHS.  
Other information 
This is not an exhaustive list of compliance requirements,  and it is the importer's responsibility to be familiar 
with and comply with all New Zealand laws. Listed below are other New Zealand legislative requirements 
which may also apply to P . americana  Plants for planting.  
 Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 5 of 24 
Part 1:  Requirements  
1.1 Application 
(1) This import health standard applies to plants for planting of the species P . americana . 
(2) The following types of P.  americana  plants for planting are eligible f or import from any country:  
a) leafless cuttings ; 
b) plants in vitro . 
1.2 Incorporation by reference  
(1) The following documents are incorporated by reference under section 142M of the 
Biosecurity  Act 1993 : 
a) ISPM 4. Requirements for the establishment of pest free areas . Rome, IPPC, FAO ; 
b) ISPM 5. Glossary of phytosanitary terms . Rome, IPPC, FAO ; 
c) ISPM 7. Phytosanitary certification system . Rome, IPPC, FAO ; 
d) ISPM 8. Determi nation of pest status in an area. Rome, IPPC, FAO ; 
e) ISPM 10. Requirements for the establishment of pest free places of production and pest free 
production sites . Rome,  IPPC, FAO ; 
f) ISPM 12. Phytosanitary certificates . Rome, IPPC, FAO ; 
g) ISPM 23. Gu idelines for inspection . Rome, IPPC, FAO ; 
h) ISPM 24. Guidelines for the determination and recognition of equivalence of phytosanitary 
measures . Rome, IPPC, FAO ; 
i) ISPM 27. Diagnostic protocols for regulated pests . Rome, IPPC, FAO ; 
j) ISPM 36. Integrated measures for plants for planting. Rome, IPPC, FAO ; 
k) Official New Zealand Pest Register (ONZPR). W ellington, MPI ; 
l) MPI Plants Biosecurity Index (PBI). Wellington, MPI ; 
m) MPI Schedule of Regulated (Quarantine) Weed Seeds. Wellington, MPI . 
(2) Under section 142O(3) of the Biosecurity Act 1993  it is declared that section 142O(1) does not apply, 
that is, a notic e under section 142O(2) is not required to be published before material that amends or 
replaces any material incorporated by reference has legal effect as part of those documents.  
1.3 Definitions  
(1) Definitions are in Schedule 5.  
1.4 General requirements for P. americana plants for planting 
(1) For P. americana plants for planting to obtain authorisation for movement from port of first arrival to a 
transitional facility, P.  americana plants for planting must:  
a) meet the requirements for an import permit ( clause 1.5)  and choice of import options ( clause 1.6) ;  
b) meet the requirements for leafless cuttings ( clause 2.1)  or plants in vitro (clause 2.2) ; and  
c) be accompanied by documentation that meets the requirements of Part 3.  
(2) In order to obtain biosecurity clearance into New Zealand, P. americana  plants for planting must also:  
a) meet the requirements of screening for regulated pests ( clause 2.3)  and post-entry quarantine 
(clause 2.4) ; 
b) be free from all viable regulated pests (including but not limited to the pests listed in Schedule 1 ); 
and Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 6 of 24 
c) have all subcultured and multiplied plants in vitro traceable back to either the original imported 
plant, or to a bud from an imported cutting which has met both the above requirements.  
1.5 Import permit  
(1) An import perm it is required for all consignments of P.  americana  plants for planting.  
(2) The import permit must identify the following:  
a) the regulated pests for which screening is required in New Zealand;  
b) the transitional facility to which plants must be directed from the port of first arrival;  
c) the minimum post -entry quarantine period based on those regulated pests for which screening is 
required; and 
d) the level of quarantine greenhouse and/or quarantine tissue culture laboratory in which 
consignments must be held, based on those regulated pests for which screening is required.  
1.6 Options for import  
(1) P. americana  plants for planting must be:  
a) produced under an export plan  in accordance with  clause 1.6.1 ; or 
b) produced at an MPI -approved offshore facility in accordance with  clause 1.6.2 ; or 
c) produced in any  other  way in accordance with  clause 1.6.3 . 
1.6.1 P. americana plants for planting produced under an export plan  
(1) Importers may import P.  americana  plants for planting produced under an export plan from a country 
where an  export plan has been approved by a CTO. The export plan will detail the activities and 
processes established to achieve the measures identified in clause 1.6.1(2) . 
(2) P. americana  plants for planting must meet one of the following measures to manage the risk in 
relation to each regulated pest identified in the export plan:  
a) Country freedom: The P. americana  plants for planting are sourced from a country that has 
country freedom from the pest in accordance with ISPM 4 . 
b) Pest-free area: The P.  americana  plants for planting are sourced from a pest -free area 
established in accordance with ISPM 4 . 
c) Pest-free place of production: The P. americana plants for planting are sourced from a pest -free 
place of production established in accordance with ISPM 10 . 
d) Integrated measures for plants for planting: The P. ameri cana plants for planting are sourced 
from a production site that uses integrated measures for plants for planting in accordance with 
ISPM 36 . 
(3) A phytosanitary measure f or any regulated pest listed in Schedule 1 that is not identified in the export 
plan must be applied on arrival in New Zealand as described in clauses 2.3 and 2.4. 
1.6.2 P. americana plants for planting produced at an MPI -approved offshore facility 
(1) Importers may import P.  americana  plants for planting produced at an MPI -approved offshore facility.  
(2) P. americana plants for planting produced at an MPI -approved offshore facility must meet  all the 
phytosanitary measures described in clause 2.3 in relation to each regulated pest listed in the 
agreement between MPI and the offshore facility.  
(3) A phytosanitary measure for any regulated pest listed in Schedule 1 that is not applied at the offshore 
facility must be applied on arrival in New Zealand as described in clauses 2.3 and 2.4. Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 7 of 24 
1.6.3 P. americana plants for planting produced in any other way  
(1) For P. americana plants for planting not produced under an export plan or at an MPI -approved offshore 
facility, all phytosanitary measures described in clauses 2.3 and 2.4 must be applied for each regulated 
pest on arrival in New Zealand.  
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Part 2:  Specific requirements 
(1) Leafless cuttings must meet all requirements in clause 2.1.  
(2) Plants in vitro must meet all requirements in clause 2.2 . 
(3) P. americana  plants for planting must be screened in New Zealand for each regulated pest , listed in 
Schedule 1 , as described in clause 2.3, unless:  
a) phytosanitary measures in relation to a regulated pest have been applied in accordance with an 
agreed export plan or at an MPI -approved offshore facility. In these case s, the import permit will 
identify the regulated pests for which phytosanitary measures must be applied on arrival in New Zealand.  
(4) P. americana plants for planting that require phytosanitary measures to be applied on arrival in 
New Zealand must be held in a transitional facility approved to the MPI Facility Standard: Post Entry 
Quarantine for Plants  as described in cl ause 2.4 . 
2.1 Leafless cuttings  
(1) Before export, leafless cuttings must be:  
a) semi-hardwood budwood  cuttings;  
b) free from soil and other regulated articles;  
c) clearly labelled with their  genus and species names ; 
d) treated for insects and mites in accordance with Schedules 3 and 4, or by alternative treatments 
that have been approved by MPI ; 
e) held in a manner to prevent recontamination after insect and mite treatments have been applied;  
f) shipped in packaging that:  
i) is clean and free from soil, visible regulated pests and other regulated articles;  
ii) prevents the plant material from becoming contaminated with regulated pests or other regulated articles during transit; and  
g) accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate in accordance with clause 3.3.  
 
Guidance  
• Semi-hardwood budwood cuttings do not have  older heavily woody tissue attached.  
• Leafless cuttings  may be shipped connected to each other  via the stem  they grow from , i.e. with side 
shoots still attached to a central shoot .  
• Importing budwood for grafting as de- leafed shoots still attached to the  primary stem  may allow all 
grafted plants derived from th em to be considered as a single consignment lot.  
2.2 Plants in vitro  
(1) Before export, plants in vitro must be:  
a) clearly labelled with their genus and species  names ; 
b) derived from aerial plant parts;  
c) grown in a pest -proof and transparent vessel;  
d) grown in a medium free from fungicides, antibiotics, and charcoal;  
e) grown in the vessel they will be exported in for at least 14 days before shipment;  
f) free from visible fungal or bacterial contamination; and  
g) accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate, as described in clause 3.3.  Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
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2.3 Screening for regulated pests 
(1) P. americana  plants for planting must be screened for each regulated pest  listed in Schedule 1 on 
arrival in New Zealand, as described in this Part, unless:  
a) phytosanitary measures for a particular pest have been applied as described under an agreed 
export plan or at an MPI -approved offshore facility. In this case, the import permit will identify the 
requirements of this Part that must be applied on arrival in New Zealand.  
2.3.1 Testing for regulated pest and disease symptoms 
(1) Testing for regulated pests must be done at a transitional facility approved to MPI Facility Standard: 
Identifi cation of Organisms . 
(2) P. americana  plants for planting must be tested for all regulated pests identified in Schedule 2, 
regardless of whether a plant is showing signs or symptoms of pests or disease (mandatory test).  
(3) Samples for a mandatory test must be collected according to Schedule 2 . 
(4) Each P. americana  plant in a quarantine greenhouse, must be ind ividually labelled and tested, except :  
a) for polymerase chain reaction (PCR ) testing, samples taken from up to five plants of the same 
species can be combined to form a single composite sample for mandatory testing.  
2.3.2 Inspection  
(1) All plants must be inspected f or signs and symptoms of regulated pests by the facility operator at least 
twice per week during periods of active growth.  
(2) All plants must be inspected for signs and symptoms of regulated pests by the MPI inspector according 
to Schedule 2 .  
2.3.3 Reporting pest and disease symptoms 
(1) When a pest is found, or signs or symptoms of a pest are observed on a P.  americana plant for 
planting by the facility operator, the facility operator must inform the MPI i nspector within 24 hours of 
detection.  
 
Guidance  
• The MPI Facility Standard: Post Entry Quarantine for Plants  outlines the procedures when any pests or 
disease symptoms are observed by the facility operator.  
2.4 Post -entry quarantine  
(1) For P. americana plants for planting, all requirements must be applied as described in this Part, unless:  
a) phytosanitary measures for a particular pest have been applied as described under an agreed export plan or in accordance with the  agreement between MPI and an approved offshore facility. 
In this case, the import permit will identify the requirements of this Part that must be applied on 
arrival in New Zealand.  
(2) P. americana plants for planting must be quarantined in a transitional facility approved to the MPI 
Facility Standard: Post Entry Quarantine for Plants . The type and level of transiti onal facility will be 
specified on the import permit:  
a) for plants produced under an export plan ( clause 1.6.1 ) or from an MPI -approved offshore facility 
(clause 1.6.2 ), the minimum period of post -entry quarantine, and type of quarantine greenhouse,  
will be determined during development of an export plan or approval of an offshore facility.  Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 10 of 24 
b) for plants  produced any other way ( clause 1.6.3 ), the minimum period of post -entry quarantine 
will be 1 2 months in a Level  3B quarantine greenhouse according to clause 2.4.1.  
(3) The post -entry quarantine period for P. americana  plants for planting begins after imported plants held 
in a quarantine greenhouse have started active growth.  
a) for plants derived from imported cuttings , active growth begins when grafted plants  have 
developed at least two fully expanded leaves.  
b) for plants imported as plants in vitro, active growth begins after the plants have been deflasked 
into a quarantine greenhouse.  
(4) All leafless cuttings must be dipped in 1% sodium hypochlorite for a minimum of 2 minutes on arrival at 
the quarantine greenhouse.  
(5) If plants in vitro are subcult ured in a quarantine tissue culture laboratory before they are transferred to 
a quarantine greenhouse, the following requirements must be met:  
a) At least one subculture from each imported plant must be developed to the stage where it can be 
de-flasked into t he quarantine greenhouse and screened for regulated pests as described in 
clause 2.3: 
i) this subculture should be taken during the first round of multiplication after plants arrive in 
New Zealand.  
ii) if only one plant is obtained during the first round of multiplication, further rounds of 
multiplication may be undertaken. In this case, a subculture for transfer to the quarantine 
greenhouse must be taken from the first round of multiplic ation where more than one plant 
is obtained.  
b) Surplus subcultures that are produced as described in clause 2.4(7)(a)  above may be retained at 
a Level 3 quarantine tissue culture laboratory throughout the post -entry quarantine period:  
i) these plants may be sub -cultured and multiplied during the post -entry quarantine period.  
ii) these plants m ay also be considered for biosecurity clearance provided that traceability  to 
the plant in the quarantine greenhouse is maintained.  
2.4.1 Environmental conditions in post -entry quarantine  
(1) Specific environmental conditions must be applied in  the follow ing order : 
a) Plants must be held under  conditions  that favour establishment  of the graft  and initiation of  a first 
shoot flush. These conditions  include  the period after grafting and before the plants show  active 
growth.  
i) the relative humidity  must be at least 85% (±  5%). 
ii) the maximum daytime temperature must be 25°C (± 3°C) and minimum night -time 
temperature must be 20 °C (±  3°C) .  
b) Plants must then be held under a period of summer -like conditions  during which at least two 
additional shoot flushes must  occur , thereby resulting in a total of three shoot flushes while plants 
are in quarantine . 
i) the maximum daytime temperature must be 2 5°C (± 3°C) and the minimum night -time 
temperature must be 20°C (±  3°C).  
c) During the period of summer -like conditions, there must be a continuous 30 -day warm -humid 
period.  
i) the relative humidity  must be at least 80 % (±  5%).  
ii) the maximum daytime temperature must be 29°C (± 3°C) and minimum night -time 
temperature must be 23°C (± 3°C)  
(2) If there are deviations from the requirements in clause 2.4.1(1)  while plants are being held in the 
quarantine greenhouse, the facility operator must inform the MPI inspector as soon as practical.  Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 11 of 24 
(3) The operating manual for the quarantine greenhouse must describe how the environmental c onditions 
given in clause 2.4.1  will be monitored, maintained, and recorded.  
 
Guidance  
Shoot flushes  in PEQ  
• Shoot tipping (pruning to an axillary bud) is expected to artifici ally induce a new shoot flush. This is an 
optional method which can be used if a second or third flush will not occur naturally in PEQ.   
Environmental Conditions  
• Changing between “day” and “night” environmental conditions may be done by  gradual or instant 
temperature control changes.  
• The relative humidity during the summer -like period should reflect summer conditions in  the northern 
part of New Zealand  (i.e., typically  75% ± 15% RH ).  
• The temperatures in clause 2.4.1  apply to measurements averaged over periods relevant to biological 
impacts (e.g., 1 hr average for humidity, 24  hr average for temperature).  
• It is expected that deviations of the averaged measurements beyond the limits in the IHS will be 
infrequent (i.e.,  < 1% of 1 hr periods for humidity and 24 hr periods for temperature).  
Advancement of PEQ conditions  
• Stem stiffening /hardening (lignification) may be used as a n indicator of shoot flush maturation , to 
allow the start for  the period  of warm humid condition s to be brought forward  in time.  Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 12 of 24 
Part 3:  Inspection, verification and documentation 
requirements  
3.1 Inspection  
(1) The national plant protection organisation  (NPPO ) of the exporting country must:  
a) visually inspect each sample unit according to official phytosanitary procedures and ISPM 23. 
Guidelines for inspection for all visually detectable pests that are regulated by New Zealand;  
b) check that the number of units presented for inspection is consistent with documentation ; 
c) verify that traceability labelling is complete; and 
d) verify that phytosanitary security is maintained for the consignment.  
(2) A sample unit for the purpose of this import health standard is an individual cutting or an individual 
plant in vitro.  
(3) If pests are found that are not listed in Schedule 1  or the Official New Zealand Pest Register  (ONZPR ), 
the NPPO must contact MPI to establish their regulatory status before issuing the phytosanitary 
certificate.  
3.2 Verification  
(1) For leafless cuttings , the NPPO must verify that the plants comply with all requirements set out in 
clause 2.1. 
(2) For plants in vitro, the NPPO must verify that the plants comply with all requirements set out in 
clause 2.2. 
(3) For any P.  americana plants for planting produced under an export plan, the NPPO must verify that the 
plants  are: 
a) free from regulated pests listed in the export plan; and 
b) held in a manner to ensure that infestation/reinfestation does not occur following inspection and certification.  
(4) For any plants produced at an MPI-approved offshore facility, the NPPO must verify that the plants  are: 
a) free from regulated pests listed in the agreement between MPI and the offshore facilit y; and  
b) held in a manner to ensure that infestation or reinfestation does not occur following inspection 
and certification.  
3.3 Phytosanitary certification  
(1) Each consignment must meet the requirements in Part 3  and be accompanied by a phytosanitary 
certificate issued by the NPPO in accordance with ISPM 12. Phytosanitary certificates . 
(2) The phytosanitary certificate must include the following:  
a) sufficient detail to enable identification of the consignment and its component parts , including 
country of origin;  
b) genus and species of all P.  americana plants for planting in the consignment;  
c) all relevant additional declaration(s) as described in clause  3.4; 
d) full treatment details in the “Disinfestation and/or Disinfection Treatment” section of the phytosanitary certificate (applies to leafless cuttings only, as described in clause 2. 1);  
e) the following declaration or a variation that is compliant with ISPM 12. Phytosanitary certificates  
and has been approved by a chief technical officer : Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
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Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 13 of 24 
i) “This is to certify that the plants, plant products or other regulated articles described herein 
have been inspected and/or tested according to appropriate official procedures and are 
considered to be free from the quarantine pests specified by the importing contracting 
party and to conform with the current phytosanitary requirements of the importing 
contracting party, including those for regulated non- quarantine pests.”  
(3) If a consignment of P.  americana plants for planting is stored in another country in transit to 
New Zealand or is opened, is split up or has its packaging changed before it arrives in New Zealand, 
the consignment must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate for re- export from the t ransiting 
country, in accordance with ISPM 12. Phytosanitary certificates . 
3.4 Additional declarations  
(1) The NPPO must include the following additional declarations on the phytosanitary certificate . 
a) For P. americana  plants for planting produced under an agreed e xport plan (produced under 
clause 1.6.1 ): 
i) “This consignment was produced and prepared for export in accordance with the agreed export plan.”  
b) For P. americana plants for planting produced at an offshore facility (produced under 
clause 1.6.2 ): 
i) “This consignment was produced and prepared for export in accordance with the agreement between MPI and [name of  approved offshore facility].”  Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 14 of 24 
Schedule  1: Regulated pest list  
Regulated pest  Mandatory testing requirements1 
Bacteria  
Xanthomonas campestris and Xanthomonas 
axonopodis  avocado pathovars  - 
Xylella fastidiosa  PCR  
Fungi  
Colletotrichum  aenigma  - 
Colletotrichum chrysoph ilum - 
Colletotrichum endophyticum  - 
Colletotrichum jiangxiense  - 
Colletotrichum nymphaeae  - 
Colletotrichum queenslandicum  - 
Colletotrichum tropicale  - 
Cylindrocladiella peruviana  - 
Diaporthe perseae  - 
Diaporthe sterilis  - 
Dothiorella aromatica  - 
Gliocladiopsis forsbergii  - 
Gliocladiopsis peggii  - 
Gliocladiopsis whileyi  - 
Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae  Plating onto suitable isolation medium  or PCR  
Neocosm ospora perseae  - 
Neofusicoccum nonquaesitum  Plating onto suitable isolation medium  or PCR  
Pestalotiopsis longiseta  - 
Pleiocarpon algeriense  - 
Podosphaera perseae -americanae  - 
Pseudoidium perseae -americanae  - 
Oomycetes  
Phytophthora palmivora  PCR  
Phytophthora mengei  - 
Viroids  
Avocado sunblotch viroid  PCR  
Potato spindle tuber viroid  PCR  
Phytoplasmas  
‘Candidatus  Phytoplasma ’ spp. PCR  
 
  
 
1 Mandatory testing requirements identified in Schedule 1 are specific testing requirements that must be completed in 
addition to growing season inspection (which is required for all regulated pests). Mandatory tests identified above must 
be done using samples collected in accordance wit h Schedule 2.  Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 15 of 24 
Guidance  
• The Official New Zealand Pest Register  contains the full list of regulated pests. If disease is  detected in 
imported P. americana plants for planting, MPI will identify the causal agent of disease symptoms and 
confirm the regulatory status by looking at  the register . 
• If an organism is detected that is not listed in the Official New Zealand Pest Register , the chief 
technical officer will make a decision on the regulatory stat us of that organism and update  the register . 
 Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
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Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 16 of 24 
Schedule 2: Inspections and mandatory testing requirements  
On-arrival mandatory testing requirements for P.  americana plants for planting 
Timing of sample collection  Sample type  Pests and tests  
On arrival in post-entry quarantine  Leafless cuttings: stem material, 
including two buds from each 
imported leafless cutting  
 
Plants in vitro: Explant stem tissue 
and/or expanded leaflets  Oomycetes  
PCR  
• Phytophthora palmivora 
 
Viroids  
PCR  
• Avocado sunblotch viroid  
Post -entry quarantine m andatory testing requirements in post -entry quarantine  for P. americana 
plants for planting after  the start of growing season inspection  
Growing 
conditions  Verification  
inspections  Sampling  Pests and tests  
1. Plant 
establishment, for 
a minimum of 3 
months according 
to clause 2.4.1  Two inspections 
required  N/A N/A 
2. Summer -like 
conditions 
according to 
clause 2.4.1 , for 
up to 2 months  or 
until all plant 
stem s 
stiffen/harden 
(lignification ) One inspection 
required  N/A N/A 
3. Warm  humid 
conditions for a 
minimum of 30 
days  according to 
clause 2.4.1  One inspection 
required  Timing  
Within 14 days of  
completing growth at  under warm humid 
conditions  
 
Leaf and petiole  
Collected from at least 
two positions on each 
stem, including:  • a young fully expanded leaf at the 
top of the stem; and  
• an older leaf from a 
midway position Fungi  
Plating or PCR  
• Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae 
• Neofusicoccum 
nonquaesitum  
 
Bacteria PCR  
• Xylella fastidiosa   
 
Phytoplasmas  
PCR  
• ‘Candidatus  Phytoplasma’  
spp. 
 
Viroids  
PCR  
• Avocado sunblotch viroid  
• Potato spindle tuber viroid  
 Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 17 of 24 
Growing 
conditions  Verification  
inspections  Sampling  Pests and tests  
4. Summer -like 
conditions 
(continued) according to 
clause 2.4.1  for 
the remainder of the quarantine 
period.   
 
If a natural  shoot 
flush may not 
occur  during PEQ , 
shoot tipping of a 
vertically trained 
shoot on each 
plant can be 
carried out to artificially induce a 
shoot flush.  Two inspection s 
required , one at 
beginning of the 
second flush (or at 
the start of this 
period if the second 
flush has already 
occurred naturally)  
and one at the 
beginning of the 
third flush.  Timing  
Collected either:  
• at the beginning of  
the third flush  (or 
during this period if 
the third flush has 
occurred naturally 
before  the onset of 
summer -like 
conditions ), or 
• at the same time as 
shoot tipping if shoot 
tipping is used  to 
induce a third flush . 
 
Leaf and petiole  
Collected from at least 
two positions on each 
stem , including:  
• a fully expanded leaf 
from each shoot 
flush 
• older leaves  that are 
senescing  Oomycetes  
PCR  
• Phytophthora palmivora 
 Bacteria 
PCR  
• Xylella fastidiosa  
 
 
 Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 18 of 24 
Schedule 3: Approved insecticide treatments –  P. americana 
leafless cuttings  
(1) One of the treatment options listed below must be applied.  
 
Treatment  Specification  
Methyl bromide  
(MeBr) 
(Option 1) Apply one of the treatment options from the table below:  
 
*See the ABTRT for more details  
 
Guidance:  
• While a number of combinations of time and initial concentration may be used 
to achieve the minimum requirements (CT and minimum final concentration 
(g/m3)) of the treatment, care must be taken to avoid phytotoxicity. Phytotoxic 
effects of the treatment may increase when a higher initial concentration at 
lower temperature and reduced duration is used.  
• It is the importers responsibility to choose which ‘duration of treatment (time 
(h))’ option will be undertaken.  
• The importer undertakes treatments at their own risk (see legal disclaimer in 
Approved Biosecur ity Treatments (ABTRT))  
 
The concentration -time product (CT) utilized for methyl bromide treatment in this 
standard is the sum of the fumigant concentration readings (g/m3) over time (h). This is 
in accordance with ISPM 43: Requirements for the use of fumigation as a phytosanitary 
measure .  
 CT Initial 
dose  Minimum 
end point 
dose  Temperature 
(°C) Time  Comments  
74 48 g/m3 28.8 g/m3 10-15 2 hrs  The treatment must 
achieve the CT 
product, minimum 
concentration, 
temperature, and time 
listed. Used 
packaging is to be 
dipped or fumigated as per FVT9* or 
destroyed  62 40 g/m3 24 g/m3 16-20 2 hrs  
50 32 g/m3 19.2 g/m3 21-27 2 hrs  
37.2 28 g/m3 14.4 g/m3 28-32 2 hrs  
Hot water treatment 
followed by chemical 
treatment  
(Option 2) All treatments must be applied in the following order:  
1) Immersion in water at a minimum continuous temperature of 24°C for a 
minimum of 2 hours;  
2) Immersion in water at a minimum continuous temperature of 45°C for a 
minimum of 3 hours;  
3) Dipping (with agitation) for a minimum of 2  minutes in chlorpyrifos dip (2.4 g 
active ingredient per litre, or label rates) containing a non -ionic surfactant. If 
bubbles are present on the plant surface after the initial 2 minute s, the 
immersion period must be extended to a minimum of 5 minutes.  Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 19 of 24 
Chemical treatment  
(Option 3) Apply two active ingredients via spraying or dipping, one organophosphate and 
one from another different chemical group listed below:  
Treatment/ 
Chemical  Active ingredient 
(a.i.) Application 
Rate (g 
a.i./L)  Time  Comments  
Organophosphate  Acephate  0.75 2-5 
mins  Dip/spray at 
room 
temperature. 
Refer to 
pesticide 
label to 
check the 
need for 
surfactants, 
the suitability for 
specific 
species  
 
See Note  
below.  Chlorpyrifos  0.8 
Dimethoate  0.5 to 1.9  
Malathion  1.5 
Pirimiphos -methyl  0.475  
Carbamate  Carbaryl  1.2 
Diamide  Cyantraniliprole  0.15 
Diacylhydrazine  Tebufenozide  0.06 
Neonicotinoid  Imidacloprid  0.16 
Thiacloprid  0.16 
Synthetic 
pyrethroid Deltamethrin  0.025  15 
mins  Esfenvalerate  0.03 
Fenvalerate  0.03 
Lambda -
cyhalothrin  0.05 
Spinosyns  Spinosad  0.048  2-5 
mins  
Note:  The above contact and systemic insecticidal dips may be used instead of 
fumigation, but only if the used packaging material is separately fumigated (FVT8) 
or destroyed. Plants are to be immersed completely or all surfaces sprayed to 
runoff. For dipping, t he treatment time is normally 2 mins (except those requiring 
15 mins) but must be increased to 5 mins if bubbles remain present on the plant 
surface. The chemicals, if compatible, may be combined as a single treatment. Dip 
solutions must be used no more than twice or as per manufacturer’s 
recommendations.  
 
 Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 20 of 24 
Schedule 4: Approved miticide treatments –  P. americana 
leafless cuttings 
(1) One of the treatment options listed below must be applied.  
 
Treatment  Specification  
Methyl 
bromide  
(MeBr) 
(Option 1) Apply one of the treatment options from the table below:  
 
CT Initial dose  Minimum end 
point dose  Temperature 
(°C) Time  Comments  
120 68 g/m3 51 g/m3 10-15 2 hrs  The treatment must 
achieve  
the CT product, minimum  
concentration, 
temperature,  
and time listed. Used 
packaging is to be dipped 
or fumigated as per 
FVT9* or destroyed.  100 57 g/m3 43 g/m3 16-20 
85 48 g/m3 36 g/m3 21-27 
70 40 g/m3 30 g/m3 28-32 
120 56 g/m3 41 g/m3 10-15 2.5 hrs  
100 48 g/m3 35 g/m3 16-20 
85 40 g/m3 29 g/m3 21-27 
70 32 g/m3 23 g/m3 28-32 
120 48 g/m3 34 g/m3 10-15 3 hrs  
100 40 g/m3 28 g/m3 16-20 
85 34 g/m3 24 g/m3 21-27 
70 28 g/m3 20 g/m3 28-32 
*See the ABTRT for more details  
Note: This treatment can be applied to manage both insects and mites. When this treatment is used to manage mites, Methyl bromide treatment for insects mentioned above is not required.  
 
Guidance:  
• While a number of combinations of time and initial concentration may be used to 
achieve the minimum requirements (CT and minimum final concentration (g/m3)) of 
the treatment, care must be taken to avoid phytotoxicity. Phytotoxic effects of the treatment may increase when a higher initial concentration at lower temperature and 
reduced duration is used.  
• It is the importers responsibility to choose which ‘duration of treatment (time (h))’ 
option will be undertaken.  
• The importer undertakes treatments at their own risk (see legal disclaimer in Approved 
Biosecurity Treatments (ABTRT))  
 
The concentration -time product (CT) utilized for methyl bromide treatment in this standard is the 
sum of the fumigant concentration (g/m3) over time (h). This is in accordance with ISPM 43 : 
Requirements for the us e of fumigation as a phytosanitary measure .  
 Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 21 of 24 
Chemical 
treatment  
(Option 2) Apply one of the following treatments (containing one or two active ingredients) via spraying or 
dipping:  
 
Treatment/ Chemical  Active 
ingredient 
(a.i.) Application Rate (g 
a.i./L)  Time  Comments  
Acequinocyl  0.15 2-5 
mins  Dip/spray at 
room  
temperature.  
Refer to 
pesticide label 
to  
check the 
need for  
surfactants, 
the suitability  
for specific 
species  
 
See Note  
below  Chlorfenapyr  0.087   
Abamectin + pyridaben  0.012 + 0.34 
Abamectin + spiromesifen  0.012 + 0.152  
Emamectin benzoate + pyridaben  0.002 + 0.34  
Emamectin benzoate + spiromesifen  0.002 + 0.152  
Fenazaquin + pyridaben  0.5 + 0.34  
Fenazaquin + spiromesifen  0.5 + 0.152  
Note:  Chemical treatment may be used instead of fumigation but only if the used packaging 
material is separately fumigated or destroyed. Treatments may be in the form of spray, or preferably immerse the item in a dip(s) with agitation, according to the following conditions:  
• Dipping -  the treatment time is normally 2 mins but must be increased to 5 mins if bubbles 
remain present on the plant surface. Dip solutions must be used no more than twice or as per 
manufacturer's recommendations. All treatments must be c arried out in accordance with 
manufacturer's recommendations using either the recommended label rate or the rates shown 
in the table above; or  
• Spraying -  all surfaces of the plant must be sprayed to the point of runoff (including the under 
surfaces of l eaves). Packing material (arriving with the plant) must be treated the same as the 
product or destroyed 
 
 
 Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 22 of 24 
Schedule 5: Definitions  
Unless defined below special terms have the same definition as given in ISPM 5. Glossary of phytosanitary 
terms  or the Biosecurity Act 1993 . Derived forms of terms (inspect from inspection) have the same meaning 
as the defined term.  
Active growth  
A plant on which at least two fully expanded leaves, which have developed from dormant buds in the current growing season, are present  
Cutting A commodity subclass of “ plants for planting”  for propagation material from the stem only (no roots)  
Dormant  
Temporarily inactive/suspended growth (cuttings of deciduous species should have no leaves; bulbs should 
have no leaves or roots)  
Export plan 
A document negotiated between MPI and the NPPO of the exporting country that details how the exporting 
country will meet the import requirements (Targeted Measures and/or MPI -Specified Measures) for 
New Zealand 
FAO  
Food and Agriculture Organization of t he United Nations  
In transit  
Refers to risk goods (consignments) in the process of being shipped to New Zealand  
IPPC  
International Plant Protection Convention  
International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM)  
Definition as per ISPM 5. Glossary of Phytosanitary terms . ISPMs are available at 
https://www.ippc.int/en/core -activities/standards -setting/ispms/ . 
Mandatory testing  
Specific testing for pests and diseases as stated in this import health standard 
MPI 
Ministry for Primary Industries  
NPPO  
National Plant Protection Organisation is the official service established by Government to discharge the 
functions specified by the IPPC. [FAO, 1990; formerly Plant Protection Organisation (National)].  
Official New Zealand Pest Register (ONZPR)  
The Official New Zealand Pest Register  is the site for official information about pests and disease- causing 
organisms in New Zealand, authorised by the Ministry for Primary Industries . 
Offshore facility  
A production site approved by MPI to the MPI standard Standard for Offshore Facilities Holding and Testing 
Plants for Planting (or any subsequent version of that  standard) for the export of P. americana  plants for 
planting to New Zealand Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 23 of 24 
PCR  
Polymerase chain reaction  
Pests that are regulated by New Zealand  
When used in this IHS , “pests that are regulated by New Zealand” has the same definition as “regulated pest”.  
Plants Biosecurity Index (PBI)  
MPI database that lists plant species that have been approved for import into New Zealand as plants for 
planting or seed for sowing. The PBI is available at https://www1.maf.govt.nz/cgi -bin/bioindex/bioindex.pl  
Quarantine greenhouse  
A greenhouse that is approved by MPI as a transitional f acility under the MPI facility standard  Post Entry 
Quarantine for Plants  for the purpose of holding any plant m aterial imported as plants for planting or seeds  for 
sowing that requires post -entry quarantine before the plants can be given biosecurity clearance 
Quarantine tissue culture laboratory 
A tissue culture laboratory that is approved by MPI as a transitional facility under the MPI facility standard  
Post Entry Quarantine for Plants  for the purpose of holding any plants imported as plants in vitro that require 
post-entry quarantine before the plants can be given biosecurity clearance 
Regulated pest  
A pest identified as a regulated pest in the Official New Zealand Pest Register  or MPI’s Schedule of 
Regulated ( Quarantine) Weed Seeds  
Tissue culture Plants in vitro that have been prepared as tissue culture from one parent by asexual reproduction (clonal 
techniques) under sterile conditions  
Viable regulated pest  
Any regulated pest  that is capable of reproduction and development, including insects, plants, seeds and 
other organisms  Import Health Standard : Persea americana Plants for Planting   
  16 October 2023 
Ministry for Pr imary Industri es  Page 24 of 24 
Schedule 6: Document history  
Version Date  Section Changed  Change(s) Description  
26/10/2022  All First issuance of  standard  
16/10/2023  Schedule 3 and 4  Urgently amended insects and mites treatments 
to align the treatments with MPI -Approved 
Biosecurity Treatment Standard