Risk Management Proposal  
Fresh Ginger ( Zingiber officinale  and Z. zerumbet ) for Human 
Consumption  
 
Ministry for Primary Industries  Discussion Paper No: 2019/06  
 
 
ISBN No: 978-1-99-000810 -8 (online)  
ISSN No: 2253 -3907 (online)  
 
 
Prepared by the Ministry for Primary Industries  
 
 
 
30 August 2019   
 
 
Disclaimer  
 
While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this publication is accurate,  
the Ministry for Primary Industries does not accept any responsibility or liability for error of fact, 
omission, interpretation or opinion that may be present, nor  for the consequences of any decisions 
based on this information.  
 
Requests for further copies should be directed to:  
 
* 
 
 
 
This publication is also available on the Ministry for Primary Industries  website at  
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/news -and-resources/publications/   
 
 
© Crown Copyright - Ministry for Primary Industries   
i Contents  Page 
Submissions  3 
Official Information Act 1982  4 
1 Introduction  5 
1.1 Objective  5 
1.2 Purpose  5 
1.3 Scope of the Risk Management Proposal  5 
1.4 Background  5 
1.5 Format of Draft ihs  6 
2 Context  7 
2.1 Domestic  7 
2.2 International  7 
2.3 New Zealand’s Biosecurity System  7 
2.4 Strength of Measures  8 
2.5 Importing Fr esh Produce  8 
3 Risk Assessment Approach  9 
3.1 Commodity Description  9 
3.2 Source information  9 
3.3 Description of Import Risk Analysis  10 
3.4 Description of measures  10 
3.5 Certification and verification  11 
4 Pest Risk Assessment for Fresh Ginger  13 
4.1 Summary of Risk Associated with the Importation of Fresh Ginger  13 
4.2 Determination of Phytosanitary Measures Included in the draft IHS  15 
4.3 Summary of Proposed Meas ures for Fresh Ginger  15 
Acari (Mites)  16 
Bacteria  16 
Coleoptera (Beetles)  19 
Diptera (Flies)  20 
Fungi   20 
Hemiptera (True bugs)  21 
Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths)  21 
Nematodes (roundworms)  22 
Oomycetes (fungus -like microorganisms)  23 
Virus   24 
References  25 
Appendix 1: Pest Risk Assessment summary  26 
Acari (Mites)  26 
Bacteria  26 
Coleoptera (Beetles)  26 
Diptera (Flies)  27 
Fungi   27 
Hemiptera (True bugs)  28 
Hymenoptera (Ants)  28 
Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths)  28 
Molluscs  29 
Nematodes (roundworms)  29 
Psocoptera  29 
Appendix 2  31 
Pests/ country Association with the Ginger Pathway  31 
  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   3 Submissions  
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment from interested parties on the amended import health 
standard (IHS) for Fresh Ginger for Human Consumption which is supported by this Risk Management Proposal 
(RMP).  
 
The meaning of an IHS is defin ed in section 22(1) of the Biosecurity Act 1993 as “An import health standard 
specifies requirements to be met for the effective management of risks associated with importing risk goods, 
including risks arising because importing the goods involves or might  involve an incidentally imported new 
organism”.  
 
MPI therefore seeks comment on the requirements (including measures) in the proposed IHS. MPI has 
developed this proposal based on the available scientific evidence and assessment of this evidence. If you 
disagree with the measures proposed to manage the risks, please provide either scientific data or published 
references to support your comments. This will enable MPI to consider additional evidence which may change 
how risks are proposed to be managed.  
 
The following points may be of assistance in preparing comments:  
 Wherever possible, comments should be specific to an IHS requirement (referencing section 
numbers or pest names as applicable).  
 Where possible, reasons, data and supporting published reference s to support comments are 
requested.  
 The use of examples to illustrate particular points is encouraged.   
 
MPI encourages respondents to forward comments electronically (to arrive by close of business on 29 September  
2019). Please include the following in  your submission:  
 The title of the consultation document in the subject line of your email;  
 Your name and title (if applicable);  
 Your organisation’s name (if applicable); and  
 Your address.  
 
Send submissions to: plantimports@mpi.govt.nz   
 
However, should you wish to forward submissions in writing, please send them to the following address to arrive 
by close of business on 29 September  2019).  
 
Horticulture Imports  
Plants and Pathways  
Ministry for Primary Ind ustries  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
New Zealand  
 
Submissions received by the closure date will be considered during the development of the final IHS. 
Submissions received after the closure date may be held on file for consideration when the issued IHS is next 
revised/reviewed.  
 
   
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   4 Official Information Act 1982  
Please note that your submission is public information. MPI policy is to provide a copy of all submissions received 
and the review of submission to all parties who lodge submissions.  
 
Submissions may be the subject of requests for information under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The 
OIA specifies that information is to be made available to requesters unless there are sufficient grounds for 
withholding it, as set out in the OIA . Anyone preparing a submission may wish to inform MPI if there are grounds 
for withholding specific information contained in their submission, such as the information is commercially 
sensitive or they wish personal information withheld.  
 
Any decision to withhold information requested under the OIA is reviewable by the Ombudsman.  
   
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   5 1 Introduction  
1.1 OBJECTIVE  
1. MPI’s objective is to ensure the known biosecurity risks associated with fresh ginger  (Zingiberi  officinale  
and/or Z. zerumbet ) rhizomes from approved ex porting countries are managed appropriately and are 
consistent with New Zealand’s domestic legislation and international obligations.  
1.2 PURPOSE  
1) The purpose of this risk management proposal (RMP ) is to:  
a) consider the known biosecurity risks that may be assoc iated with importing  fresh  ginger for human 
consumption from approved countries and a new countr y requesting  market access , 
b) identify how measures proposed in the draft IHS effectively manage the biosecurity risk , and  
c) provide information to support consultation on the draft IHS . 
 
2) The draft IHS is the subject of consultation under section 23(3) of the Biosecurity Act 1993. This RMP 
provides information to support the consultation on the draft IHS but is not itself the subject of consultation. 
However,  MPI will accept comments and suggestions on the RMP in order to improve future IHS 
consultations.  
1.3 SCOPE  OF THE RISK MANAGEME NT PROPOSAL  
3) This RMP includes  technical justification  and describes the approach used to determine the proposed 
measures to manage the biosecurity risks associated with the import of fresh ginger from new and approved 
countries under the IHS for  Fresh Ginger for Human Consumption. The RMP includes:  
a) a summary of pests that are considered a biosecurity risk  directly associated with Z. officinale  and/or Z. 
zerumbet  at the point of export ; and 
b) a description of pre -export phytosanitary measures and their effectiveness for managing regulated pests 
associated with fresh ginger at the point of export . 
 
4) This RMP is divided into four parts:  
a) Part 1 provides the introduction and background . 
b) Part 2 provides the context of the framework within which the p roposed draft IHS for Fresh Ginger for 
Human Consumption  has been developed .  
c) Part 3 outlines the approach used to determine the management of risks associated with  imported f resh 
ginger for human consumption . This includes  information on the types of measures which may 
effectively manage specific risks associated with importing fresh ginger rhizomes.  
d) Part 4 considers the regulated pests associat ed with fresh ginger and the appropriate measures to 
effectively manage these risks . 
 
5) The draft IHS for Fresh Ginger for Human Consumption contains  the proposed  measures which will manage 
pests associated with fresh ginger from China in addition to countries with existing access . 
 
6) Biosecurity risk i nformation in this risk management proposal is based on the MPI (2019) Import Risk 
Analysis: Ginger ( Zingiber officinale , Zingiber zerumbet ) fresh produce. Version 1. July 2019 , unless specific 
references are included in the text.  
1.4 BACKGROUND  
7) Fresh ginger for human consumption is currently approved for import from eight countries (Table 1).  
However s ince 2014, ginger has only been imported from three approved countries. These were from:  
a) Australia = 7 consignments ( MPI QuanCargo, 2019).  
b) Fiji = 565 consignments ( MPI QuanCargo, 2019).  
c) Thailand = 558 consignments ( MPI QuanCargo, 2019).  
 
 
 
  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   6 Table 1: Approved countries for the import of ginger for consumption  
Country  Species of ginger access  
Australia  Z. officinale  
Fiji Z. officinale  
Niue Z. zerumbet  
Papua New Guinea  Z. officinale  
Samoa  Z. officinale and Z. zerumbet  
Thailand  Z. officinale  
Tonga  Z. zerumbet  
Vanuatu  Z. officinale  
 
8) A market request for ginger for  human  consumption from China  initiated an analysis of biosecurity risks for 
this import pathway and triggered a review of pests and measures for  currently  approved countries . The 
review of the currently approved country:commodity ginger IHS’s has also addressed c hanges of pest 
regula tory status  and inconsistencies between  the IHS’s .  
 
1.5 FORMAT OF DRAFT IHS  
 
9) MPI has recently revised the  format  of IHSs  for fresh fruit s and vegetables . This new IHS format:  
a) standardise s the current fresh fruit and vegetable IHSs (which w as in a country:commodity format) to a 
commodity IHS for all approved countries,  
b) remove s non-regulated pests,  
c) correct s administrative inaccuracies such as incorrect references to government to government 
agreements, and  
d) clearly differentiates between import requirements and guidance and clarif ies other  ambiguities and 
definitions.  
 
10) The new IHS format has been used to incorporate the market access request for China and existing currently 
approved ginger IHS’s.     
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   7 2 Context  
2.1 DOMESTIC  
11) The New Zealand biosecurity system is regulated through the Biosecurity Act 1993. Section 22 of the Act 
describes the meaning of an IHS, and requires that the IHS specifies requirements to be met for the effective 
management of risks associated with importing risk goods (including pl ants and plant products) into New 
Zealand.  
 
12) MPI is the lead government agency for New Zealand’s biosecurity system  and is responsible for the effective 
management of risks associated with the importation of risk goods into New Zealand (Part 3, Biosecurity Act 
1993).  
 
13) MPI engages with interested parties and/or affected New Zealand stakeholders and the exporting country 
requesting market access during the development of an IHS.  
 
14) MPI follows MPI policies and procedures for the development  and consultation  of an IHS.  
2.2 INTERNATIONAL  
15) Where possible, phytosanitary measures are aligned with international standards, guidelines, and 
recommendations as per New Zealand’s obligations under Article 3.1 of the World Trade Organisation 
(WTO) Agreement on the Application of  Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), WTO 1995 
and section 23(4)(c) of the Biosecurity Act 1993.    
 
16) The SPS Agreement states that phytosanitary measures must not discriminate unfairly between countries or 
between imported or domestically p roduced goods, and where there is a choice of phytosanitary measures to 
reduce risk to an acceptable level, WTO members must select the least trade restrictive measure.  
2.3 NEW ZEALAND ’S BIOSECURITY SYSTEM  
17) New Zealand operates a biosecurity system for which th e phytosanitary aspect (covering plant health) is a 
key part.  
 
18) No biosecurity system is capable of reducing risk to zero. The objective of the IHS system is to reduce to an 
acceptable level the likelihood of entry and establishment of regulated organisms (including pests, diseases 
and weeds).  
 
19) An organism is ‘regulated’ by MPI if it could cause unacceptable consequences (i.e. likely to cause 
unacceptable economic, environmental, socio -cultural or human health impacts in New Zealand) if it were to 
enter an d establish in New Zealand, provided the following conditions are met:  
a) it is not present in New Zealand; or 
b) it is present but under official control in New Zealand;  
c) it is able to establish and /or spread in New Zealand.  
- Entry and establishment is defined as  ‘introduction’ by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).  
 
20) The New Zealand phytosanitary system focuses on ensuring that the most significant pests, for example 
economically important fruit flies, are unlikely to establish in New Zealand. Th e system also manages risk 
associated with all regulated pests.  
 
21) The focus of the IHS for plant -based goods is to, wherever possible, manage unacceptable phytosanitary 
risks identified as being associated with the goods before arrival/clearance at the New Zealand border. The 
expectation is that commercial consignments of plants and plant products meet New Zealand’s phytosanitary 
import requirements on arrival (risk is managed off -shore).  
 
22) MPI monitors the pathway performance related to each IHS to ensure i t provides the expected level of 
protection. This is achieved through verification and inspection activities at the border (and where possible,  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   8 identification of pests detected) and audits of the export systems and critical control points contained in the 
Export Plans . 
2.4 STRENGTH OF MEASURES  
23) Measures are required for regulated pests where the ‘probability of introduction and spread’ on a pathway is 
unacceptable (i.e. it is able to enter through the pathway, find a suitable host, and able to establish and (in 
most cases) spread in New Zealand).  
 
24) The strength of the measure required should be no more than necessary to manage the risk the organism 
poses. When managing biosecurity risks on fresh fruit and vegetables,  MPI has classified measures into 
three categor ies of increasing strength: Basic Measures , Targeted Measures  and MPI-Specified Measures .  
 
25) The strength of measure required depends on the risk posed by the organism on the pathway. This risk is 
determined by a combination of the consequences the pest may cause if it was introduced into New Zealand 
and the likelihood that the pest will enter and  establish from a pathway. For pests that would result in very 
high consequences (such as economically important species of fruit fly), MPI-Specified Measures  are 
required. This is because these pests would cause significant negative consequences to New Ze aland, even 
if the l ikelihood of them entering and establishing a transient population is low.  
 
26) The greater the consequence  from a pest, the greater the level of assurance MPI requires that the pest is not 
present in a consignment unless the pest has been rendered non -viable (dead or sterile from irradiation). For 
pests requiring Targeted  and/or MPI-Specified Measure , an Export Plan will be negotiated with the exporting 
NPPO which will be supported by an MPI pathway assessment visit (if required). The Expor t Plan will identify 
how Targeted  and MPI-Specified Measures  will be applied. The Export Plan must be approved by MPI, and 
is subject to audit and review by MPI.  
 
2.5 IMPORTING FRESH PROD UCE  
27) Fresh produce can onl y be imported into New Zealand where a commodit y specific IHS is available and the 
NPPO has provided evidence to the satisfaction of a CTO that the exporting country has a phytosanitary 
certification system that complies with International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM 7 ). 
Phytosanitary cer tification system . The phytosanitary certification system (including programmes and 
standards) must demonstrate the process used to provide export assurance.  The export system is subject to 
audit by MPI.  
 
28) In circumstances where regulated pests requiring Targeted  or MPI-Specified Measures  are associated with 
the commodity, MPI requires the exporting NPPO to negotiate an Export Plan with MPI. Exports to New 
Zealand under the IHS cannot occur until the Export Plan has been agreed by MPI and the exporting 
count ry. 
 
29) MPI has an obligation to prepare and make available a list of regulated pests as per Article VII.2 (i) of the 
IPPC (1997) and New Zealand’s list of regulated pests can be found in MPI’s Biosecurity Organisms Register 
for Imported Commodities  (BORIC). In addition, some commodity IHS’s will have specific pests listed which 
require Targeted  or MPI-Specified Measures  for National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs) certifying 
commodities for export to New Zealand. If pests are detected during phytosanitary inspection which are not 
listed on the commodity specific pest list, then the exporting NPPO should refer to BORIC for their regulatory 
status. Where the pest is not listed in BORIC, the exporting NPPO must contact MPI 
(PlantImports@mpi.govt.n z) in order to make a determination on the regulatory status of the pest.  
 
 
   
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   9 3 Risk  Analysis  Approach  
This section outlines the approach used to determine the management of risks associated with imported fresh 
ginger for human consumption. This includes in formation on the types of measures which may effectively manage 
specific risks associated with importing fresh ginger rhizomes.  
3.1 COMMODITY DESCRIPTIO N 
30) The commodity description and standard production practices  is significant in the risk analysis procedure in 
order to determine the baseline from which any outstanding risks are identified. These outstanding risks may 
require additional measures over and above Basic Measures . 
31) This RMP applies to fresh ginger ( Zingiber officinale  and Z. zerumbet ) rhizome for human consumption 
(‘fresh ginger’).  
 
32) Fresh ginger  commodity is defined as export quality  fresh ginger rhizomes with skin. The ginger rhizome is 
typically branched, containing yellow flesh covered by a thin brown skin. The commodity does not in clude 
roots (with the exception that Z. zerumbet  may have dry root hairs or fine roots attached), leaves, stems, or 
other plant parts. Products must be clean, free from soil, and washed.  
 
33) Export quality  is defined as : 
a) intact, sound and clean;  
b) free from:  
 rot, signs of shrivelling and dehydration;  
 any visible foreign matter;  
 damage caused by pests affecting the flesh; and  
 abnormal moisture . 
c) able to withstand transportation and handling.  
 
34) Commercially produced ginger is graded  throughout production  to remove:  
a) rhizomes in an immature state;  
b) damaged rhizomes, and plant material (such as the leaves) other than what is included in the commodity 
description;  
c) rhizomes which are infested or infected with visually detectable pests;  and/or  
d) all plant material from species other than Z. officinale and Z. zerumbet . 
 
35) Private consignments and products produced through non -commercial systems (for example, ‘backyard’ 
production) do not meet the definition of commercially produced, and are excluded from the scope of this 
RMP and the IHS for Fresh Ginger for Human Consumption.  
 
36) Dried, frozen and processed ginger products are excluded from the scope of this RMP. Such product may be 
imported under the  Stored Plant Products for Human Consumption IHS .  
3.2 SOURCE INFORMATION  
37) In the development  of the RMP  the following information was used to identify risk organisms and the 
appropriate measures to manage their entry and establishment in New Zealand : 
a) BORIC. Biosecurity Organisms Register for Imported Commodities (MPI database). 
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/news -and-resources/resources/registers -and-lists/biosecurity -organisms -
register -for-imported -commodities/    
b) IPPC. 1997. International Plant Protection Convention. Rome, IPPC, FAO.  
c) Ginger pest and production i nformation received from  countries approved to export to New Zealand and 
China.  
d) MPI (2019) Import Risk Analysis: Ginger (Zingiber officinale, Zingiber zerumbet) fresh produce. Version 
1. July 2019  
e) MPI. (2019). Ministry for Primary Industries Standard 152.02 : Importation and Clear ance of Fresh Fruit 
and Vegetables i nto New Zealand .  
f) MPI. (2019). International pathway assessment report: Fresh ginger from China.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   10 g) MPI. (2006). Import Health Standard  Commodity Sub -class: Fresh Fruit/Vegetables  Ginger, ( Zingiber  
officinale ) from Papua Ne w Guinea . 
h) MPI. (2006). Import Health Standard Commodity Sub -class: Fresh Fruit/Vegetables Ginger, ( Zingiber  
officinale ) from Thailand . 
i) MPI. (1998). Import Health Standard Commodity Sub -class: Fresh Fruit/Vegetables Ginger, Zingiber  
officinale  from Vanuatu . 
j) QuanCargo. MPI internal database of imported commodity consignments.  
 
3.3 DESCRIPTION OF IMPORT RISK ASSESSMENT  
38) Biosecurity risk i nformation in this RMP  is based on the MPI (2019) Import Risk Analysis: Ginger ( Zingiber 
officinale , Zingiber zerumbet ) fresh produce. Version 1. July 2019 , unless specific references are included in 
the text. A summary of risk organisms and justification for measures can be found in Part 4.  
 
Note : This is not an exhaustive list of pests but is representative of the type  of pests that are likely to be or, 
are known to be associated  with the commodity at the point of export . This includes  pest interception data . 
 
39) The purpose of the risk analysis is to provide evidence for decisions about the strength of measures 
required.  
 
40) The risk analysis  process is described  in the IRA , and considers:  
a) presence or absence in the exporting country;  
b) presence or absence in New Zealand;  
c) regulatory status in New Zealand;  
d) association with the commodity and pathway;  
e) likelihood of entry and  establishment in New Zealand;  
f) potential to cause unwanted consequences in New Zealand ; and 
g) the ability of Basic Measures  to manage the risk to an acceptable level.  
 
41) Pests are defined as “any species, strain or biotype of plant, animal or pathogenic agent injurious to plants or 
plant products” ( ISPM 5 : Glossary of p hytosanitary terms ).   
 
42) The criteria for a pest or pathogen to require more than Basic Measures  is based on the  combination of the 
likelihood of the pests being removed or detected during standard commercial production and the risk if they 
were  not. 
3.4 DESCRIPTION OF  MEASURES  
43) The biosecurity system in New Zealand operates a series of components or layers (pre -border, border, and 
post-border) that together provide a h igh level of assurance that the risk of pests to New Zealand is managed 
to an appropriate level . No one part of the system is able to achieve the necessary assurance on its own. 
The main components in the pre -border and border system include:  
a) commercial production ( Basic Measures ) to reduce pest prevalence on a commodity;  
b) application of an additional measure in the exporting country to reduce pest prevalence on a commodity 
(Targeted  and/ or MPI-Specified Measure  where required);  
c) official pre -export phyto sanitary inspection of homogeneous lot and certification to verify that pre -export 
measures have been undertaken and effective as required by MPI and that the consignment is 
considered free from regulated pests;  
d) on-arrival inspection of documentation in Ne w Zealand to verify compliance with the IHS. Inspection of a 
consignment may also be conducted in New Zealand to verify pests are not present in a representative 
sample (e.g. no live regulated visible pests in a 600 unit sample);  
e) remedial action ( e.g. tre atment) as required.  
 
44) Measures of different strengths ( Basic , Targeted , or MPI-Specified Measures ) are applied according to the 
level of the pest risk on the pathway to effectively mitigate the risk of pest introduction via a commodity.  
  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   11 Basic Measures  
45) All consignments must comply with Basic Measures  described in the IHS . Basic Measures  will manage the 
biosecurity risk of pests and diseases  entering and establish ing in New Zealand unless MPI has determined 
that Targeted  and/or MPI-Specified Measures  are required .  
 
46) Basic Measures  include (but are not restricted to) the following required components:  
Commercial production  
47) All fresh fruit and vegetables  for export to New Zealand, regardless of the associated pests, must be 
commercially produced using a  quality system, recognised standard cultivation, pest management, harvest , 
and packaging activities.  
 
48) Commercial production of fresh ginger includes:  
a) Recognised standard cultivation:  
 production site management such as plant health monitoring, appropriate use of agrichemicals, 
environmental controls, management of records.  
 crop hygiene practices such as in -field weed control.  
 
b) Pest management:  
 pest monitoring.  
 management of pests and diseases including cultural, biological and chemical controls.  
 
c) Harvest ac tivities:  
 sorting of ginger  to remove extraneous matter (such as plant material and soil) and non -export 
quality produce.  
 
d) Packaging activities:  
 removal of debris (including soil) and vis ible pests from ginger rhizome.  
 packing ginge r into clean packaging m aterial.  
 maintaining product security following export certification to prevent pest re -infestation.  
 
49) All fresh fruit and vegetables  for export to New Zealand must be of export q uality to minimise the likelihood of 
infested or infected ginger rhizomes  entering the supply chain.  
 
50) For many pests,  Basic Measures  are sufficient to reduce their prevalence in a consignment to a very low 
level and by doing so reduce to an acceptable level their likelihood of entry, establishment, and spread, and 
therefore pre vent any unwanted impact they may have on New Zealand  
 
Targeted Measures  
51) Targeted Measures  are measures which effectively reduce the likelihood  of entry and establishment of 
regulated pests which are not sufficiently managed by Basic Measures  alone. Targeted Measures  are 
required in addition to Basic Measures . 
 
MPI-Specified Measures  
52) MPI-Specified Measures are measures which effectively reduce the likelihood  of entry and establishment of 
certain very high risk regulated pests into New Zealand, such as  economically important fruit flies.  MPI-
Specified Measures  are required in addition to Basic Measures  where a very high level of confidence is 
required.  
3.5 CERTIFICATION AND VE RIFICATION  
Pre-export inspection and phytosanitary certification  
53) Pre-export inspe ction of a homogeneous lot and phytosanitary certification by the exporting NPPO of all 
commercially produced fresh fruit and vegetables  for export to New Zealand is required to provide 
assurances of freedom from visually detectable regulated pests. Assura nce is also required if measures for  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   12 pests that are not visually detectable have been applied as described in the Export Plan . An Export Plan is 
only required for pests requiring Targeted  or MPI-Specified Measures .  
 
54) The phytosanitary certification process  includes:  
a) verification that Basic  Measures  required  by MPI have  been met;  
b) verification that Targeted  or MPI-Specified Measures  have be met, if applicable;  
c) sampling and inspection to determine pest freedom;  
 The exporting NPPO will randomly sample and visually inspect a minimum of 600 randomly 
selected ginger rhizomes from each lot of 20,000 rhizomes or more  to ensure a 95% confidence 
level that not more than 0.5% of the units in the lot are infested . Smaller lots will be sampled as per 
ISPM 31 : Methodo logies for sampling of consignments , Table 1: Table of minimum sample sizes for 
95% and 99% confidence levels at varying levels of detection according to lot size, hypergeometric 
distribution .   
 Inspection will involve an examination of all external parts of the ginger rhizome and where 
necessary, at 10x magnification to ensure detection of cryptic or small pests. Consistent with 
international practice, the inspected sample must be free from regulated pests.  
 Where any live regulated pest is found in the ins pected lot, an appropriate measure  (i.e. remedial 
action)  must be applied (for example fumigation with an efficacious chemical) or the lot must be 
rejected for export to New Zealand.  
d) any remedial action taken as agreed with MPI.  
 
Verification on arrival in  New Zealand  
55) When a consignment arrives in New Zealand, MPI will conduct a documentation check to ensure the 
phytosanitary certification conforms to the requirements laid out in the IHS.  
 
56) Consignments without phytosanitary certification, or accompanied by incorrect certification, may be held in a 
transitional facility until correct documentation is presented. Failure to present correct documentation may 
result in the consignment being re -shipped or destroyed.  
 
57) MPI will normally sample and inspect consignments of fresh fruit and vegetables  on-arrival to verify the 
absence of regulated pests. Where a pathway is historically highly compliant, inspections may be conducted 
on an audit basis. Any  reduction in the level of inspection from current on -arrival levels is based on sound 
evidence of the compliance of a pathway.   
 
58) When live regulated pests are detected on consignments on arrival in New Zealand, one of the following 
remedial risk manageme nt activities will be applied:  
a) Treatment of the consignment.  
 re-conditioning to remove infested or infected stems; or  
 application of an efficacious treatment  to kill regulated pests.  
b) Reshipment of the consignment.  
c) Destruction of the consignment . 
   
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   13  
4 Pest Risk  Analysis  for Fresh Ginger  
59) This section  contains the regulated  pests associated with the fresh ginger  and the proposed measures to 
manage the biosecurity risk.  
 
60) The pest risk assessment process : 
a) identifies pests and diseases found to be associated wit h fresh ginger in Australia, China, Fiji, Niue, 
Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Thailand, Tonga, and Vanuatu,  
b) determines their presence (or absence) in New Zealand, and  
c) considers if they might be associated with export quality fresh ginger at the point of export.  
 
61) A summary of key conclusions from the  pest risk assessment process is included where a pest has been 
identified as a potential regulated  pest.  
 
Note : if at any step there is insufficient information available to determine that the organism fulfils the criteria 
of a quarantine  pest, then the organism may be  discounted from the pest list and the pest risk analysis 
process does not continue.  
 
 = inform ation on where the pest is not managed  
= information on where the pest is managed  
 = uncertainty  
 
62) For the technical justification for the addition and removal of pests , refer to the pages 16-24 and Appendix  1. 
 
63) It is assumed that if an organism associated with fresh ginger ( Z. officinale  and Z. zerumbet ) is of concern, 
then the evidence  for this concern would be recorded internationally (such as interception data (where 
available), risk analysis, scientific studies, reports of significant economic impacts). Measures must be 
supported by technical justification . Where there is insufficient information, provisional measures may be 
recommended recognising the obligation to seek additional information . MPI may review the pests 
associated with a  pathway (or their management) if new information becomes available, including in the 
following circumstances:  
a) a change in host status;  
b) pest status prevalence  in a country ; 
c) frequent interception on arrival in New Zealand; or  
d) a new or changed risk on import ed fresh ginger is  reported (e.g.  via MPI’s Emerging Risks System ). 
 
64) If regulated organisms are intercepted on the pathway an on -arrival , remedial action will be  required (e.g. 
fumigation) prior to clearance for entry into New Zealand. If no suitable or approved remedial measure is 
available, the consignment will be reshipped or destroyed. Any pests intercepted on the pathway may be 
retrospectively added to the pe st list and/or will be considered as part of the next review of the IHS.  
 
65) ISPM 11 . Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests  requires that “the identity of the pest should be clearly 
defined to ensure that the [risk] assessment is performed on a distinct organism, and that biological and 
other information used in the assessment is relevant to the organism in question.” It is re cognised that a pest 
may still be clearly defined at genus level, as not all species are described. In this case, genera of biosecurity 
concern that are present in the countries assessed but not in New Zealand would be considered as regulated 
as they still  pose a potential risk to New Zealand.  
4.1 SUMMARY OF RISK ASSO CIATED WITH THE IMPO RTATION OF FRESH 
GINGER  
66) Pests identified as potentially associated with fresh ginger  rhizomes (including roots for Z. zerumbet ) were 
assessed in MPI’s import risk analysis of gi nger (MPI, 2019).  These include pest species that use the 
commodity for some part of their lifecycle, as well as species where there is existing evidence to suggest 
they have an opportunistic association with the commodity.  
   
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   14 67) Assessment identified 345 potential organisms  associated with fresh ginger  rhizomes  that present a potential 
risk on this import pathway because they:  
a) are present in  a country that intends to export fresh ginger rhizome s to New Zealand;  
b) are absent from New Zealand; and /or 
c) are associated with fresh ginger rhizome  of Z. officinale  and/or fresh ginger rhizome [including roots]  of 
Z. zerumbet . 
 
68) Fifty-eight  of the 345  organisms  present a potential  biosecurity  risk on the fresh ginger from all approved 
countries and China (i.e.  the organisms  may be  associated with the fresh ginger , capable of establishing and 
spreading in New Zealand, and causing harmful economic consequences).  These are identified in Table 2  
and measures explained on pages 16-24.   
a) The remaining 287 organisms are not considered to present a biosecurity  risk on the pathway  (unlikely 
to be associated with  the product at point of export, or will not survive transit to New Zealand) , and 
therefore do not require further assessment.  
 
Table 2: Pests associated with fresh ginger  
Pest  
Acari  
 Cosmoglyphus oudemansi  
 Rhizoglyphus setosus  
 Rhizoglyphus singularis  
 Schwiebea similis   
 Schwiebea zingiberi  
 Tyrophagus javensis  
 Tyrophagus perniciosus  
 
Bacteria  
 Pantoea ananatis  
 Ralstonia solanacearum Race 4   
 Xanthomonas zingiberi  
 Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris  
Coleoptera  
 Adoretus sinicus    
 Elytroteinus subtruncatus   
 Drasterius sp. 
 Haptoncus ocularis  
Diptera  
 Calobata indica  
 Elassogaster sp. nr  linearis  
 Chalcidomyia atricornis   
 Merochlorops flavipes  
 Mimegralla coeruleifrons  
 Pnyxia scabiei  
Fungi  
 Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.  
zingiberi  
 Mucor racemosus   
 Proxipyricularia zingiberis (syn. 
Pyricularia zingiberi)  
 Rosellinia bunodes  
Hemiptera  
 Aspidiella hartii  
 Aspidiotus destructor   
 Dysmicoccus brevipes  
 Formicococcus polysperes  
Lepidoptera  
 Conogethes punctiferalis  
 Piletocera xanthosoma  
 Maruca vitrata   
 Opogona regressa  
 Setomorpha rutella  
Nematode s 
 Caloosia longicaudata  
 Criconemella onoensis  
 Discocriconemella discolabia  
 Helicotylenchus abunaamai  
 Helicotylenchus egyptiensis  
 Helicotylenchus indicus  
 Helicotylenchus mucronatus  
 Helicotylenchus multicinctus  
 Hemicriconemoides cocophillus  
 Hoplolaimus indicus   
 Hoplolaimus seinhorsti  
 Macroposthonia denoudeni  
 Meloidogyne enterolobii  
 Meloidogyne thailandica  
 Mesocriconema onoense  
 Pratylenchus zeae  
 Quinisulcius sp.  
 Radopholus similis  
 Rotylenchulus reniformis  
 Xiphinema insigne  
 Xiphinema krugi   
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   15 Oomycetes  
 Pythiogeton ramosum  
 Pythium aphanidermatum   
 Pythium deliense  
Virus  
 Ginger chlorotic fleck virus   
 
4.2 DETERMINATION OF PHY TOSANITARY MEASURES INCLUDED IN THE 
DRAFT IHS  
69) MPI requires measures to be applied to reduce the risk of entry and establishment of a pest on a pathway  to 
an acceptable level . Attaining zero biosecurity risk is not possible in any system.  
 
70) Each step in the biosecurity  system reduces the likelihood of pests being present on the pathway. MPI will 
verify and inspect the consignment to ensure the requirements in the IHS have been met. Remedial actions 
will be taken on n on-compliant consignments . 
 
71) An assessment and determination of measures  for pests associated with fresh ginger rhizome s can be found 
from pages 16-24.  
 
72) The measures contained in the IHS are subject to regular review based on pathway compliance, pest 
interceptions, eme rging risk assessment, and new information/ intelligence.  MPI will monitor interceptions of 
all regulated pests ( including  hitchhikers) and the appropriateness/ effectiveness of phytosanitary measures 
during trade.  
4.3 SUMMARY OF PROPOSED MEASURES  FOR FRESH GINGER  
73) MPI considers the risks associated with the importation of fresh ginger will be effectively managed by 
applying Basic Measures . 
 
74) Basic Measures  are justified  and sufficient  to manage the pests listed below on the fresh ginger import 
pathway. Detailed pest  information can be found in the ginger fresh produce IRA . 
 
a) The risk activities summarised below  contribute to managing all the pest groups summarised below : 
 Commercial production activities will reduce pest levels , visible damage or symptoms in ginger 
production sites to a low level.  
o Commercial production includes monitoring for plants displaying signs/symptoms of infestation/infection 
during production. Monitoring will identify obviously affected plants, resulting  in pest controls being 
applied (see  Commercial Production ). 
 
 Harvest, grading and packing activities will reduce the likelihood of these pests being associated 
with fresh ginger at export to a very low level.  
 
 Many of the pests will be removed from the ginger rhizomes with the removal of soil (MPI, 2019).  
 
 Rhizomes with visible damage caused by pest infestation/infection will be removed during 
packhouse activities.  
o The IHS specifies e xport quality rhizomes (whic h includes grading to remove damaged rhizomes). 
Heavily infested/infected, damaged ginger will not be export quality and therefore will be removed during 
grading and packaging (see  Commercial Production ). 
 
 Pest inf estation/infection is likely to be detected and managed during official pre -export inspection 
by the exporting NPPO (see Pre-export inspection and phytosanitary certification ).   
o Detection of these pests will r equire remedial action (e.g. end point treatment, resorting  etc.) prior to 
export certification.  
 
75) The information about the pest groups below covers additional information about r isk management for these 
pests.    
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   16  
76) The assessment structure used to determine whether a pest will be managed by Basic Measures  may 
consider the following factors:  
o Entry  
o Exposure  
o Establishment  
o Spread  
o Impact  
  
The pest assessment concludes at the factor where the pest is considered to be ma naged.  The following 
symbols indicate:  
 = the information on where the pest is not managed.  
= the information on where the pest is managed.  
 = uncertainty . 
ACARI  (MITES)  
Conclusion: Basic Measures are Justified and Sufficient  
The mites in Table 3 have been assessed and determined to  be a biosecurity risk on the pathway because:  
Pathway association  
 These mites are associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 These mites are not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 These mites are present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 3: Mites assessed as a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Acaridae  Cosmoglyphus oudemansi  
Rhizoglyphus setosus  
Rhizoglyphus singularis  
Schwiebea similis  Schwiebea zingiberi  
Tyrophagus javensis  
Tyrophagus perniciosus  
 
 
Basic Measures  are sufficient to manage the risk posed by the mites in Table 3 because:  
 
Entry  
The mites  are likely to be visible during commercial production,  phytosanitary and/or border 
inspections . 
 Mites  of all life stages  have been  detected at the border due to their colouring, movement 
and/or damage to the commodity  (MPI, 2019).  
BACTERIA  
Conclusion: Basic Measures are Justified and Sufficient  
The bacterium  in Table 4 has been assessed and determined to  be a biosecurity risk on the pathway because:  
Pathway association  
 This bacterium is associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 This bacterium is not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 This bacteri um is present in on e or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 4: Bacteri um assessed as a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Xanthomonadaceae  Xanthomonas zingiberi  
  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   17  
Basic Measures  are sufficient to manage the risk posed by X. zingiberi  because:  
 
Entry  
 Xanthomonas zingiberi  is not reported to cause symptoms on ginger so is unlikely to be detected 
during phytosanitary and/or border inspections (MPI, 2019).  
 
Establishment  
 There is no information to support X. zingiberi  establishing and spreading in New Zealand , however, 
it is unlikely to encounter a host plant  (MPI, 2019).  
 
Impact  
 If X. zingiberi  established and spread in New Zealand, it would have a very low impact  on New 
Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 Xanthomonas zingiberi  is only known to occur in ginger rhizomes and is not known to affect 
other hosts (MPI, 2019).  
 The overall value of the Zingiberaceae family in New Zealand is very low (MPI, 2019).  
 There are several species of plants in the Zingiberaceae family grown as ornamentals and no 
species in the Zingiber  genus are commercially grown for human consumption in New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 
 
Conclusion: Basic Measures are Justified and Sufficient  
The bacterium  in Table 5 has been assessed and determined to  bes a biosecurity risk on the pathway because:  
Pathway association  
 This bacterium is associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
o This bacterium can occur as an endophyte, epiphyte, pathogen  and symbiont  (MPI, 2019) . The varied nature 
of the bacterium makes it difficult to predict how it will behave in different circumstances  (MPI, 2019) . For 
example, it is uncertain whether the P. ananatis  found on ginger can cause impacts on any other plant  
species  (MPI, 2019) .  
o There are no reports of P. ananatis  causing symptoms in ginger crops in countries that intend to export to 
New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 This bacterium is not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 This bacterium is present in one or more of  the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 
 Table 5: Bacteri um assessed as a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Enterobacteriaceae  Pantoea ananatis   
 
Basic Measures  are sufficient to manage the risk posed by P. ananatis  because:  
 
Entry  
The only  report of P. ananatis  causing symptoms in ginger crops is in India. Pantoea ananatis  
disease symptoms  are likely to be detected by crop inspectors in ginger fields prior to export. Symptoms 
include foliar blighting and reduction in ginger rhizome yield (MPI, 2019). The crop monitors are likely to 
apply pest management strategies to infected crops.  
 
 There is uncertainty regarding the circumstances in which P. ananatis  is pathogenic and in its abili ty 
to be transferred to a suitable environment for establishment  (MPI, 2019) . Different strains of P. ananatis  
have been predicted in the literature, but none have been formally described  (MPI, 2019).  
  
 Symptoms caused by P. ananatis  are unlikely to be detected during phytosanitary and/or border 
inspections (MPI, 2019).  
  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   18 Establishment  
 Pantoea ananatis  has been isolated from soil, water and plant matter , but there is no information to 
support spread by mechanical transmission (MPI, 2019)  
 Due to the small volume of waste produced and relatively high consumption, there are likely to be low 
inoculum levels of P. ananatis  being discarded into the environment and a low likelihood  of the infected 
inoculum being exposed to a suitable host (MPI, 2019).  
 The known vectors ( Thrips tabaci  and Frankliniella fusca ) of P. ananatis  are unlikely to transmit this 
bacteria to host plants from discarded ginger (MPI, 2019 ). 
 Thrips tabaci  is present in New Zealand but ginger is not a known host of T. tabaci (MPI, 2019).   
 Frankliniella fusca  is absent from New Zealand and regulated on BORIC (MPI, 2019).  
 Thrips are unlikely to be associated with fresh ginger rhizomes (MPI, 2019).  
 
 For this bacteri um to establish in New Zealand, the ginger will need to be propagated which is 
unlikely to occur.  
 There is no record of any of the species of the Zingiber  genus being natural ised in New Zealand (MPI, 
2019). I nfected discarded ginger rhizomes are unlikely to grow in New Zealand and  therefore  these 
bacteria are unlikely to be exposed to suitable hosts  (MPI, 2019) . 
 Zingiber  plants require warm, tropical conditions with lots  of water and nutrients to grow,  therefore , it is 
unlikely that these plants could grow wi thout intentional propagation (MPI, 2019).  
 
Conclusion: Basic Measures is Sufficient  
The bacterium  in Table 6 has been assessed and determined to be a biosecurity risk on the pathway because:  
Pathway association  
 This bacterium is associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
o Candidatus  Phytoplasma asteris is associated with fresh ginger rhizomes with roots (MPI, 2019).  
 This bacterium is not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 This bacterium is present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 6: Bacteri um assessed as a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Acholeplasmataceae  Candidatus  Phytoplasma asteris  
 
Basic Measures  are sufficient to manage the risk posed by Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris  because:  
  
Entry  
 Symptoms caused by Candidatus  Phytoplasma asteris are unlikely to be detected during 
phytosanitary and/or border inspections (MPI, 2019).  
 
Establishment  
 For this bacteria to establish in New Zealand, the ginger will need to be propagated which is unlikely 
to occur.  
 There is no record of any of the species of the Zingiber  genus being natural ised in New Zealand (MPI, 
2019). I nfected discarded ginger rhizomes are unl ikely to grow in New Zealand and  therefore  these 
bacteria are unlikely to be exposed to suitable hosts  (MPI, 2019) . 
 Zingiber  plants require warm, tropical conditions with lots  of water and nutrients to grow,  therefore , it is 
unlikely that these plants coul d grow without intentional propagation (MPI, 2019).  
 
Conclusion: Basic Measures are Justified and Sufficient  
The bacterium  in Table 7 has been assessed and determined to be a biosecurity risk on the pathway because:  
Pathway association  
 This bacterium is associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).   
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   19  This bacterium is not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 This bacterium is  present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 7: Bacterium  assessed as a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Ralstoniaceae  Ralstonia solanacearum  (Race 4)  
 
Basic Measures  are sufficient to manage the risk posed by R. solanacearum (Race 4)  because:  
 
Entry  
 Symptoms caused by bacterial infections are likely to be visible  during commercial production, 
phytosanitary and/or border inspections.  
 The symptoms of bacterial infection  on rhizomes are generally darker than normal and have water -
soaked areas with pockets of milky fluid (MPI, 2019 ). 
Diseased ginger rhizomes will be graded out during the processing stages (MPI, 2019).  
COLEOPTERA (BEETLES)  
Conclusion: Basic Measures are Justified and Sufficient  
The Coleoptera in Table 8 has been assessed and determined to be a biosecurity risk on the pathway because:  
Pathway association  
 These insects are associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 These insects are not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 These insects are present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 8: Coleoptera assessed as  a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Curculionidae  Elytroteinus subtruncatus   
Elateridae  Drasterius  sp.  
Nitidulidae  Haptoncus ocularis   
Scarabaeidae  Adoretus sinicus  Phyllophaga  spp. 
 
Basic Measures  are suffici ent to manage the risk posed the Coleoptera in Table 8 because:  
 
Entry  
These insects are likely to be visible during commercial production,  phytosanitary and/or border 
inspections.  
 All life stages of the  insects  and/or the damage caused by these insects are likely to be detected on the 
rhizomes during inspection (MPI, 2019).  
   
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   20 DIPTERA (FLIES)  
Conclusion: Basic Measures are Justified and Sufficient  
The Diptera in Table 9 have been assessed and determined be a biosecurity risk on the pathway because:  
Pathway association  
 These insects are associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 These insects are not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 These insects are present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019 ). 
 
Table 9: Diptera assessed as a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Chloropidae  Chalcidomyia atricornis  Merochlorops flavipes   
Micropezidae  Calobata indica  Mimegralla coeruleifrons  
Platystomatidae  Elassogaster sp. nr  linearis   
Sciaridae  Pnyxia scabiei   
 
Basic Measures  are suffici ent to manage the risk posed the Diptera  in Table 9 because:  
 
Entry  
These insects (adults and larvae) are unlikely to enter:  
 Damage caused by these insects will be graded out during processing (MPI, 2019).  
 These insects (adults and larvae) and associated damage are likely to be visible during 
commercial production, phytosanitary and/or border inspections  (MPI, 2019) . 
FUNGI  
Conclusion: Basic Measures are Justified and Sufficient  
The fungi  in Table 1 0 have been assessed and determined to be a biosecurity risk on the pathway because:  
Pathway association  
 The fungi are associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 The fungi are not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 The fungi are present in one or m ore of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand (MPI, 
2019).  
 
Table 1 0: Fungi assessed as a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Mucoraceae  Mucor racemosus   
Nectriaceae  Fusarium oxysporum  f. sp. zingiberi  
Pyriculariaceae  Proxipyricularia zingiberis (syn.  Pyricularia zingiberi ) 
Xylariaceae  Rosellinia bunodes   
 
Basic Measures  are suffici ent to manage the risk posed the fungi  in Table 10 because:  
 
Entry  
 
 Symptoms caused by  a fungal infection are likely to be visible during  commercial production, 
phytosanitary  and/or border inspections.  
 Mucor racemosus  causes rotting of ginger rhizomes in storage (MPI, 2019).  
 Fusarium oxysporum  f. sp. zingiberi  causes Fusarium yellows in ginger plants which cause the ginger 
rhizomes to become shrivelled (MPI, 2019).  
 Proxipyricularia zingiberis causes leaf spot/leaf blast and black scabs on rhizomes of on Z. officinale  
(MPI, 2019).  
 Rosellinia bunodes  causes black rot in ginger which can be visually detected (MPI, 2019)   
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   21  
HEMIPTERA  (TRUE BUGS)  
Conclusion: Basic Measures are Justified and Sufficient  
The H emiptera in Table 1 1 have been assessed and determined be a biosecurity risk on the pathway because:  
Pathway association  
 These insects are associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
o Dysmicoccus brevipes  and F. polysperes  are associated with fresh ginger rhizome with roots (MPI, 
2019).  
 These insects are not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 These  insects are present in one or more of the countries intending to export gin ger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 1 1: Diptera assessed as potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Diaspididae  Aspidiotus destructor  Aspidiella hartii  
Pseudococcidae  Dysmicoccus brevipes  Formicococcus polysperes   
 
Basic Measures  are suffici ent to manage the risk posed the H emiptera in Table 1 1 because:  
 
Entry  
These insects are likely to be visible during  commercial production,  phytosanitary and/or border 
inspections.  
 Aspidiotus destructor  and Aspidiella hartii  will be visible and therefore are likely to be detected during 
visual inspection (MPI, 2019).  
 Infestation s by D. brevipes  are visually detectable as the mealybugs produce  a white wax which cover 
the adults (MPI, 2019).  
 F. polysperes  is visible due to the obvious white mealybug colonies and symbiotically associated ant 
colonies (MPI, 2019).  
LEPIDOPTERA  (BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS ) 
Conclusion: Basic measures are Justified and Sufficient  
The Lepidoptera in Table 12 have been assessed and determined be a biosecurity risk on the pathway because:  
Pathway association  
 These insects are associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 These insects are not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 These insects are present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 12: Lepidoptera assessed as a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Crambidae  Conogethes punctiferalis  Piletocera xanthosoma  
Pyralidae  Maruca vitrata   
Tineidae  Opogona regressa  Setomorpha rutella  
 
Basic Measures  are suffici ent to manage the risk posed the Lepidoptera in Table 12 because:  
 
Entry  
 These insects (adults and larvae) are unlikely to enter:  
 Damage caused by these insects will be graded out during processing (MPI, 2019).  
 These insects (adults and larvae) and associated damage are likely to be visible and therefore 
managed/removed during commercial production, phytosanitary and/or border inspections ( MPI, 2019).  
  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   22 Infestation of C. punctiferalis  in the field will be detected by crop monitors prior to harvesting.  
 This insect feeds on the leaves, shoots, and inside the stem of the ginger plant and therefore is unlikely 
to be associated with the rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 In-field symptoms (e.g. terminal yellow shoots on the plant) reduce the likelihood of infested ginger 
rhizome from being imported due to infected plants dying.  The symptoms are likely to be detected by 
crop inspectors during  normal commercial production.  
NEMATOD ES (ROUNDWORMS)  
Conclusion: Basic measures are Justified and Sufficient  
The nematode in Table 13 has been assessed and determined to be a biosecurity risk on the pathway because:  
Pathway association  
 This nematode  is present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 This nematode is not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 This nematode is  associated with fresh ginger rhizome with roots (MPI, 2019).  
o Ginger appears not to be a common host for Pratylenchus  zeae . This nematode may only infrequently be 
associated with ginger roots/rhizomes, and if so, it is likely to be in low numbers. (MPI, 2019).  
Table 13: Nematodes assessed as a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Pratylenchidae  Pratylenchus zeae   
 
Basic Measures  are suffici ent to manage the risk posed by P. zeae  because:  
 
Entry  
If this nematode was associated with ginger rhizomes, post -harvest processing is unlikely to remove 
or kill the pest (MPI, 2019).  
 Pratylenchus zeae  is a migratory endoparasite and can enter and feed on the roots (MPI, 2019).  
Establishment  
There is a low potential for infected ginger rhizomes to be exposed to hosts and therefore establish in 
New Zealand as a result of the import of fresh ginger rhizomes (MPI, 2019).  
 Small amounts of ginger are usually purchased per customer with only small amounts of ginger likely to 
be discarded in compost as it is likely to be consumed, disposed of in the landfill or , kitchen disposal 
units which l eads to the sewers (MPI, 2019)  
 There is a potential for businesses (e.g. supermarkets) to discard larger quantities of ginger, however, it 
is unlikely that infected ginger rhizomes would be actively exposed to a host plant in the environment 
(MPI, 2019).  
 The movement of soil/compost by humans, or the action of ground water, could disperse P. zeae  to host 
plants in the environ ment (MPI, 2019).  
 This nematode  is largely a tropical and subtropical pest and it is uncertain whether climatic conditions in 
New Zealand would enable this pest to thrive enough to become a significant pest (MPI, 2019).  
   
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   23 Conclusion: Basic measures are Justified and Sufficient  
The nemat odes in Table 14 have been assessed and determined to be a biosecurity risk on the pathway 
because:  
Pathway association  
 These nematodes are present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 These nematodes are n ot present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 These nematodes are associated with fresh ginger rhizome with roots (MPI, 2019).  
o These nematodes are free -living organisms in soil and feed externally on plant roots (MPI, 2019).  
o Meloidogyne enterolobii  and Radopholus  similis  is associated internally with ginger roots MPI, 2019 ). 
Table 14: Nematodes assessed as a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Criconematidae  Mesocriconema onoense  
Discocriconemella d iscolabia  
Criconemella onoensis  Hemicriconemoides cocophillus  
Macroposthonia denoudeni  
Caloosia longicaudata  
Dolichodoridae  Quinisulcius  sp.  
Longidoridae  Xiphinema insigne   Xiphinema krugi  
Hoplolaimidae  Helicotylenchus abunaamai  
Helicotylenchus egyptiensis  
Helicotylenchus indicus  
Helicotylenchus mucronatus  Helicotylenchus multicinctus  
Hoplolaimus indicus  
Hoplolaimus seinhorsti  
Rotylenchulus reniformis  
Heteroderidae  Meloidogyne enterolobii  Meloidogyne thailandica  
Pratylenchidae  Radopholus similis   
 
Basic Measures  are suffici ent to manage the risk posed by the nematodes in Table 14  because:  
 
Entry  
 These pests are likely to be managed by the commodity description and  Basic Measures  (MPI, 
2019).  
 The fresh ginger is required to be exported free from soil which will remove the nematodes from the 
ginger rhizome  and roots (MPI, 2019)  
 Cleaning and grading of the rhizomes will remove adult and egg life stages of this pest (MPI, 2019).  
 Rotylenchulus reniformis, Radopholus similis,  and associated damage/infection is likely to be visible 
during  commercial production , phytosanitary and/or border inspections  (MPI, 2019) . 
 
 Meloidogyne enterolobii is not present in countries approved to export Z. zerumbet  to New Zealand.  
 Roots on ginger are only approved to be exported on  Z. zerumbet , not Z. officinale . 
OOMYCETES (FUNGUS -LIKE MICROORGANISMS)  
Conclusion: Basic Measures are J ustified and Sufficient  
The oomycetes in Table 15 have been assessed and determined to be a biosecurity risk on the pathway 
because:  
Pathway association  
 These oomycetes are present in one or more  of the countries intending to export ginger to New 
Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 These oomycetes are not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 These oomycetes are associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 15: Oomycetes assessed as a potential biosecu rity risk  
Family  Pest  
Pythiaceae  Pythium aphanidermatum  Pythium deliense   
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   24 Pythiogetonaceae  Pythiogeton ramosum   
 
Basic Measures  are suffici ent to manage the risk posed by the oomycetes in Table 15 because:  
 
Entry  
 Symptoms caused by oomycete infection are likely to be visible during  commercial production, 
phytosanitary and/or border inspections.  
 Pythium aphanidermatum  causes soft rot which is visually detectable due to the brown spots on the 
rhizomes (MPI, 2019).  
 Pythium deliense  causes rot in  rhizomes in the field and post -harvest (MPI, 2019).  
 Pythiogeton ramosum  causes visible symptoms such as soft rot in ginger (MPI, 2019).  
VIRUS  
Conclusion: Basic Measures are Sufficient  
The virus in Table 16 has been assessed and determined to be a biosecurity risk on the pathway because:  
Pathway association  
 The virus is present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand (MPI, 
2019).  
 The virus is not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 The virus is associated with fres h ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 16: Virus assessed as  a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Sobemovirus  Ginger chlorotic fleck virus   
 
Basic Measures  are suffici ent to manage the risk posed by Ginger chlorotic fleck virus because:  
 
Establishment  
 
 Discarded ginger would need to be propagated in order for the virus to be exposed to other hosts to 
establish and spread even though i nfections by this virus are unlikely to be detected during visible during 
phytosanitary and/or border inspections (MPI, 2019).  
 There is no record of any of the species of the Zingiber  genus being natural ised in New Zealand (MPI, 
2019). I nfected discarded ginger rhizomes are unlikely to grow in New Zealand and  therefore  these 
bacteria are unlikely to be exp osed to suitable hosts.  
 Zingiber  plants require warm, tropical conditions with lots  of water and nutrients to grow,  therefore , it is 
unlikely that these plants could grow without intentional propagation (MPI, 2019).  
 
   
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   25 References  
 
BORIC. Biosecurity Organisms Register for Imported Commodities (MPI database). https://www.mpi.govt.nz/news -
and-resources/resources/registers -and-lists/biosecurity -organisms -register -for-imported -commodities/  
 
IPPC. 1997. International Plant Protection Convention. Rome, IPPC, FAO.  
 
MPI (2019) Import Risk Analysis: Ginger ( Zingiber of ficinale , Zingiber zerumbet ) fresh produce. Version 1. July 
2019. Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand.  
 
QuanCargo. MPI internal database of imported commodity consignments.  
 
 
 
 
   
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   26 Appendix 1: Pest Risk Assessment  summary  
Appendix 1 lists the pests and diseases that were considered, however, were not deemed a biosecurity risk 
because they were either not associated with the commodity or the pest is not present in the exporting country.  
ACARI  (MITES)  
Conclusion: Commodity  is not a host  
The mites in Table 17 have been assessed and determined to not be a biosecurity risk on the pathway because:  
 These mites are present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand (MPI, 
2019).  
 These mites are not p resent in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 These mites are not associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 17: Mites assessed as a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Ascidae  Lasioseius subterraneus   
Tenuipalpidae  Raoiella indica   
Tetranychidae  Tetranychus kanzawai  Tetranychus okawanus  
BACTERIA  
Conclusion: Commodity is not a host  
The bacteri um in Table 18 has been assessed and determined to not be a biosecurity risk on the pathway 
because:  
 This bacteri um is present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 This bacterium is not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 This bacterium is not associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 18: Bacteri um assessed as a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Xanthomonadaceae  Xanthomonas campestris pv. zingibericola  
COLEOPTERA  (BEETLES)  
Conclusion: Commodity  is not a host  
The Coleoptera in Table 19 have been assessed and determined to not be a biosecurity risk on the pathway 
because:  
 These insects are present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 These insects are not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 These insects are not associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 19: Coleopte ra assessed as  a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Anthicidae  Anthicus sp. 
 Abacetus  sp. 
Chrysomelidae  Chaeridiona mayuri   
Erotylidae  Dacne  sp.  
Latridiidae  Corticaria sp.  
Mycetophagidae  Litargus sp.  
Ptiliidae  Acrotrichis flavipennis   
Scarabaeidae  Adoretus versutus  Protaetia  sp. 
Staphylinidae  Carpelimus  sp. 
Phloeonomus  sp. Scaphisoma distans  
Tachinus  sp.  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   27  
Conclusion: Pest not in Export Countries  
The Coleoptera in Table 20 have been assessed and determined to not be a biosecurity risk on the pathway 
because:  
 These insect s are not present in any countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 20: Coleoptera assessed as  a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Curculionidae  Caulophilus oryzae   
Scarabaeidae  Brahmina coriacea   
DIPTERA  (FLIES)  
Conclusion: Commodity is not a host  
The Diptera in Table 21 have been assessed and determined to not be a biosecurity risk on the pathway 
because:  
 These flies are present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand (MPI, 
2019).  
 These flies are not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 These flies are not associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 21: Diptera assessed as  a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Drosophilidae  Dettopsomyia nigrovittata   
Limoniidae  Limonia strigivena   
Muscidae  Atherigona orientalis   
Phoridae  Megaselia albiclavata   
Syrphidae  Eumerus albifrons  
Eumerus pulcherrimus  Eumerus figurans  
FUNGI  
Conclusion: Commodity is not a host  
The fungi in Table 22 have been assessed and determined to not be a biosecurity risk on the pathway because:  
 The fungi is present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand (MPI, 
2019).  
 The fungi is not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 The fungi is not associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 22: Fungi assessed as  a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Botryosphaeriaceae  Phyllosticta zingiberi s  
Physalacriaceae  Armillaria mellea (anamorph Rhizomorpha subcoticalis )  
 
Conclusion: Pest is not in Export Country  
The fungus  in Table 23 has been assessed and determined to not be a biosecurity risk on the pathway because:  
 This fungus has not present in any countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 23: Fung us assessed as potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Aspergillaceae  Aspergillus parvisclerotigenus   
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   28 HEMIPTERA  (TRUE BUGS)  
Conclusion: Commodity is not a host  
The Diptera in Table 24 have been assessed and determined to not be a biosecurity risk on the pathway 
because:  
 These insects are present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 These insects are not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 These insects are not associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 
Table  24: Diptera assessed as a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Aleyrodidae  Aleurocanthus woglumi  
Aleurodicus dispersus  
 Aleurodicus dugesii  
Aphididae  Pentalonia nigronervosa   
Diaspididae  Aspidiella sacchari  
Ceroplastes rubens  
Aulacaspis tubercularis  
Chrysomphalus dictyospermi  
 Hemiberlesia palmae   
Pinnaspis strachani  
Pseudaonidia 
trilobitiformis  
Selenaspidus articulatus  
 
Pseudococcidae  Ferrisia virgata  
Nipaecoccus nipae  
 Planococcus minor  
Pseudococcus 
jackbeardsleyi  
Miridae  Cyrtorhinus lividipennis   
Monophlebidae  Icerya seychellarum   
Tingidae  Stephanitis typica   
 
HYMENOPTERA  (ANTS)  
Conclusion: Commodity is not a host  
The ants in Table 25 have been assessed and determined to not be a biosecurity risk on the pathway because:  
 These ants are present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand (MPI, 
2019).  
 These ants are not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 These ants are not associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
o These ants are associated with ginger as hitch hikers and do not feed on the fresh ginger rhizomes (MPI, 
2019). These pests would not be present on the fresh ginger rhizome if the fresh ginger complies with the 
commodity description.  
 
Table 25: Ants assessed as a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Formicidae  Camponotus chloroticus  
Monomorium minutum  
Nylanderia vaga  
Odontomachus haematodus  
Paratrechina longicornis 
Paratrechina vaga  Pheidole fervens  
Tapinoma melanocephalum  
Technomyrmex albipes  
Tetramorium simillimum 
Tetramorium tonganum  
 
LEPIDOPTERA  (BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS ) 
Conclusion: Commodity not a host  
The Lepidoptera in Table 26 have been assessed and determined to not be a biosecurity risk on the pathway 
because:  
 These insects are present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 These insects are not present in New Zealand (MPI, 201 9).  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   29  These insects are not associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 26: Lepidoptera assessed as  a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Crambidae  Ostrinia furnacalis  Ostrinia nubilalis  
Hesperiidae  Udaspes folus   
Noctuidae  Spodoptera exigua  Spodoptera frugiperda  
 
MOLLUSCS  
Conclusion: Commodity not a host  
The molluscs in Table 27 have been assessed and determined to not be a biosecurity risk on the pathway 
because : 
 These molluscs are present in one or more of the countries intending to  export ginger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 These molluscs are not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 These molluscs are  not associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
o There are single interceptions of some species but without other evidence this is  not sufficient evidence 
to consider a species associated with a commodity.  
 
Table 2 7: Molluscs assessed as a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Veronicellidae  Arion sp. 
Achatina fulica  Veronicella leydigi  
 
NEMATOD ES (ROUNDWORMS)  
Conclusion: Commodity  is not a host  
The nematodes in Table 28 have been assessed and determined to not be a biosecurity risk on the pathway 
because:  
 These nematodes are present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 Thes e nematodes are not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 These nematodes are not associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 28: Nematodes  assessed as  a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Aphelenchoididae  Aphelenchoides  sp.  
Anguinidae  Ditylenchus  sp.  
Pratylenchidae  Pratylenchus brachyurus   
 
PSOCOPTERA  
Conclusion: Commodity is not a host  
The Psocoptera in Table 29 have been assessed and determined to not be a biosecurity risk on the pathway 
because:  
 These Psocoptera are present in one or more of the countries intending to export ginger to New Zealand 
(MPI, 2019).  
 These Psocoptera are not present in New Zealand (MPI, 2019).  
 These Psocoptera are not associated with fresh ginger rhizome (MPI, 2019).  
 
Table 29: Psocoptera assessed as a potential biosecurity risk  
Family  Pest  
Psoquillidae  Psoquilla marginepunctata   
 
   
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   31 Appendix 2  
PESTS/ COUNTRY  ASSOCIAT ION WITH THE GINGER PATH WAY  
Table 30 shows the countries which each pest is found or is absent.  
 
Table 30: A table of pests assessed which are associated with fresh ginger rhizomes from countries approved for export to New Zealand  
Pests  Australia  China  Fiji Niue  Papua New 
Guinea  Samoa  Thailand  Tonga  Vanuatu  
Aspidiella hartii           
Aspidiotus destructor           
Caloosia longicaudata           
Conogethes punctiferalis           
Criconemella onoensis (syn. 
Mesocriconema onoense )          
Discocriconemella discolabia           
Dysmicoccus brevipes           
Elytroteinus subtruncatus (syn.  E. 
geophilus )          
Ferrisia virgata           
Formic ococcus polysperes           
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.  zingiberi           
Helicotylenchus abunaamai           
Helicotylenchus egyptiensis           
Helicotylenchus indicus           
Helicotylenchus mucronatus           
Helicotylenchus multicinctus           
Hemicriconemoides cocophillus           
Hoplolaimus indicus           
Hoplolaimus seinhorsti           Key 
 Present  
 Absent  
  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Ginger RMP   32 Pests  Australia  China  Fiji Niue  Papua New 
Guinea  Samoa  Thailand  Tonga  Vanuatu  
Macroposthonia denoudeni           
Maruca vitrata           
Mimegralla coeruleifrons           
Mucor racemosus           
Opogona regressa           
Pantoea ananatis           
Pratylenchus zeae           
Proxipyricularia zingiberis (syn.  
Pyricularia zingiberi )          
Pythiogeton ramosum           
Pythium aphanidermatum           
Pythium deliense           
Radopholus similis           
Ralstonia solanacearum Race 4           
Rosellinia bunodes           
Rotylenchulus reniformis           
Xanthomonas zingiberi           
Xiphinema insigne           
Xiphinema krugi