17 February  2023 
 
 
Kia ora,  
Subject:  Proposed changes to onshore  treatments for whole plants and non-dormant cuttings of  
Dracaena  species   
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites feedback on proposed changes to the current Dracaena  whole 
plants and non -dormant cuttings import requirements in  the import health standard  155.02.06: Importation of 
Nursery Stock  (Nursery Stock standard) . The proposed changes provide more options for managing the risk of 
the regulated scale Chrysomphalus aonidum  on all Dracaena  species eligible to be imported into New 
Zealand . This will , in turn , contribute  towards the productivit y of the ornamental sector.  
 
You are being contact ed as a stakeholder with an interest in this matter and are invited to comment on the 
following proposed changes : 
 
• Amendment of the current onshore chemical treatment  option  for D. deremensis  to only include active 
ingredients with known efficacy against the scale C. aonidum . 
• Extend the onshore  chemical treatment option to all Dracaena  species eligible for importation into 
New Zealand , not just D. deremensis . 
• Permit spraying for the application of the onshore chemical treatment  option . 
• Amendment of the  wording in the  Dracaena  schedule  to clarify that treatment is mandatory for all D. 
deremensis whole plants and non -dormant  cuttings . 
• Transfer  of the Dracaena onshore treatment requireme nts from the Nursery Stock standard  to the MPI 
Approved Biosecurity Treatments Standard (ABTRT).  
 
This letter includes the following:  
• MPI’s assessment for all the proposed changes (Appendix 1).  
• MPI treatment technical advice  on “Alternative to methyl bromide for the treatment of Chrysomphalus 
aonidum  on imported Dracaena  nursery stock”  (Appendix 2).  
• Proposed changes to ABTRT  (Appendix 3).  
• Propose d changes to the Dracaena  schedule in the Nursery Stock standard (Appendix 4).  
 
MPI seeks comment on the proposed changes by close of business on Friday , 03 March  2023. Any questions 
and all submissions should be directed to PlantImports@mpi.govt.nz . 
 
Yours sincerely,  
 
 
 
Lisa Winthrop  
Manager Plant Health  
Animal and Plant Health  Directorate  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
 
  
 
Appendix 1 – MPI’s a ssessment of the proposed changes to onshore  treatments for 
whole plants and non-dormant cuttings of Dracaena  species.   
Background  
 
1. As a result of an interception of the scale Chrysomphalus aonidum  on D racaena  marginata  in 2004, mandatory 
on-arrival methyl bromide (MeBr) fumigation for all Dracaena  species was incorporated into the Dracaena 
schedule of the Nursery Stock standard. After evidence showing that fumigation was detrimental to D. 
deremensis  whole plants and non -dormant cuttings , an alternat e onshore chemical treatment , equivalent to 
MeBr fumigation , was put in place in 2012  for the species . This treatment was based on the MPI Wollemi pine 
(Wollemia nobilis ) risk analysis  (MPI, 2008)  and it is still in place  in the Nursery Stock standard . 
 
2. On arrival in New Zealand , importers are currently given the option of treating D. deremensis  whole plants and 
non-dormant cuttings with MeBr fumigation as described in section 2.2.1.6 (part B) of the Basic Conditions of 
the Nursery Stock standard or with the following  alternat e chemical treatment :  
 
i. The foliage of imported plants shall be dipped in a combination of pesticides, from tw o different 
chemical groups, as specified below in Table 1. Dipping is to occur at room temperature, and the 
treatment time is 2 -5 minutes.  
ii. 10-14 days after the initial dipping treatment, the consignment must be spray treated in PEQ with a 
combination of pesticides from two different chemical groups as specified in Table 1.  
 
    Table 1 : Alternate treatment for D . deremensis  
Chemical group  Active ingredient (a.i.)  Rate  
Organophosphorous  Acephate  0.8 g a.i. per litre of dip  
Dimethoate  1.1 g a.i.  per litre of dip  
Carbamate  Carbaryl  1.2 g a.i. per litre of dip  
Spinosyns  Spinosad  2.0 g a.i. per litre of dip  
 
3. Whole plants and n on-dormant cuttings  of all other Dracaena  species must be fumigated with MeBr on arrival in 
New Zealand  as per section 2.2.1.6 (part B) , while dormant cuttings have the option of any of the treatments 
described in that section (i.e., not just MeBr fumigation).  
 
4. In 2021 , MPI received a request from industry to review and extend the chemical treatment option currently only 
available for D. deremensis whole plants and non-dormant cuttings  to all Dracaena  species eligible for 
importation . This is because  of the detrimental e ffect of MeBr fumigation on Dracaena  plants  which has resul ted 
in the destruction of entire consignments . As such, some importers have opted  to stop importing Dracaena 
species, other than D. deremensis , into New Zealand  until an alternative treatment is available  (New Zealand 
importer, pers. comm.) .  
 
5. Additionally , the use of MeBr has  detrimental impacts on human and environmental  health . Providing an 
alternative treatment option for all Dracaena  species, in addition to the current mandatory  MeBr fumigation , will 
help reduce the potential  impacts the ornamental sector could have in these areas  and will align  with the global 
goal of reducing its use.  
 
6. In 2022 , treatment technical advice was commissioned to address this request , the results of which inform this 
proposal to amend the current onshore treatment  option s for whole plants and non-dormant cuttings of 
Dracaena  species  (Appendix 2). 
 
Details of Proposed Changes  
 
7. MPI’s justification for the proposed changes to  onshore treatments for whole plants and non-dormant cuttings of 
Dracaena  species  are described below.  
 • Amendment of the current onshore chemical treatment option for D. deremensis  to only include 
active ingredients with known efficacy against the scale C. aonidum  
  
8. MPI proposes to amend the current chemicals listed in the alternate chemical treatment option for D. 
deremensis  as follows  (Appendix 3) :  
Table 2: Proposed chemical for the alternate chemical treatment option  
Chemical group  Active ingredient (a.i.)  Rate  
Organophosph ate Acephate  0.75 g a.i. per litre of dip  
Dimethoate  0.3 g a.i. per litre of dip  
Carbamate  Carbaryl  1.2 g a.i.  per litre of dip  
Buprofezin  Buprofezin  0.012  g a.i. per litre of dip  
Neonicotinoid  Thiacloprid  0.16 g a.i. per litre of dip  
 
9. Changes to the current alternate chemical treatment are:  
 
a. Removal of spinosad:  Spinosad  has label claims m ostly against  Lepidoptera and thrips , but not 
scales  (MPI, 2022) . Given the high level of efficacy required for biosecurity purposes, active 
ingredients used for the treatment of C. aonidum  on Dracaena  plants should target scales. As such, 
MPI proposes removing this ch emical f rom the alternate chemical treatment option.  
b. Addition  of buprofezin and thiacloprid:  Buprofezin is an insect growth regulator with good efficacy 
on immature scale  stages . It requires multiple applications, which is already a requirement in the 
Dracaena  schedule  (MPI, 2022) . Thiacloprid also has claims against scales and is already listed as an 
option for the treatment against insects and mites in section 2.2.1.6 (part B)  (MPI, 2022) . As such, MPI 
proposes to add both chemicals as options for the treatment of C. aonidum  on Dracaena . 
c. Amendment to the application rates for acephate and dimethoate:  Although potential phytotoxic 
effects on treated plants are unlikely, MPI propo ses to use label rates for all chemicals . This means 
reducing the application rate for acephate (from 0.8 to 0.75 g a.i./L) and dimethoate (from 1.1 to 0.3 g 
a.i./L)  (MPI, 2022). The application rate for carbaryl is already at its label rate (MPI, 2022).  
 
10. By adopting this amend ed chemical treatment, MPI gains assurances that the treatment will be more effective 
against the targeted pest and less phytotoxic  to plants .  
 
• Extend  the onshore chemical treatment option to all Dracaena species eligible for import ation into 
New Zealand, not just D. deremensis  
 
11. MPI proposes to extend the  alternate chemical  treatment  in Table 2 to whole plants and non -dormant cuttings 
of all Dracaena  species and not just D. deremensis  (Appendix 3).   
 
12. By extending this treatment to all Dracaena  species, MPI will enable the continuing  trade of this species while 
manging the risk of C. aonidum .  
 
13. The current alternate  chemical treatment for D. derem ensis was requested by industry in 2007 due to  the: 
a. phytotoxic effects of MeBr fumigation on D. deremensis  plants; and  
b. production regime of D. deremensis reduc ing the likelihood of scale contamination . 
 
14. However, MeBr fumigation has phytotoxic effects on other Dracaena  species too (New Zealand importer, pers. 
comm .). Considering the efficacy  against scales and lack of phytotoxic evidence of the proposed chemicals , 
there is no reason to expect differences in the response of other Dracaena species to the chemical treatment  
proposed in Table 2  (MPI, 2022) . As such, the alternate chemical treatment can also be applied on other 
Dracaena  species.  • Permit spraying for the application of the onshore chemical treatment option  
 
15. MPI proposes to  allow the alternate chemical  treatment  to be applied as a spray as well as a dip . This 
is both for the first part of the treatment (on -arrival) and the second part (10 -14 days after the initial 
treatment)  (Appendix 3 ).  
 
16. Most agricultural pesticides are formulated for spray applications, with adjuvants and surfactants 
added to ensure good crop coverage, adherence to foliage  and spreadability, among other s (MPI, 
2022) . As such, spraying is an effective way of treatment application.  
 
• Amendment of the wording in the Dracaena  schedule to clarify that treatment is mandatory for all 
D. deremensis  whole plants and non -dormant cuttings.  
 
17. MPI proposes to amend the wording in the Dracaena  schedule to clarify that  onshore treatment  (either 
MeBr fumigation or the alternat e chemical treatment)  is mandatory for all D. deremensis  whole plants 
and non -dormant cuttings  (Appendix 3) . 
 
18. Currently, this schedule indicates that the onshore treatment for whole plants and non-dormant 
cuttings  of all Dracaena species, except D. deremensis , is mandatory on arrival . However, the 
schedule indicates that for D. deremensis the onshore treatment is to be applied if no treatment 
following section 2.2.1.6 (part B) was done prior to export : 
 
“Prior to export the nursery stock must be treated for regulated insects and mites as described  
in section 2.2.1.6 (part B) of the Basic Conditions. On arrival in New Zealand, if no treatment  
was done prior to export,  the importer has the option to treat t he non -dormant cuttings or  
whole plants using the alternate chemical treatment listed below OR methyl bromide  
fumigation as described in section 2.2.1.6 (part B) of the Basic Conditions.”  
 
19. This is incorrect as the intention of the onshore treatment  for all Dracaena  species is for this to be 
applied in addition to the mandatory treatment outlined in section 2.2.1.6 (part B) . This includes the 
alternate chemical treatment for D. deremensis  as clearly stated  in permits to import D. deremensis  
issued from 2007 (when the first request for an alternate treatment for the species was made by 
industry) to 2012, and in the records associated with the 2012 Dracaena  schedule amendment.  
 
• Transfer of the Dracaena  onshore treatment requirements from the Nursery Stock standard to the 
MPI Approved Biosecurity Treatments Standard (ABTRT).  
 
20. MPI proposes to transfer the treatment requirements for whole plants and non -dormant cuttings of all 
Dracaena species  to ABTRT  (Appendices 3  and 4 ).  
 
21. Having treatment requirements in ABTRT will allow for:  
a. better oversight of treatment changes, such as label updates or availability, as the MPI 
Treatments team manages this standard ; and  
b. alignment with other standards, such as the impo rt health standard 155.02.0 5: Seeds for 
Sowing . 
 
22. Any future changes to this alternate chemical treatment  will continue to be consulted on, even if 
transferred to ABTRT. This is because this treatment is a requirement that Dracaena nursery stock 
must meet to be eligible for biosecurity clearance (as opposed to a treatment that is applied in case of 
non-compliance at the border).  References  
MPI 2008. Import Risk Analysis: Wollemia nobilis  (Wollemi pine) Araucariacea  Nursery Stock from Australia. 
ISBN 978 -0-478-31159 -4 (Online) .   
 
MPI 2022. Technical advice on: Alternative to methyl  bromide for the treatment of Chrysomphalus aonidum  on 
imported Dracaena nursery stock.  
 
 
 
  Appendix  2 – MPI’s treatment technical advice (November 2022)  
Technical advice on: Alternative to methyl bromide for the treatment of Chrysomphalus aonidum  
on imported  Dracaena  nursery stock  
Author  MPI Treatments team  
Subject  Nursery stock insecticide treatment  
Due date   
 
1. Issue and background:   
The current  on-arrival treatment in New Zealand required  for the management of the regulated scale 
Chrysomphalus aonidum  on imported Dracaena  nursery stock is fumigation with methyl bromide. Methyl 
bromide is phytotoxic to Dracaena  and reduces  its quality which makes the importation of these species 
uneconomic, or may kill them. An alternative to the current requirement is available for D. deremensis , 
however this option is not available for other species of Dracaena . 
[Blank]  have requested tha t a non -phytotoxic chemical treatment option  should be available for all non -
dormant Dracaena  species currently allowed to be imported.  They have also requested that this option should 
be able to be applied as a spray rather than a dip  treatment . 
2. Summary o f advice:   
• Amend the current insecticidal mixture treatment for Dracaena deremensis  to only use active 
ingredients with documented efficacy against scale.  
• Extend the option to use insecticidal mixture treatment for all non-dormant cuttings and whole plants  of 
Dracaena  species (able to be legally imported)  as an alternative to fumigation with methyl bromide.  
• Allow use of chemical dips or sprays  as methods of application.  
• Amend the wording in the Dracaena  schedule of the Nursery Stock IHS to remove ambiguity about 
whether treatment in the country of export is compulsory .  
 
3. Supporting information:  
Basic conditions  
Imported Dracaena  nursery stock species must comply with both basic and special import conditions . Import 
conditions include  mandatory treatment against insects and mites, and a minimum of three  months in a level 2 
post entry quarantine (PEQ) for cuttings all whole plants and to monitor  for the presence of regulated pests 
and/or diseases.  Additionally, all species of Dracaena  cuttings or whole plants need to either come from an 
area free from the regulated scale Chrysomphalus aonidum  or be inspected prior to export and be free of this 
pest.  
For the basic import conditions, t he current options include fumigation with methyl brom ide, a combination of 
hot water treatment in conjunction with  a broad -spectrum insecticide (chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate (OP)) 
or a combination of two insecticides , one of which is  an OP and the other has a different mode of action  (Table 
1). In practi ce, most importers use  the option of  the combination of insecticides .  Table 1: Current insecticide treatment options in the basic condition of the Nursery stock IHS (treatment  in the 
country of export ). 
 
The two components of the treatment are at the discretion of the importer, as long as the treatment contains 
one active ingredient from the OP mode of action. This treatment is meant to be broad spectrum and is 
applicable to all nursery stock, so it is not  pest and commodity specific. Therefore, with the possibility for 
importers of choosing the two active ingredients based on their availability and other factors, some variation in 
efficacy could occur. All the OP insecticides listed in Table 1 have label c laims against scales.  Of the non -OP 
options, only two out of the seven options also control scales (carbaryl and thiacloprid do  whereas 
deltamethrin, fenvalerate, imidacloprid, spinosad and tebufenozide do not). Given the high level of efficacy 
required fo r biosecurity purposes, and evidence of resistance to OP and carbamates in some scales1, it would 
be logical to have both active ingredients targeted at scales.  
Dracaena  are (or have been) imported from China, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, 
the Netherlands, Singapore and the USA. All the insecticide options listed in Table 1 are available in Costa 
Rica or Guatemala (based on Pesticide Action Networ k). OPs (except pirimiphos -methyl) and carbaryl are 
banned in Indonesia, but this country should be able to use pirimiphos -methyl as the OP component, and non -
OP options are available. Acephate is banned in Malaysia and China, but treatment is still possib le using 
another OP. OPs (except pirimiphos -methyl), carbaryl and neonicotinoids are banned in Europe (see Table 2), 
but a combination of pirimiphos -methyl and deltamethrin, spinosad or tebufenozide could be used  effectively.  
Table 2: Availability of curr ent treatment options in countries that export Dracaena  to New Zealand. 
Registration information for  countries marked with “*” is assumed based on of the chemicals not  being 
recorded as banned   by the Pesticide Action N etwork.  
Active ingredient 
and family  China*  Costa 
Rica*  European 
union  Guatemala*  Indonesia*  Malaysia*  NZ USA  
Acephate (OP)  No Yes No Yes No No Yes Yes 
Chlorpyriphos 
(OP)  Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes Restricted  
Dimethoate (OP)  Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes Yes 
Pirimiphos -methyl 
(OP)  Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 
Carbaryl 
(Carbamate)  Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes Yes 
Deltamethrin (SP)  Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 
Fenvalerate (SP)  Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No No 
 
1 See for example: Buzzetti, K. A., et al. (2016).  
Imidacloprid 
(Neonicotinoid)  Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes Yes 
Spinosad  Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 
Tebufenozide  Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 
Thiacloprid 
(Neonicotinoid)  Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 
Special conditions for  Dracaena  species  
Chrysomphalus aonidum , the Florida red scale  is a species of armoured scale insect in the family Diaspididae.  
Adult females typically have soft bodies with no limbs, and are concealed underneath domed scales, where 
they extrud e quantities of wax for protection. The domes/scales of Diaspididae  are far  more robust than those 
of most other families . Species in this family  incorporat e the exuviae  (shed exoskeleton)  from nymphal stages 
and sometimes parts of the host plant and their own  faecal matter  in their scales.  These structures  can be 
complex , strong  and extremely waterproof, hence the term ‘armoured’ scale insects.  They are difficult to 
control as the scale and waxy covering protect them effectively from contact insecticides ( Miller  & Davidson, 
2005 , as cited in “Diaspididae,” 2022) .  
Non-dorma nt cuttings and whole plants of approved Dracaena  species, except D. deremensis , also need 
fumigation with methyl bromide on arrival in New Zealand as  an additional treatment. This additional treatment 
was put in place following a live interception of C. aonidum  in 2004 from Costa Rica. This compulsory 
treatment is causing phytotoxicity issues and is the reason for the request for an alternative treatment.  
An alternative to fumigation with methyl bromide  is currently available for only one species , Dracaen a 
deremensis . The treatment is a combination of two insecticides from different groups applied as a dip with a 
follow -up spray treatment done in PEQ 14 days later with the same choice of insecticides (Table 3).  
Table 3: Current specific insecticide mixture  treatment options for Dracaena deremensis  as an alternative to 
onshore fumigation with methyl bromide to be used a dip followed up by a spray.  
Chemical group  Active ingredient (ai)  Application rate (in g a.i./L)  
Organophosphate  Acephate  0.8 
Organophosphate  Dimethoate  1.1 
Carbamate  Carbaryl  1.2 
Spinosyns  Spinosad  2 
Wording of the IHS  
The wording of the IHS in the Dracaena  schedule, page 139,  conflicts  with the original intention of the 
schedule: “ Treatment for non -dormant cuttings and whole plants of Dracaena deremensis  ONLY:  Prior to 
export the nursery stock must be treated  for regulated insects and mites as described in section 2.2.1.6 (part 
B) of th e Basic Conditions. On arrival in New Zealand, if no treatment was done prior to export , the importer 
has the option to treat the non -dormant cuttings or whole plants using the alternate chemical treatment listed 
below OR methyl bromide fumigation as descr ibed in section 2.2.1.6 (part B) of the Basic Conditions .”  
Based on the above paragraph it reads that the pre-export treatment  is not mandatory  for Dracaena 
deremensis . However, this is not the case, except  in the case when the offshore treatment consiste d of methyl 
bromide fumigation. We suggest that the intent of these requirements is clarified in the text to avoid confusion 
and ensure that treatment is conducted in the country of export if it is a mandatory requirement  and not just an 
option . a) Efficacy  
It is not possible to determine why a live scale was detected in 2004 after the basic treatment. The scale was 
found in plants at the Auckland Domain Gardens, but there is no available information importation details that 
could explain its presence (for exa mple, plants could have been imported in a non -dormant state, making the 
basic treatment less efficient).  
Given the high level of efficacy required for biosecurity purposes, it would be logical to have both active 
ingredients in the mixture targeted speci fically at scales. The alternative option of onshore treatment for D. 
deremensis does not fully cover this  need  because spinosad has no label claims against scales. An alternative 
option could be to include the insect growth regulator buprofezin which has good efficacy on immature stages 
of scales (Frank 2012). This would remain being in combination with an organop hosphate to keep the principle 
of using two insecticides with different modes of action. Buprofezin requires multiple applications which is not 
problematic as it is already required. Buprofezin is  also approved in all countries listed in Table 2.  
b) Phytotoxi city 
Acephate and carbaryl show no evidence of phytotoxicity in ornamental plants ( Neel & Reinert, 197 5; Oetting  
et al. 1980 ). All the insecticides listed in Table 1 as well as buprofezin are used on agricultural crops and are 
not reported as being phytoto xic based on their hazard classification2. Therefore, no damage is expected from 
their use when used at the label rates. All the chemicals available for the alternative treatment of D. 
deremensis  are included in table 1, so the same applies to them. It is  noted that the current application rates 
for the D. deremensis  on-arrival in New Zealand  treatment list the label rates for three of the options except 
dimethoate (current rate listed is 3 times the recommended label rate). It is recommended to also use t he label 
rate for dimethoate to avoid potential phytotoxicity (even though it is not expected).  
The reason for only allowing the alternative treatments noted in Table 3 for D. deremensis  is because a 
request for alternative treatment was received for this species back in 2007.  It is proposed that the alternative 
treatment option is expanded to all species of Dracaena  included in the IHS because there is no expected 
difference in their response to the proposed insecticides.  
c) Spray versus dip application  
The current first part of the onshore insecticidal treatment for non-dormant cuttings and whole plants of  D. 
deremensis  is only available as a dip. The rationale for this is uncertain because dipping  may not effectively be 
able to reach right into the leaf bas e where the scales can hide. Most agricultural pesticides are formulated for 
spray applications, with adjuvants and surfactants are added to ensure good crop coverage, adherence to 
foliage, spreadability, among other factors. Therefore, it is proposed that  the option to use the insecticide 
treatments as a spray programme is also provided.  
It is recommended that the Nursery Stock  IHS is amended, or the onshore treatment incorporated in MPI-
ABTRT, to provide the following onshore additional treatment for all Dracaena  species eligible under the IHS:  
• The foliage of imported plants must  be dipped or sprayed in a combination of pesticides from two 
different chemical groups as specified in Table 4.  
• 10-14 days after the initial dipping  or spraying  treatment, the consignment must be spray treated in 
PEQ with a combination of pesticides from two different chemical groups as specified in Table 4.  
  
 
2 Based on information from PubChem  Table 4: New proposed insecticide mixture treatment options for all Dracaena  species  
Chemical group  Active ingredient (ai)  Application rate (in g a.i./L)  
Organophosphate  acephate  0.75 (amended)  
Organophosphate  dimethoate  0.3 (amended)  
Carbamate  carbaryl  1.2  
Buprofezin  buprofezin  0.012 (new option)  
Neonicotinoid  thiacloprid  0.16 (new option)  
4. Other Information.  
This technical request is coming from treatment providers  as they have the capacity and capability to do the 
on-arrival treatment  in New Zealand . 
 
5. Are there any health and safety considerations?  
The new proposed treatments are similar o r less hazardous than the current options. Treatment providers are 
expected to follow Health and Safety regulations and instructions as per the pesticide safety data sheets to 
determine appropriate personnel protection equipment.  
 
Time taken:  20 hours  
 
References :  
Buzzetti, K.A., Chorbadjian, R.A., Fuentes -Contreras, E., Gutiérrez, M., Ríos, J.C. and Nauen, R. (2016). 
Monitoring and mechanisms of organophosphate resistance in San Jose scale, Diaspidiotus perniciosus 
(Hemiptera: Diaspididae) . Jou rnal of Applied Entomology 140(7) 507 -516 
Diaspididae. (2022, May 30). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diaspididae  
Frank , S. D. (2012 ) Reduced Risk Insecticides to Control Scale Insects and Protect Natural Enemies in the 
Production and Maintenance of Urban Landscape Plants Environ Entomol 41 377 –86 
Neel, P. L., & Reinert, J. A. (1975). Phytotoxicity evaluations of ten insecticides on twenty -three species of 
ornamental plants under salt sh ed conditions. In Proc. Fla. State Hortic. Soc (Vol. 88, pp. 586 -590).  
Oetting, R. D., Morishita, F. S., Helmkamp, A. L., & Bowen, W. R. (1980). Phytotoxicity of eight insecticides to 
some nursery -grown ornamentals. Journal of Economic Entomology, 73(1), 2 9-31. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Appendix  3 – Draft ABTRT standard with Dracaena onshore treatment requirements  
 
 
 Commodity/  
Product  Reason for 
Treatment  Short 
code  Treatment/  
Chemical  Active 
Ingredient (a.i.)  Dosage  Minimum 
end point  Temp. (OC) Time  Source  Comments  
Treatment requirements for nursery stock imported under part 3 of the IHS 155.02.06: Importation of Nursery Stock   
Dracaena  (whole 
plants and non -
dormant cuttings)  Scale 
(Chrysomphalus 
aonidum ) NST2 
or       IHS 155.02.05  On-arrival treatment  
NST16  Apply two active ingredients from two of the 
different chemical groups listed below.    Room 
temperature  2-5 mins  i) The foliage of imported 
plants or non -dormant 
cuttings must be treated on 
arrival.  
ii) The treatment must be 
repeated 10 -14 days later in 
PEQ.  
See Note 34 .  Organophosphate  Acephate  0.75 g a.i./L  
Dimethoate  0.3 g a.i./L  
Carbamate  Carbaryl  1.2 g a.i./L  
Buprofezin  Buprofezin  0.012 g a.i./L  
 Neonicotinoid  Thiacloprid  0.16 g a.i./L  
Note 34: Two active ingredients from two different chemical groups must be used for the two treatments. The foliage of the plants/non -dormant cuttings is to be immersed completely or all surfaces 
sprayed to runoff. For dipping, the treatment time is normally 2 mins, but must be increased to 5 mins if bubbles remain pres ent 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.   
 Appendix  3 – Draft Dracaena schedule  of the Nursery Stock standard   
Dracaena  
 
Note:  The entry conditions in this schedule only apply to species in the Plants Biosecurity Index 
listed under Import Specifications for Nursery Stock as “see 155.02.06 under Dracaena ”, 
and are additional to those specified in sections 1, 2 and 3 of the import h ealth standard.  
 
GENERAL CONDITIONS:  
 
Approved Countries: All  
 
Quarantine Pests: Chrysomphalus aonidum , Pantoea ananatis , Phytophthora palmivora , 
Xyleborus spp. (except Xyleborus compressus , Xyleborus saxeseni , Xyleborus truncatus ) 
 
Entry Conditions: Basic; with variations and additional conditions as specified below:  
 
A. For Cuttings and Whole Plants  
PEQ:  Level 2  
Minimum Period:  3 months  
a. Additional Declarations  
“The Dracaena  cuttings/plants [choose one] in this consignment have been:  
i) sourced from a ‘pest free area’ or ‘pest free place of production’ [choose one], free from 
Xyleborus spp. (except Xyleborus compressus , Xyleborus truncatus  and Xyleborus 
saxeseni ). 
AND  
ii) sourced from a ‘pest free area’ or ‘pest free place of production’ [ch oose one], free from 
Chrysomphalus aonidum  
OR 
- inspected in accordance with appropriate official procedures and found to be free of 
Chrysomphalus aonidum. ” 
b. Conditions for  Phytophthora palmivora  
One of the following Additional Declarations must be endorsed on the phytosanitary certificate:  
i) “The [insert species name] plants in this consignment have been sourced from [insert 
country name], which is free from Phytophthora palmivora ”. 
OR 
ii) “The [insert species name] plants in this consignment were produced in a ‘pest free area’ 
for Phytophthora pa lmivora ”.  
OR 
iii) “The [insert species name] plants in this consignment were produced in a ‘pest free place 
of production’ for Phytophthora palmivora ”. 
 
Treatment for dormant cuttings:  
Dormant cuttings must be treated for regulated insects and mites as describ ed in section 2.2.1.6 
(part B) of the Basic Conditions .  
 
Treatment for non -dormant cuttings and whole plants (excluding Dracaena deremensis ): 
Non-dormant cuttings and whole plants must be treated for regulated insects and mites on arrival in New Zealand u sing methyl bromide fumigation as described in section 2.2.1.6 (part B) of the Basic 
Conditions. Methyl bromide  may be damaging to some Dracaena species and is carried out at the 
importer’s risk.  
 
Treatment for non -dormant cuttings and whole plants of Dracaena deremenisis ONLY:  
Prior to export the nursery stock must be treated  for regulated insects and mites as described in 
section 2.2.1.6 (part B) of the Basic Conditions . On arrival in New Zealand,  if no treatment was 
done prior to export, the importer has the option to treat the non -dormant cuttings or whole plants 
using the alternate chemical treatment listed below  OR methyl bromide fumigation as described in 
section 2.2.1.6 (part B) of the Basic Conditions.  
 
1. The foliage of imported plants shall be dipped in a combination of pesticides, from two 
different chemical groups, as specified below in Table 1. Dipping is to occur at room 
temperature, and the treatment time is 2 -5 minutes.  
2. 10-14 days after the initial dipping treatment, the consignment must be spray treated in PEQ 
with a combination of pesticides from two different chemical groups as specified in Table 1.  
 
Table 1 Alternate treatment for Dracaena deremensis  
Chemical group  Active ingred ient (a.i.)  Rate  
Organophosphorous  Acephate  0.8 g a.i. per litre of dip  
Dimethoate  1.1 g a.i. per litre of dip  
Carbamate  Carbaryl  1.2 g a.i. per litre of dip  
Spinosyns  Spinosad  2.0 g a.i. per litre of dip  
 
Treatment for non -dormant cuttings and whole plants:  
All Dracaena  non-dormant cuttings and whole plants must be treated as per MPI Standard MPI -
ABTRT Approved Biosecurity Treatments  (Treatments for Dracaena  whole plants and non -
dormant cuttings) .  
 
Inspection Requirements:  A minimum of 600 plants are to be inspected during each growing 
season inspection in post -entry quarantine.  
 
Measures for Pantoea ananatis :  
The following measures will apply to all Dracae na species on entry into New Zealand or while in 
post entry quarantine.  
– If plants exhibit any symptoms that may be indicative of infection with Pantoea ananatis, 
samples will be collected and submitted for diagnostic testing.  
– If any plants are identified a s being infected with Pantoea ananatis , the whole consignment 
must be either reshipped or destroyed, at the expense of the importer.  
 
 
B. For Tissue Cultures  
As for Standard Entry Conditions for Tissue Cultures  - see Section 2.2.2.