Risk Management Proposal:   
Import requirements for  Cucurbitaceae seeds . 
 
FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
April 2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant Imports  
Plant s, Food & Environment  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
Pastoral House  
25 The Terrace  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
New Zealand  
 
Tel: +64 4 894 0100  
Fax: +64 4 894 0662  
 
Email: plantimports@mpi.govt.nz   
 Contents  Page 
Submissions  2 
Official Information Act 1982  3 
Purpose  3 
Scope   3 
Background  3 
Commodity Description  5 
Trade Value  5 
Source information  6 
International obligations  6 
Objective  7 
Summary  of Risk  7 
Table 1 - Summary of Risk Assessement of CGMMV in Cucurbitaceae  hosts.  9 
Table 2 - Summary of Risk Assessement of KGMMV in Cucurbitaceae  hosts  10 
Likelihood of Entry into New Zealand  11 
Exposure Assessment  12 
Likelihood of Establishment in New Zealand  12 
Impact of Establishment  13 
Current Measures to Manage the Risk of CGMMV and KGMMV  14 
Risk Management  16 
Options Analysis  16 
 Pest Free Area  16 
 Pest Free Place of Producti on 16 
 Seed Testing  17 
 Seed Disinfection  18 
Feasibility & Practicality of Measures  18 
Proposed Measures  19 
Appendix 1  23 
References  24  
Page 2 of 28 
 Submissions  
 
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment (s) from interested parties on the 
proposed  additional measures for Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus  (CGMMV)  and Kyuri 
green mottle mosaic virus  (KGMMV) in the import health standard (IHS)  155.02.05: 
Importation of Seed for Sowing . The proposed measures are supported by this risk 
management proposal  (RMP) .  
 
An IHS “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” (section 22(1) Biosecurity Act 1993).  
 
If you disagree with the mea sures proposed to manage the risks, please provide either 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 ass istance in preparing comments:  
• wherever possible, comments should be specific to a particular change in IHS 
requirements or a question asked in this document (referencing section numbers or 
commodity names as applicable);  
• where possible, reasons, data an d supporting published references to support 
comments are requested;  
• the use of examples to illustrate particular points is encouraged.   
 
The changes proposed in this risk management proposal  are intended to update the IHS 
to ensure measures aimed at minimising  the importation of viral contaminated seed for 
sowing  are maintained in response to changing global distribution and trade . 
 
MPI encourages respondents to forward comments electronically. Please include the following 
in your submission:  
• the tit le 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.gov t.nz. 
However, should you wish to forward submissions in writing, please send them to the following 
address to arrive by close of business on  10 May  2016 . 
Plant Imports  
Plants, Food & Environment  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
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.   
  
Page 3 of 28 
  
Official Inf ormation Act 1982  
 
Please note that your submission is public information and it is MPI policy to publish 
submissions and the review of submissions on the MPI website. Submissions may also be the 
subject of requests for information under the Official Info rmation 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. Submitters may wish to indicate grounds for 
withholding specific information con tained in their submission, such as the information is 
commercially sensitive or they wish personal information to be withheld. Any decision to 
withhold information requested under the OIA is reviewable by the Ombudsman.  
Purpose  
1. The purpose of this documen t is to : 
a) review the emergency management measures for Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus  
(CGMMV) on Cucurbitaceae  seeds for sowing from all countries;  
b) provide information about the CGMMV and Kyuri green mottle mosaic virus  
(KGMMV)  associated with and transmitted through Cucurbitaceae  seeds ; 
c) propose phytosanitary measures which can effectively manage the risk of entry and 
establishment of CGMMV and  KGMMV ; 
d) Establish the feasibility and practicality of implementation of the proposed m easures . 
 
Scope  
2. This document provides the rationale for the proposed measures for the seed transmitted 
virus es CGMMV and KGMMV associated with imported Cucurbitaceae  seeds for sowing 
from all countries.  It includes:  
 a summary  of risk posed to New Zealand by the virus es 
 an assessment of the risk management options considered for the virus es. 
 
Background  
 
3. MPI introduced emergency measures for CGMMV on 1 December 2014 to manage the 
risk of this virus in imported cucurbit seeds.  
 
4. MPI previously considered the risk from CGMMV in USA melons  in 2013  (PP 13 -247) 
and Canadian cucumbers  (PP 14 -159) in early 2014, and  a review of the I mport Health 
Standard (I HS) 155.02.05: Importation of Seeds for Sowing  was recommended.  
 
5. MPI’s emerging risk system rece ived a notification of a possible first record of CGMMV 
infecting watermelons in Australia in September 2014  and the Australian Department of 
Agriculture (DoA) subsequently advised MPI of the closure of the Northern Territor y 
export pathway for these goods . Pumpkins have also been confirmed a s host to this virus 
and new quarantine areas have been imposed on growers  in the Northern Territory .  
  
Page 4 of 28 
 6. MPI identified that the import requirements for Cucurbitaceae  seeds did not manage the 
risk to New Zealand posed by  this virus, and as the virus appeared to be spreading fairly 
quickly, an urgent change to the IHS to require seed testing was recommended. The 
emergency  measures for CGMMV were implemented on 1st December 2014.  
 
7. On watermelon fruits, viral infection caused by CGMMV causes the pink/red flesh part of 
the fruit and its outer perimeter to change to a yellowing type of colour. Some fruits may 
develop internal cavities with areas that become prematurely soft and mushy. The exterior 
part of the fruit can appear malformed. Splitting of pumpkin shells has also been recorded 
as a result of CGMMV infection ( Biosecurity Queensland 2015 ). In Cucumis melo  
(muskmelons), KGMMV has been reported to cause mosaic and leaf deformation , 
followed by fruit deformation  
 
8. CGMMV was the first tobamovirus described infecting Cucurbitaceae  species 
(Ainsworth, 1935; Hollings et al.,  1975). Since then a number of different strains of this 
virus have been recorded. Two former CGMMV strains have be en re -classified and are 
now described as a different species, Kyuri green mottle mosaic virus  (Francki et al.  
1986).  
 
9. CGMMV was first report ed in the UK. Countries where CGMMV ha s been recorded are:  
China, Israel, Georgia, Iran, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Austria, Bulgaria, 
Germany, Holland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, UK, Greece, Japan, India, 
Korea, Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Taiwan, Ukraine, 
Swede n, Denmark, Syria, Finland, and Norway (Mandal et al., 2008; CABI, 2014 ; 
Nontajak et al.,  2014 ). Recently new sites for this virus have been recorded in Canada and 
USA  (2013),  Australia and Thailand (2014) (Baker, 2013, Ling et al.,  2014, DPIF, 
Northern Te rritory, 2014; Nontajak et al., 2014) . 
 
10. Weeds have also been identified as hosts for CGMMV. DAS -ELISA tests on different 
weed species present among watermelon infected plants revealed the presence of 
CGMMV in six plant species from five plant families: Amaranthus retroflexus  
(Amaranthaceae), A. blitoides  (Amaranthaceae), Heliotropium europaeum  
(Boraginaceae), Chenopodium album  (Chenopodiaceae), Portulaca oleracea  
(Portulacaceae) and Solanum nigrum  (Solanaceae). None of the infected weed species 
tested sh owed any visible symptoms which could be attributed to a viral infection 
(Boubourakas et al. , 2004). CGMMV was detected in the following arable weeds at the 
recent outbreak in the Northern Territory, Australia, inside the quarantine farms and 
outside:  Amaranthus sp. , Solanum nigrum (nightshade) , Portulaca sp. , Citrullus lanatus 
var. lanatus (bitter melon, pie melon or wild melon)  and Cucumis  sp. All arable weed 
species detected in the Northern Territory were symptomless (Dr Tran -Nguyen, Darwin, 
NT, pers . comm.2015).   
 
11. In Prunus armeniaca  (apricot), CGMMV  causes apricot bare twig and unfruitfulness 
disease syndrome only when co -infected with Strawberry latent ringspot virus  (SLRSV) 
(Cech  et al.,  1980 ; Blattny and Janecrova, 1980 ). SLRSV is reported to be  present in New 
Zealand infecting a wide range of hosts (Tang et al.,  2013).  When apricot is infected with 
both viruses, no fruits are formed and the short lateral fruit branches start to appear dry, 
dead and eventually fall off (die -back) , no fruit or see d is produced. This decreases the 
likelihood of this disease being introduced to New Zealand from Prunus armeniaca  via 
the seed pathway.  
 
12. KGMMV current geographic distribution is limited to Japan (Inoue et al.,  1967), Korea 
and Indonesia (Lee et al.,  2000; Daryono et al.,  2005).   
Page 5 of 28 
  
13. MPI ha s considered the risk of KGMMV enter ing New Zealand in consignments of 
Cucubitaceae seeds comi ng from Japan  and Korea  and has included consideration of  this 
virus in this  Risk Management Proposal.  
 
COMMODITY  DESCRIPTION  
 
14. New Zealand import s Cucurbitaceae  seeds from a range of different countries. MPI’s 
records from Quancargo (accessed 03/06/2015) show that in the last five years 
Cucurbitaceae seeds have been imported from 27 countries, across four continents: 
Argentina, Austria , Australia , Chile, China , Czech Republic, France, India , Germany , 
Guatemala, Israel , Italy, Latvia , Japan , Mexico, Peru, Spain , Taiwan , Thailand , 
Tanzania, Turkey, United Kingdom , The Netherlands , USA , Korea , Vietnam and South 
Africa.  The exporting countries in bold have CGMMV. The exporting countries in italics 
have KGMMV. Of the countries that New Zealand imports Cucurbitaceae  seeds from, 55% 
have either CGMMV or KGMMV.  
 
15. Cucurbitaceae  is a flowering plant family normally referred to as the gourd family.  Its 
taxonomic classification is: Order: Cucurbitales; Family: Cucurbitaceae  Juss.  Around 
118 genera are described as part of this family with 845 different species recorded as 
being used for food and ornamental purposes.  
 
16. The following Cucurbitaceae  species are eligible for import into New Zealand as seeds  
and are currently regulated for CGMMV : 
 
 Benincasa  hispida  – wax gourd, winter melon  
 Citrullus  lanatus  – watermelon , wild melon   
 Cucumis  anguria  – burr cucumber, west India gherkin, gherkin  
 Cucumis  melo  – melon, cantaloupe, muskmelon, oriental melon  
 Cucumis  metuliferus  – african horned cucumber, African horned melon  
 Cucumis myriocarpus  – gooseberry cucumber, gooseberry gourd  
 Cucumis sativus  – garden cucumber , cucumber  
 Cucurbita  moschata  – winter squash, canada pumpkin, pumpkin  
 Cucurbita  pepo  – field pumpkin, vegetable marrow, squash, kamokamo, courgette , 
zucchini   
 Cucurbita  ficifolia  – seven year melon, figleaf gourd, pie mel on 
 Cucurbita  maxima  – winter squash, great pumpkin, buttercup squash   
 Cucurbita  mixta  (syn. Cucurbita argyrosperma ) – calabaza, mixta squash, winter 
squash  
 Lagenaria  siceraria  – bottle gourd, calabash,   
 Luffa acutangula  – angled loofah, silk melon, ridged gourd, Chinese okra  
 Luffa aegyptiaca  (syn. Luffa cylindrica ) - smooth loofah, dish cloth gourd   
 Momordica charantia  – bitter melon  
 
TRADE VALUE  
 
17. Squash varieties are planted in Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu/Wanganui areas 
mainly because of fertile soils, combined with hot summer days and cool nights. The 
harvest period is from January to April.  
 
18. According to FreshFacts  (2014 ) the New Zealand squash industry in 201 4 had a total 
planted area of 5,783  ha and a total crop volume of 72,235 tonnes. Squash export sales  
Page 6 of 28 
 was $45.9 million fob (Free On Board) to Japan and domestic $2.9 million fob. P umpkin 
has a higher number of growers (98) than squash (34), but a smaller planted area of 
around 1,048 ha. In 201 4, the total crop volume for pumpkin was 38,000 tonnes (no 
record is shown for export/domestic values).  
 
19. Melons and other types of cucurbits are the third and fourth most important 
Cucurbitaceae  crops in New Zealand. In 2014, melons had a total planted ar ea of 273 ha 
producing 4800 tonnes, generating $0.8 million fob as a fresh produce for export. All 
other cucurbits are grown on an estimated area of 50 ha with a crop volume of 1,770 
tonnes.  
 
SOURCE INFORMATION  
 
20. The following information was used to assess the risk of CGMMV  and KGMMV and the 
appropriate measures to manage its entry and establishment in New Zealand:  
 MPI Emerging Risk System (ERS) rapid assessment for melons , cucumber  in 
USA: 2013  
 MPI Emerging Risk System (ERS) rapid assessment for cucumbe r in  Canada: 
2014  
 MPI Emerging Risk System (ERS) rapid assessment for watermelon  in Australia : 
2014   
 Relevant literature and database searches . 
 Information provided by international trading partners . 
 Stakeholder discussions during the development of this RMP .   
 
INTERNATIONAL OBLI GATIONS  
 
21. Where possible, phytosani tary measures are aligned with international standards,  
International Plant Protection Convention  guidelines, and recommendations as per New 
Zealand’s obligations under Article 3.1 of the WTO Agre ement on the Application of 
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), WTO (1995 ) 
(http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/sps_e/spsagr_e.htm ) and section  23(4)(c) of the 
Biosecur ity Act 1993.  
 
22. The SPS Agreement states that phytosanitary measures must not discriminate unfairly 
between countries or between imported or domestically produced 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 .  
 
23. Emergency measures are temporary in their application (ISPM 13: Guidelines for the 
notification of non -compliance and emergency action , 2001). As a contracting party to the 
SPS Agreement  and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), MPI, as New 
Zealand ’s National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO), undertakes to ensure that 
modifications (amendments) to phytosanitary measures are made promptly as a result of 
new or updated s cientific information (Article VII.2(h), IPPC 1997; ISPM 1: 
Phytosanitary principles for the protection of plants and the application of phytosanitary 
measures in international trade , 2006) while taking into account domestic legislation 
(Biosecurity Act 19 93, Section 24B(1)(a)).  
  
Page 7 of 28 
 Objective  
 
24. To ensure the biosecurity risks associated with the import of Cucurbitaceae  seeds are 
managed appropriately  and are consistent with New Zealand’s domestic legislatio n and 
international obligations . 
Summary  of Risk  
 
25. Risk organisms are regulated on the commodity if:  
 
a) they are present in the exporting country and absent from New Zealand (or 
present but under official control);  
b) they are likely to be present on the pathway if risk was unmitigated;  
c) they are known to be associa ted with the commodity (as per previous risk 
analyses);  
d) their hosts include species present in New Zealand;  
e) they are climatically able to establish in New Zealand;  
f) they are likely to cause adverse economic or environmental impacts to New 
Zealand  
 
26. A summarised risk assessment can be found in Table 1 for CGMMV and Table 2 for 
KGMMV. In addition, further details about the assessment of risk are in the next section.  
 
27. A Risk Assessment was completed and Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus  was assessed 
as a hazard to New Zealand on the seeds for sowing import pathway because:  
 It has a wide host range, demonstrated by hosts in 6 plant families (Cucurbitaceae, 
Amaranthaceae, Boraginaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Portulacaceae , Rosaceae  and 
Solanaceae ) and from 7 genera (Benincasa, Citrullus, Cucumis, Cucurbita, 
Lagenaria, Luffa , Momordica , Portulaca and Prunus ) within the Cucurbitaceae  
family;  
 is associated with  seeds of  some Cucurbitaceae  species, and has characteristics that 
give it high potential to be associated with the seeds of other species ; 
 is known to be present in 15 of the  countries that export Cucurbitaceae  seeds to 
New Zealand;  
 is not recorded from NZ;  
 hosts of CGMMV are grown in New Zealand, so CGMMV c an potentially 
establish in New Zealand ; 
 CGMMV causes  diseases in its host plants, so it c an potentially cause unwanted 
impacts . 
 
28. CGMMV is therefore considered a hazard on seeds for sowing of the following species:  
Benincasa hispida , Citrullus lanatus , Cucumis anguria, Cucumis melo, Cucumis 
metulliferus, Cucumis myriocarpus, Cucumis sativus,  Cucurbita moschata , Cucurbita 
pepo, Cucurbita ficifolia, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita mixta, Lagenaria siceraria , Luffa 
acutangula, Luffa aegyptiaca, Momordica charantia, Portulaca oleraceae and Prunus in 
this RMP .   
 
29. A Risk Assessment was completed and Kyuri green mottle mosaic virus  was assessed as a 
hazard  to New Zealand on the seeds for sowing import pathway because:  
  
Page 8 of 28 
  is associated with seed s of four different cucurbitaceae species  (Citrullus lanatus , 
Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita pepo, Lagenaria siceraria ), and based on 
similarities with CGMMV in viral -particle stability, there is a high potential for 
seed association in other species ; 
 is known to be present in two countries that export Cucurbitaceae  seeds to New 
Zealand  (Japan & Korea) ; 
 is not recorded from NZ;  
 hosts of KGMMV are grown in New Zealand, so KGMMV c an potentially 
establish in New Zealand;  
 KGMMV causes  diseases in its host plants, so it c an pote ntially cause unwanted 
impacts . 
 
30. KGMMV is therefore considered a hazard on seeds for sowing of the following species:  
Benincasa hispida , Citrullus lanatus , Cucumis anguria, Cucumis melo, Cucumis  
metulliferus, Cucumis myriocarpus, Cucumis sativus, Cucurbita moschata , Cucurbita 
pepo, Cucur bita ficifolia, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita mixta, Lagenaria siceraria , Luffa 
acutangula, Luffa aegyptiaca, Momordica charantia in this RMP . 
 
31. The potential host range of CGMMV within the Cucurbitaceae family is likely to be wider 
than is currently known, given that:  
a) the existence of natural host records from 6 plant families and 7 genera within the 
Cucurbitaceae family demonstrates that the vir us is not specific and that plant 
susceptibility is not limited to just one genus or even one plant family;  
b)  it is expected that not all natural occurrences of CGMMV and seed transmission 
are reported and so there are naturally gaps in the evidence;  
 
32. On this basis it is reasonable to assume that the cultivated cucurbitaceae species covered 
by this RMP that lack natural host records, (i.e. Cucurbita mixta; Cucurbita maxima, 
Cucumis metuliferus, Cucumis myriocarpus  and Cucurbita ficifolia ) are also biologica lly 
capable of being susceptible hosts of CGMMV.  
 
33. The potential host range of KGMMV within the Cucurbitaceae family is likely to be wider 
than is currently known, given that:  
 
a) the existence of natural hosts of KGMMV from 5 genera within the Cucurbitaceae 
family (rather than just one genus) demonstrates that the virus is not specific and 
that plant susceptibility is not limited to just one genus;  
b) it is expected that not all natural occurrences of KGMMV are reported and so 
there are naturally gaps in the ev idence; and  
c) KGMMV biology is similar to CGMMV (i.e. able to infect similar hosts; highly 
stable viral particles, so it is assumed that when KGMMV has the opportunity to 
be naturally exposed to other Cucurbitaceae species, the natural host range can 
expand . 
   
Page 9 of 28 
 Table 1.  Summary of Risk Assessment of CGMMV in Cucurbitaceae  hosts on seed imported for sowing.  
 
  
 Commodity Description  
(Seeds for sowing)    Consequences of CGMMV 
Introduction   
Pathogen  Host s Common name  References  NZ Status of 
CGMMV  Likelihood of entry & 
establishment via seed 
for sowing  Economic 
Impacts  Trade Impacts  Additional notes  
Cucumber green 
mottle mosaic 
virus (CGMMV)  Benincasa hispida  wax gourd ; winter melon  Noda et al.,  1993  
Not known to 
occur in NZ  
 
Regulated in 
NZ The likelihood of entry of 
CGMMV is high (with 
high uncertainty for some 
cucurbitaceae taxa). The 
likelihood of exposure is 
high. The likelihood of 
establishment and 
spread is considered to 
be high.  
 
 The potential 
economic 
impact to the 
New Zealand 
economy is 
moderate  and 
high for the 
Cucurbitaceae 
industry.  Export of fre sh 
squash, pumpkin 
and possibly 
other 
Cucurbitaceae  
species.  Regulated in 
Australia. Non -
eradicable and 
under 
management in 
the Northern 
Territory.  
 
Regulated as a 
transient, 
actionable, and 
under eradication 
pest in the USA  Citrullus lanatus  watermelon ; wild melon  Hollings  et al., 1975 ; Lee et al.,  1990 , 
DPIF, Northern Territory, 2014  
Cucurbita ficifolia  seven year melon ; figleaf 
gourd  Avgelis and Vovlas, 1986  
(experimental host)  
Cucurbita maxima  winter squash ; buttercup 
squash  BICON 2016  
Cucurbita pepo  courgette ; zucchini  Al-Tamimi et al., 2009; Ali et al.,  2014  
Cucurbita mixta (syn. 
Cucurbita argyrosperma)  calabaza; mixta squash  no studies have been performed in this 
species  
Cucurbita moschata  pumpkin ; canada 
pumpkin  Zhang et al. , 2009; Ali et al.,  2014 ; 
DPIF, Northern Territory, 2014  
Cucumis anguria  burr cucumber ; west 
indian gherkin  Mandal et al.,  2008, CABI, 2014,  
Cucumis metuliferus  african horned cucumber; 
african horned melon  Rajamony et al., 1987   
(experimental host)  
Cucumis myriocarpus  gooseberry cucumber ; 
gooseberry gourd  no studies have been performed in this 
species  
Cucumis melo  melon ; muskmelon  Reingold et al.,  2014; Tian et al.,  2014  
Cucumis sativus  garden cucumber ; 
cucumber  Ling et al.,  2014; Moradi and Jafarpour, 
2011; Hollings  et al., 1975  
Lagenaria siceraria  bottle gourd; calabash  Al-Shahwan et al. , 1992, Hollings  et al., 
1975 ; Ali et al.,  2014  
Luffa acutangula  angled loofah; ridged 
gourd  Sharma et al., 2014; Ali et al.,  2014,  
Luffa aegyptiaca ( syn. L. 
cylindrica)  smooth loofah; dish cloth 
gourd  Noda et al.,  1993  
Momordica charantia  bitter melon; bitter gourd  Sandeep and Joshi, 1989; Noda et al.,  
1993; CABI, 2014  
Portulaca oleraceae  common purslane  Boubourakas et al., 2004;  DPIF, 
Northern Territory, 2015  
Prunus armeniaca  apricot  Cech et al., 1980   
Page 10 of 28 
 Table 2.  Summary of Risk Assessment of K GMMV in Cucurbitaceae  hosts . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Commodity Description  
(Seed for sowing)    Consequences of KGMMV Introduction   
Pathogen  Host/s  Common name  References  NZ Status  Likelihood of entry & 
establishment via 
seed for sowing  Economic Impacts  Trade Impacts  Additional notes  
Kyuri green mottle 
mosaic virus 
(KGMMV)  Benincasa hispida  wax gourd ; winter 
melon  no studies have been performed 
in this species  
Not known to 
occur in NZ  
 
 The likelihood of entry 
of CGMMV is high 
(with high uncertainty 
for some 
cucurbitaceae taxa). 
The likelihood of 
exposure is high. The 
likelihood of 
establishment and 
spread is considered 
to be high.  
 
 The potential 
economic impact to 
the New Zealand 
economy is 
moderate  and high 
for the 
Cucurbitaceae 
industry.  Export of fresh 
squash, pumpkin and 
possibly other 
Cucurbitaceae  
species.  Regulated in 
Taiwan  Citrullus lanatus  watermelon ; wild 
melon  Kwon et al.,  2014  
Cucumis anguria  burr cucumber ; west 
indian gherkin  no studies have been performed 
in this species  
Cucurbita ficifolia  seven year melon ; 
figleaf gourd  no studies have been performed 
in this species  
Cucurbita maxima  winter squash ; 
buttercup squash  Daryono et al.,  2006  
(experimental host)  
Cucurbita pepo  courgette ; zucchini  Lee et al.,  2000; Daryono and 
Natsuaki, 2012 ; Daryono et al., 
2006  
Cucurbita mixta 
(syn. Cucurbita 
argyrosperma)  calabaza; mixta 
squash  no studies have been performed 
in this species  
Cucurbita moschata  pumpkin ; canada 
pumpkin  Tan et al., 2000 ; Lee et al., 2010  
(experimental host)  
Cucumis metuliferus  african horned 
cucumber; african 
horned melon  Daryono and Natsuaki, 2012  
Cucumis 
myriocarpus  gooseberry 
cucumber ; 
gooseberry gourd  no studies have been performed 
in this species  
Cucumis melo  melon ; muskmelon  Kim et al., 2009  
Cucumis sativus  garden cucumber ; 
cucumber  Inoue et al., 1967; Tan et al., 
2000 ; Fukuta et al., 2012  
Lagenaria siceraria  bottle gourd; 
calabash  Daryono et al.,  2006 ; Lee et al.,  
2010  
Luffa acutangula  angled loofah; ridged 
gourd  Daryono et al.,  2005 
Luffa aegyptiaca 
(syn. L. cylindrica)  smooth loofah; dish 
cloth gourd  Daryono et al.,  2006; Tan et al., 
2000  
(experimental host)  
Momordica 
charantia  bitter melon; bitter 
gourd  no studies have been performed 
in this species   
Page 11 of 28 
 LIKELIHOOD OF ENTRY INTO NEW ZEALAND  
 
34. CGMMV and KGMMV are not known to occur in New Zealand. Strains of both viruses 
occur in Cucurbitaceae  crops in countries e.g. Japan1 and Australia2, from where New 
Zealand currently imports Cucurbitaceae  seeds. Therefore, there is potential for bo th 
viruses and different strains of each virus to enter New Zealand. CGMMV and KGMMV 
are considered to be biologically capable of being associated with seeds of the commodity 
species.   
 
35. CGMMV is able to remain infective in the seed coat where during germination it will go 
on to infect the seedling (Sastry, 2013). Infected seeds enable the virus to move between 
countries and/or areas further favouring its dissemination and establishment.  
 
36. The viruses occur systemically in infected plants, in the fruit tissues where seeds are 
located and also on the seed coat (testa and endopleura). Given the very high stability of 
the virus -particles, contaminated seeds will have viable virus for a considerable time. 
Records by Sastry (2013) have shown that CGMMV viral particles on the seed coat of 
Cucumis sativus  remain ed viable for three years.   
 
37. Direct evidence of the biological association of CGMMV with seeds includes: a) record s 
of it in seeds of Cucurbita pepo  (zucchini) (Al -Tamimi et al.  2009; Kwon et al.  2014); 
and b)  evidence of seed transmission in Cucumis sativus  (cucumber ), Citrullus lanatus  
(watermelon), Lagenaria siceraria  (bottle gourd), and Cucumis melo  (muskmelon) .  
 
38. Apricot stones can currently be imported under the Prunus  schedule of the Seed for 
Sowing IHS, with a period of post -entry quarantine to observe for symptoms and test for 
the major regulated viruses. When apricot is infected with SLRSV and CGMMV , no fruit 
is formed, reducing considerably the risk of this disease  been introduced to New Zealand 
via this pathway.  
 
39. Apricot can also be imported as nursery stock and may be a possible pathway for th e 
introduction of CGMMV , via infected rootstocks or plant material . Existing measures, 
including import into Level 3 Post -Entry Quarantine for growing season inspections, are 
adequate to manage the risk. Herbaceous indexing on Cucumis sativus  and Chenopodium 
quinoa  indicators are completed for  all Prunus  imports of seed and nursery stock which is 
likely to detect this disease.  
 
40. Direct evidence of seed transmission in Cucurbita pepo  (zucchini) was found for 
KGMMV in Korea (Lee et al.,  2000). This evidence together with the fact that the 
biology and viral -particle stability of KGMMV is similar to CGMMV (Daryono et al.,  
2005 and Daryono et al.,  2006) it is assumed in this risk assessment that seed -
transmission also occurs in other susceptible hosts of KGMMV.  
 
41. The likelihood of entry of CGMMV and KGMMV via the  Cucurbitaceae  seed pathway is 
considered to be high.   
 
 
1 Quancargo Data from 2011 to July 2014 show that around 54.6Tonnes of Cucurbitaceae seeds from Japan have been imported into 
New Zealand. The main species being Cucurbita maxima , a host for both v iruses.  
 
2 Quancargo Data from 2011 to July 2014 show that around 7.316Tonnes of Cucurbitaceae  seeds from Australia have been imported 
into New Zealand. The main species are Cucurbita pepo , Cucumis melo  and Citullus lanatus , hosts for both viruses.  
   
Page 12 of 28 
  
EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT  
 
42. CGMMV and KGMMV are not transmitted by a vector,  either an insect or fungus . They 
are transmitted via seed (seed -borne) and mechanically (infected plant material/sap on 
tools, soil, water, machinery, clothes and human hands) (Daryono et al., 2006; Mandal et 
al., 2008; Kubota et al.,  2009; Daryono and Natsuaki, 2012; Baker, 2013, Nontajak et al.,  
2014).  
 
43. The stability of its viral particles allows this virus to be persistent in the soil (Fukuta et al., 
2012). Due to its viral particle stability CGMMV can maintain viability for a long period 
of time on contaminated seeds, clothes, farm tools, soil and in water (Mandal et al.,  2008; 
Baker, 2013; DPIF, Northern Territory, 2014; Nontajak  et al.,  2014 ). 
 
44. The locatio n of the viral particles within the seed will determine the transmissibility of the 
virus from the seed to the seedling.  Members of the genus Tobamovirus , CGMMV and 
KGMMV included, are one of a few cases where the virus does survive outside the 
embryo due  to its highly stable particles. The virus can be transmitted from the seed to the 
seedling during germination through very small abrasions (Liu et al.,  2014).  
 
45. This transmission mechanism provides the means by which the virus becomes exposed to 
a new host  plant in New Zealand, i.e. the new seedling is the new host.   
 
46. Percentage of seed to seedling transmission of  CGMMV has been determined for 
cucumber  (between 3-17%), for watermelon (5%), bottle gourd (2%), muskmelon (2.83%) 
and melon (1%). CGMMV can also be transmitted via pollen (51.2%).  Given the very 
high stability of CGMMV and KGMMV viral particles, it is assumed that similar seed -to-
seedling transmission rates  would be observed in the other commodity species covered by 
this RMP , if investigated.  
 
47. CGMMV and KGMMV can be easily transmitted between host plants. The virus can 
penetrate the leaf cuticle even when there is minimal injury to the epidermis, invading th e 
plant cells and multiplying efficiently (APS, 2015).  
 
LIKELIHOOD OF ESTABL ISHMENT IN NEW ZEALA ND 
 
48. A virus can be considered established if there is a self -sustaining population; this occurs if 
the virus can be transmitted (spread) from the first infected  plant to other hosts plants. 
There are several mechanisms by which this could happen for CGMMV & KGMMV 
(mechanical transmission, seed transmission, pollen transmission, soil transmission), and 
the series of events leading to establishment would depend on the location of the first 
exposure.  
 
49. Viruses from the Tobamovirus  genus, including CGMMV and KGMMV, are very hard to 
eliminate once established due to their highly stable particles and ability to survive and 
remain  active in plant debris, soil and equipme nt surfaces for a long period of time 
(Sastry, 2013, CABI, 2014, Chang et al.,  2005, King et al.,  2012; Fukuta et al.,  2012).  
 
50. Rao and Varma in 1984 show ed that under experimental conditions the transmission rate 
of CGMMV in bottle gourd was 18% using soi l mixed with infected plant debris. The 
virus remained viable for 10 months in the soil  (Mandal et al.,  2008 ). CGMMV can also 
be disseminated through contaminated water as found in India and the Netherlands 
(Mandal et al.,  2008; Sastry, 2013).   
Page 13 of 28 
  
51. Given that CGMMV and KGMMV can be transmitted through seed and CGMMV can 
also be transmitted via pollen, both methods of transmission are very important for the 
establishment and spread of both viruses in New Zealand (Liu et al.,  2014).  Infected seeds 
do play a key role on the epidemiology of the disease as it can act as the primary source of 
inoculum providing a starting point of the disease in a new locality (Sastry, 2013, Liu et 
al., 2014, Nontajak et al.,  2014, Reingold et al.,  2015). Once a crop is exp osed to 
CGMMV and KGMMV via infected seed,  the secondary spread of both  viruses will be 
done by mechanical transmission through contact between infected plant material, cutting 
knives, pruning tools, machineries, clothing and shoes used by growers (Mandal et al.,  
2008).  Infected seedlings, people, water and soil are the most likely  pathways for short 
distance spread  (Sundheim et al., 2008) .  
 
52. An establishment of CGMMV in watermelon, butternut pumpkin, zucchini and melon 
crops have the potential to spread throughout the crops via pollen, and mechanical 
transmission caused by crop handling.  It is also likely to spread to other cucurbitaceae 
crops, e.g. buttercup squash ( Cucurbita maxima ) in the district via contaminated 
equipment used by con tractors working  in the crops.  
 
53. If the virus infects a weedy species, the virus may be spread further afield by dispersal of 
weed seeds contaminated with virus.  Those seeds may become infected with the virus as 
a result of the seed -to-seedling transmission mechanism. In fected seeds do play a key role 
on the epidemiology of the disease as it can act as the primary source of inoculum 
providing a starting point of the disease in a new locality (Sastry, 2013, Liu et al.,  2014, 
Nontajak et al.,  2014, Reingold et al.,  2015). C ertain arable weeds (e.g. Chenopodium 
album, Amaranthus retroflexus , Solanum nigrum and Portulaca oleracea ), are known to 
act as reservoir for CGMMV ( Boubarakas et al.,  2004 ). 
 
54. The likelihood of establishment of CGMMV and KGMMV in Cucurbitaceae  hosts is 
considered to be high.  
 
IMPACT OF ESTABLISHM ENT 
 
55. CGMMV and KGMMV are two very important cucurbit viruses responsible for serious 
economic losses in several countries  (Ugaki et al.,  1991; Tan et al.,  2000; Daryono et al.,  
2005).  
 
56. KGMMV  is considered to be one of the most significant pathogenic pests in cucumber  
(Lee et al.,  2000; Kubota et al. , 2009). In Japan, KGMMV causes serious yield loss in 
cucumber crops  and is a major constraint for the cultivation of cucumber. Some Japanese 
farm ers apply methyl bromide to sterilize infected fields to help control KGMMV, at high 
cost (Daryono et al.,  2005; Daryono and Natsuaki, 2012).  
 
57. In New Zealand, t he impact of establishment of CGMMV  and KGMMV would be greatest 
for the squash and pumpkin indus try.  
 
58. Plants infected with CGMMV or KGMMV usually develop disease symptoms and the 
severity of those symptoms will determine the size of the direct economic impact.  Leaf 
symptoms normally associated with CGMMV and KGMMV are mottles , mosaics , 
chlorosis and leaf distortion including wilting (Chang et al.,  2005, Hongyun et al.,  2008; 
Mandal et al.,  2008,). In extreme cases infected plants can wilt and die.  
 
  
Page 14 of 28 
 59. In Thailand, yield losses  in cucumber have been reported to range from 5 -16% with 
further losses mainly due to reduced product quality  (Nontajak et al.,  2014). According to 
CABI, 2014 in Cucumis sativus  (cucumber) at the time of infection , yields can be  reduced 
by 5-16% and fruit quality was considerably reduced  due to severe symptoms , with a 
financial loss between 2 to 24% . High field incidence of CGMMV, between 75 and 100%, 
was reported by Vani and Varma, 1993 in northern India for the crops bottle gourd , 
muskmelon and watermelon by the end of the growing season.  
 
60. Given the annual sales value of butternut squash, pumpkin, melon and other cucurbitaceae 
grown in New Zealand ($~51 million) the direct economic impact in the first year of 
CGMMV or KGMMV establishing in a New Zealand crop is likely to be in the millions 
of dollars.   
 
61. Economic impacts will likely continue in subsequent years if the same cucurbitaceae crop 
are planted in the same field, because the new crop can become infected with the virus via 
transmission from the contaminated soil in the field.  
 
62. Cases of reoccurrence have been reported from countries where the virus has been 
reported at least once. For example, in the USA, CGMMV was first reported in July 2013 
in fields of cucumber and melon seeds. Affected fields were destroyed and growing 
Cucurbitacea e crops were  prohibited for two years. Severe measures were introduced and 
the virus was considered to have been eradicated. A year later CGMMV was found again, 
at a different locality and in a seedless watermelon variety (Baker, 2013, Linden, 2015). In 
Norway, four greenhouses were found to be infected with CGMMV in 2007, after the 
disease was reported as not present since 1983 (Sundheim et al.,  2008).  
 
63. In addition to crop losses, production costs may increase due to the  need for increased 
labour and consu mables for washing and disinfection of tools & equipment, the need for  
cooperation with other growers to establish  hygiene barriers and potentially extra 
phytosanitary measures to comply with new importing requirements of other countries, 
including seed te sting or testing/inspection during growth season.  
 
64. The potential economic consequences of CGMMV and/or KGMMV within New Zealand 
are considered to be moderate from a national perspective, but high for individual 
cucurbitaceae growers.   
 
CURRENT MEASURES T O MANAGE THE RISK OF  CGMMV AND KGMMV  
 
65. Seeds eligible for import into New Zealand are listed in the Plants Biosecurity Index  
(PBI) : https://www1.maf.govt.nz/cgi -bin/bioindex/bioindex.pl  
 
66. Cucurbitaceae  seeds must meet the general requirements of the import health standard 
(IHS) 155.02.05: Importation of Seeds for Sowing  and the specific requirements listed in 
the ‘Cucurbitaceae ’ schedule.  The general requirements for imported seed are stat ed in 
Part 1 of the standard, and require seed to be packaged in clean packets, clearly labelled 
with the scientific/botanical name, and clean of any contaminating plant material, debris, 
soil and contaminating seeds. Seeds are visually inspected at the bo rder to verify that the 
basic conditions have been met.  
 
67. The specific requirements listed in the ‘ Cucurbitaceae ’ schedule (Part 2) state that a 
phytosanitary certificate is required from the exporting country to certify that the seeds 
have been officially tested, on a representative sample, and using the appropriate method 
(ISTA -ELISA), and found to be free from CGMMV prior to impor t.   
Page 15 of 28 
  
68. Visual inspection of seed at the border cannot detect seeds infected with CGMMV, and 
therefore the current requirement for seed testing is required to specifically manage the 
biosecurity risks of this organism.  
 
69. Currently, no measures are in place to mitigate the risk of entry of KGMMV into New 
Zealand via the seed for sowing pathway.  
   
Page 16 of 28 
 Risk Management   
 
70. CGMMV is regulated in New Zealand via the emergency measures applied on the 1st 
December 2014. The current measures require that all Cucurbitaceae  seeds allowed for 
import into N ew Zealand  must be tested for CGMMV using the ISTA -ELISA test. These 
measures were imposed to minimize the risk of this virus entering New Zealand .  
KGMMV is not currently regulated.  
 
71. Both viruses are very similar in their b iology, morphology, host range and symptoms, so 
the application of similar requirements for the mitigation of risk is reasonable . 
 
72. Further options to mitigate the risk of both viruses  includ e assurances by the importers 
that their seed sources are from hea lthy planting material grown and sourced from  areas 
where the virus historically has not been reported. Importers  can also source seed from 
reputable producers that follow good cultural practices and employ  parent plant  testing 
during seed production . 
 
73. Apricot stones can currently be imported under the Prunus  schedule of the Seed for 
Sowing IHS, with a period of post -entry quarantine to observe for symptoms development 
and to test for the major regulated viruses.  
 
74. Apricot can also be  imported as nursery  stock, and may be a possible pathway for th e 
introduction of CGMMV , via infected rootstocks or plant material. Existing measures, 
including import into Level 3 Post -Entry Quarantine  (PEQ)  for growing season  
inspections, are considered adequate to manage t he risk  at this time . Herbaceous indexing 
on Cucumis sativus and Chenopodium quinoa indicators are also completed  for all Prunus  
imports of seed and nursery stock which is likely to detect symptoms of this disease.  In 
this instance, it is proposed that CGMMV be listed as a regulated pest in the schedule for 
Prunus armeniaca . 
 
75. Momordica charantia (bitter melon)  can also be imported as nursery stock, and may be a 
possible pathway for th e introduction of this virus via plant materia l for planting . MPI 
proposes that Momordica charantia imported as a nursery stock will have its status 
changed from ‘Level 2 Basic ’, to ‘Require s Assessment ’. Over the last two years, this 
species has not been imported as nursery stock into Ne w Zealand.  
 
OPTIONS ANALYSIS   
 
Pest free area  
 
76. CGMMV  has a worldwide distribution, so Pest Free Area declarations will only be 
possible  for a few countries . KGMMV on the other hand has a limited geographic 
distribution, making it possible for most countries to provide a Pest Free Area 
declaration. For the countries where Pest Free Area can be declared for CGMMV  and 
KGMMV , this measure offers a good level of as surance tha t consignments are free from 
these pathogen s. Care needs to be taken by suppliers to source certified disease -free seed  
and nursery stock prior to planting. Guidelines for the determination of a Pest Free Area 
(PFA) can be found in the Internati onal Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 4.  
 
Pest free place of production  
  
Page 17 of 28 
 77. Pest Free Place of Production systems are a practical alternative for specific quarantine 
pathogens  which have visible symptoms . During the growing season, an official 
inspection for disease symptoms and/or parent plant testing for the absence of specific 
quarantine pests can be used for the official endorsement of Pest Free Place of Production 
on the phytosanitary certificate.  
 
78. Foliar and fruit symptoms of CGMMV can range from mild and difficult to visually 
detect to quite severe. This level of variability can be attributed to the relationship 
between the strain/isolate of the virus and the species/cultivar infected.  CABI 2014 and 
Chang et al.,  2005 have reported that some Asian Cucumis sativus  cultivars appear 
symptomless. Notes taken from a presentation by Dr Aviv Dombrovsky in January 2015 
during his visit to the Northern Territory  mentions that although normally either the 
leave s or the fruits are symptomatic , it is not  always the case. Certain varieties of melon, 
pumpkins and zucchini may show few or no symptoms  in the field  (Fullelove, 2015 ). Due 
to the high impact that this disease can cause  on the Cucurbitaceae  industry of New 
Zealand MPI requests that the Pest Free Place of production option utilises growing 
season testing of parent plants , using  an NPPO approved testing method and sampling 
regime .   
 
79. In the case of KGMMV , all reports describing its biological characterisation in a range of 
hosts from the Cucurbitaceae  family were based o n visual symptoms. Under 
experimental conditions , plants of Cucumis melo  developed the disease one week after 
inoculation with the virus.  For this virus , Pest Free Place of Prod uction using visual 
inspection only will provide a means to ensure that consignments of seeds produced in 
the designated  production  area are free from KGMMV.  
 
Seed testing  
 
80. Sensitive and accurate diagnostic test s are available which can be  applied to  commercial 
seed lots to provide assurance that the seeds are free of CGMMV and KGMMV (Reingold 
et al.,  2014).  
 
81. Cucurbitaceae  seeds can be tested using an approved NPPO testing method, with testing  
endorsed on the phytosanitary certificate .  The i nternationally available ELISA method 
published by ISTA (http://www.seedtest.org/upload/cms/user/SH -07-026-2014.pdf   ) is 
currently the method MPI is using  under the emergency measu res for CGMMV . Under 
the emergency measures, seed lots must  be tested and found to be free of the virus. For 
seed lots greater than 5000 seeds , a representative sample of a minimum of 2000 seeds  is 
tested , which has been officially drawn from the consignment according to ISTA or 
AOSA methodology . For small volumes, less than 5000 seeds, the importer is required  to 
use ISPM 31  as a guide for sampling. For consignments smaller than 1000 seeds, two 
options are available:  
 a composite test may be perfo rmed on combined seed lots up to maximum of  50 
lots from the same species  and production area ; and  
 testing will be performed using leaf material from the same species and 
production area from seeds grown in an appropriate Level 2 transitional 
(quarantine)  facility approved to MPI Standard PBC -NZ-TRA -PQCON: 
Specification for the Registration of a Plant Quarantine or Containment Facility, 
and Operator.  
 
82. Different polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) testing methods have been published and are 
available for testi ng for CGMMV  and KGMMV , (e.g. Kim et al.,  2003;  Park et al.,  2006; 
Chen et al.,  2008; Reingold et al.,  2013; Moradi and Jafarpour, 2011; Ling et al.,  2014;  
Page 18 of 28 
 Liu et al.,  2014 and Hongyun et al.,  2008 ; Daryono and Natsuaki, 2012; Fukuta et al.,  
2012 ). MPI proposes that both methods  ISTA -ELISA test and an  NPPO approved PCR  
method  be accepted  to show that the consignment is free of CGMMV . For KGMMV, 
MPI proposes that Cucurbitaceae  seeds be tested using an approved ELISA or PCR 
NPPO testing method, where i t will be endorsed on the phytosanitary certificate,  to show 
that the consignment is free of this virus .  
 
Seed disinfection  
 
83. Current methods for the treatment of Cucurbitaceae  seeds infected with CGMMV (heat 
and TSP or a combination of both) are insufficient to complete eliminate and/or inactivate 
the virus.  As a result, seed treatments will not be considered as a risk management option 
for this virus.  
 
Feasibility & Practicality of Measures  
 
84. The New Zealand industries of squash, pumpkin and other  Cucurbitaceae plants would 
benefit from the measures implemented to mitigate the risk of importing new viruses into 
New Zealand  which could have significant impacts on production for these industries . 
 
85. It is not known whether “ Pest Free Area ” declaration can be supplied by all  exporting 
countries for Cucurbitaceae seed for these quarantine viruses.  
 
86. It is not known whether all exporting countries for Cucurbitaceae seed could implement 
growing season testing of parent plants for CGMMV and visual inspection for KGMMV.  
 
87. Seed testing allows access to seed produced for international markets, and gives a 
practical option for importing stored inventory of seed, where country of origin is not 
specified and/or growing season inspections have not previously been unde rtaken. The 
limitations include the cost and efficacy of testing, for CGMMV an international 
validated test (ISTA -ELISA) already exists and it is worldwide applied, the same is not 
the case for KGMMV. However, given an appropriate and statistically valid s ample size, 
MPI considers that seed testing for KGMMV does provide a similar level of assurance as 
PFA and growing season inspection of parent plants declaration . 
 
88. The size of the sample will change depending on the total size of the lot.  For seed lots of 
10,000 seeds or greater a minimum sample size of 2,000 seeds will provide at least a 95% 
confidence level in detecting 0.15% infestation.  This means a maximum of 20% of the 
seed lot is sampled.  
 
89. For seed lots less than 10,000 seeds a composite sample of 2 ,000 seeds has been 
suggested to enable the same percentage of each lot to be sampled (20%).  Otherwise a 
larger percentage of the lot will need to be sampled to provide the same level of 
confidence in detecting CGMMV and KGMMV at the same infestation level . This sample 
size would then have to align with the ISPM guidelines where 20 -100% of the lot would 
need to be tested depending on the lot size.  
 
90. Other countries apply different  sampling system s. New Zealand applies the same 
definition of size of a small seed lot for all species of cucurbitaceae listed under this RMP 
requir ing testing and the sample size depends on the number of seeds in the lot rather than 
the weight. Generally small seeds lots have a maximum of 18,000 to 150,000 seeds   
Page 19 of 28 
 depending on the species. Under New Zealand requirements a small seed lot should have 
a maximum of 10,000 seeds for all species. A 95% confidence level in detecting a 
minimum of 0.15% infestation of CGMMV or KGMMV is only provided when the seed 
lot is close  to the maximum weight stated . When the seed lot size is reduced  below this 
maximum weight , a 20% sample will not provide the same level of confidence in 
detecting CGMMV or KGMMV for all species . New Zealand  requi res the same level of 
confidence irrespective of the seed lot size and the species of Cucurbitaceae .    
 
Proposed Measures  
91. Based on the evaluation of measures for the management of CGMMV  and KGMMV , the 
following amendment to requirements for the import of Cucurbitaceae  seed for sowing is 
proposed:  
 
a) “Pest Free Area ” declaration, or  
b) growing season testing of parent plants for CGMMV and growing season 
inspection of parent plants for KGMMV  declaration , or 
c) Seed testing, using an international validated method or a NPPO approved 
method.  
   
Page 20 of 28 
 Proposed Import Health Standard schedule in the Seed for 
Sowing Standard 155.02.05  
 
CUCURBITACEAE  
 
The following entry conditions only apply to species in the Plants Biosecurity Index listed 
under  Import Specifications for Seed as “see 155.02.05 under Cucurbitaceae” .  
 
Countries : All 
 
Quarantine Pests : Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus  (CGMMV) ; Kyuri Green Mottle 
Mosaic virus  (KGMMV)  
 
Phytosanitary Certificate  – Additional declarations  
 
If satisfi ed that the pre -shipment activities have been undertaken, the exporting country NPPO 
must confirm this by providing the following additional declarations to the phytosanitary 
certificate:  
 
The [ Benincasa hispida; Citrullus lanatus; Cucumis anguria;  Cucumi s melo;  Cucumis 
metulliferus; Cucumis myriocarpus;  Cucurbita ficifolia ; Cucurbita maxima ; Cucurbita mixta  
Cucurbita moschata; Cucurbita pepo; Cucumis sativus;  Lagenaria siceraria;  Luffa 
acutangula; Luffa cylindrical; Luffa aegyptiaca; Momordica charantia ; Portulaca oleraceae ] 
seeds for sowing in this consignment have been:  
 
Inspected  in accordance with appropriate official procedures and found to be free of any 
visually detectable regulated pests.  
 
AND  
 
The cucubitaceae  seeds for sowing have been:  
 
For Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus  (CGMMV):  
 
- Sourced from a “Pest free area”, free from the named regulated virus es (Cucumber 
green mottle mosaic virus ;  
 
OR 
 
- Sourced from a production area where the parent plants have been sampled according 
to a NPPO appr oved methodology and tested  using  the International Seed Test 
Association (ISTA) validated ELISA method or a NPPO approved PCR  during the 
active growing period and found to be free from Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus  
 
OR 
 
- a representative sample, officially drawn from this consignment according to ISTA or 
AOSA methodology, has been  tested  using the International Seed Test Association  
Page 21 of 28 
 (ISTA) validated ELISA method or a NPPO approved PCR method for the presence 
and found to be free of Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus .  
 
AND  
 
For Kyuri green mottle mosaic virus  (KGMMV):  
- Sourced from a “Pest free area”, free from Kyuri green mottle mosaic virus ;  
 
OR 
 
- Sourced from a “Pest Free Place of Production”, free from Kyuri green mottle mosaic 
virus;  
 
OR 
 
- a representative sample, officially drawn from this consignment according to ISTA or 
AOSA methodology, has been  tested  using a serological (ELISA) or molecular (PCR) 
NPPO approved method for the presence and found to be free of Kyuri  green mottle 
mosaic viru s.  
 
 
Testing is required to be completed offshore prior to export, or on arrival in New Zealand by 
an MPI -approved testing laboratory.  
 
Testing Requirements  
 
For seed lots of more than 10,000 seeds a representative sample of a minimum  of 
2000 seeds, officially drawn from the consignment according to ISTA or AOSA 
methodology is required to be sampled and tested;  
 
For seed lots with 10,000 seeds  or less : 
A composite sample of 2000 seeds must be officially drawn across seed lots of same 
species  and place of production from a total size of 10,000 seeds or less (20% of the 
total) . Therefore, at a minimum, 10 seed lots containing 1,000 seeds (200 seeds 
sampled per  lot) would need to be imported.   
 
Cucurbita pepo  
 
Different varieties of Yellow Straightneck, Yellow Crookneck squash and Green 
Zucchini seeds have been genetically modified.  The following varieties are prohibited 
entry to Ne w Zealand without HSNO approval:  
Cucurbita pepo  event ZW20;  
Cucurbita pepo  event CZW3;  
Yellow Crookneck squash variety “Revenue”; “Tigress”; “Destiny III”; Prelude II;  
Yellow Straightneck squash variety “XPT1832 III”; “Conqueror III”; “Patriot II”; 
“Liberator III”;   
Page 22 of 28 
 Green Zucchini variety “SV6009YG”; “Judgement III”; “Justice III”; “Declarat ion II”; 
“Independence II”.  
Cucurbita pepo  importers are required to comply with one of the two options listed below:  
 
Option 1:  
a declaration signed by the exporter and importer must accompany the consignment 
declaring that the consignment does not conta in GM seeds  (the declaration form  is 
provided in A ppendix  1). 
 
OR 
 
Option 2:  
samples must be representatively sampled, tested, and found to be free of unapproved 
GM seed according to the Protocol (refer to section 1.5.3).  
 
Guidance  
References:  
Ling et al., 2014. First report of Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus  infecting 
greenhouse cucumber in Canada. Plant Disease  98 (5): 701 -2. 
Reingold et al.,  2013. First report of Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus  
(CGMMV) symptoms in watermelon used for the discrimination of non -marketable 
fruits in Israeli commercial fields. New Disease Reports  28, 11.  
ISTA http://www.seedtest.org/upload/cm s/user/SH -07-026-2014.pdf  
 
   
Page 23 of 28 
  
Appendix 1: Exporter/importer non -GM assurance declaration  
 
Declaration form to be completed and signed by the exporter and importer  
 
As defined by the New Zealand HSNO Act 1996, Genetically modified organism means, unless expressly provided 
otherwise by regulations, any organism in which any of the genes or any other genetic material (a) have been 
modified by in vitro techniques; or (b) are inherited or otherwise derived, through any number of replications, 
from any genes o r other genetic material which has been modified by in vitro techniques.  
 
Note that under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996. The import and release of any 
genetically modified crop without approval from the Environmental Protection  Authority (EPA) it is unlawful.  
 
I,………….. (exporter’s name and address)…………………………………………..declare that according to the 
requirements set out in the Seed for Sowing Import Health Standard (MPI Import Health Standard: 155.02.05: 
Importation of Seed for Sowi ng - http://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/plants/seeds -for-sowing/steps -to-importing/) , 
(species name and lot/line number or unique identifier as stated on all the other import documentation) was 
produced neither “from” nor “by” genetically modified crops.  
 
I undertake to inform immediately the importer and the  Ministry for Primary Industries, MPI, N ew Zealand  of any 
information that can undermine the accuracy of this declaration.  
 
Note that MPI may request evidence as to how production, handling and transport of these seeds is performed in 
the field, or require and audit as a way to provide quality to the production system.  
 
I,…….. (importer ’s name and address)…………………………………………..dec lare to the best of my 
knowledge  that according to the requirements set out in the Seed for Sowing Import Health Standard (MPI Import 
Health Standard: 155.02.05: Importation of Seed for Sowing - http://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/plants/seeds -for-
sowing/step s-to-importing/) , (species name and lot/line number or unique identifier as stated on all the other import 
documentation) was produced neither “from” nor “by” genetically modified crops.  
 
 
Signed by (exporter)  and Company Name and details  
(print name)  
 
Date  
 
 
Signed by (importer) and Company Name and details  
(print name)  
 
 
Warning: Any person who knowingly makes a statement of information or a declaration that is false or misleading 
in a material particular may on summary conviction, be sentenced to a te rm of imprisonment and/or fined not 
exceeding $500,000.00  
   
Page 24 of 28 
  
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