Risk Management Proposal:  
Fresh Pumpkin , Squash and Butternut  for 
Human Consumption  or Decorative 
Purposes  
MPI.IHS.FP.PUMPKIN  
 
 
 
April  2018 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant Imports  
Plants, Food and Environment  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
Pastoral House  
3 The Terrace  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
New Zealand  
Tel: +64 4 894 0100  
Fax: +64 4 894 0662  
Email: plantimports@mpi.govt.nz   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 3 of 
46 Disclaimer  
This document does not constitute, and should not be regarded as, legal advice. While every effort has been made 
to ensure the information in this document is accurate, the Ministry for Primary Industries does not accept any 
responsibility or liability whatsoever for any error of fact, omission, interpretation or opinion that may be present, 
however it may have occurred.  
Requests for further copies should be directed to:  
 
Plant Imports  
Plants, Food and Environment  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
New Zealand  
 
Email: plantimports@mpi.govt.nz  
 
© Crown Copyright – Ministry for Primary Industries.  
 
   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 4 of 
46 Submissions  
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment from interested parties on the proposed new import 
health standard (IHS) for Fresh Pumpkin , Squash and Butternut  for Human Consumption  or Decorative Purposes 
which is supported by this Risk Management Proposal (RMP).  
The meaning of an IHS is defined in section 22(1) of the Biosecurity Act 1993 as “An import health standard 
specifies requirements to be met for the effective management of risks associated with i mporting risk goods, 
including risks arising because importing the goods involves or might involve an incidentally imported new 
organism”.  
MPI therefore seeks comment on the requirements (including measures) in the proposed IHS. MPI has developed 
this prop osal based on the available scientific evidence and assessment of this evidence. If you disagree with the 
measures proposed to manage the risks, please provide either scientific data or published references to support 
your comments. This will enable MPI to  consider additional evidence which may change how risks are proposed to 
be managed.  
The following points may be of assistance in preparing comments:  
 Wherever possible, comments should be specific to an IHS requirement (referencing section numbers or pest names as 
applicable).  
 Where possible, reasons, data and supporting published references to support comments are requested.  
 The use of examples to il lustrate particular points is encouraged.   
MPI encourages respondents to forward comments electronically  (to arrive by close of business on 11 June 2018 ). 
Please include the following in your submission:  
 The title of the consultation document in the subject line of your email;  
 Your name and title (if applicable);  
 Your organisation’s name (if applicable); and  
 Your address.  
Send submissions to: plantimports@ mpi.govt.nz . 
However, should you wish to forward submissions in writing, please send them to the following address to arrive by 
close of business on 11 June 2018  
Plant Imports  
Plants, Food and Environment Directorate  
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/rev iewed.  
Official Information Act 1982  
Please note that your submission is public information. MPI policy is to provide a copy of all submissions received 
and the review of submission to all parties who lodge submissions.  
Submissions may be the subject of requests for information under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA 
specifies that information is to be made available to requesters unless there are sufficient grounds for withholding 
it, as set out in the OIA. Anyone preparing a submission ma y wish to inform MPI if there are grounds for 
withholding specific information contained in their submission, such as the information is commercially sensitive or 
they wish personal information withheld.  
Any decision to withhold information requested unde r the OIA is reviewable by the Ombudsman.   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 5 of 
46 Contents  
Purpose  6 
Scope  6 
Background  6 
Part 1: Context  7 
Domestic  7 
International  7 
New Zealand’s Biosecurity System  7 
Strength of measures  8 
Importin g Fresh Produce  8 
Part 2: Approach  9 
Commodity Description  9 
Information Sources  9 
Assessment  10 
Description of measures  10 
Basic Measures  11 
Targeted Measures  11 
MPI-Specified Measures  12 
Certification and verification  13 
Pre-export inspection and phytosanitary certification  13 
Verification on arrival in New Zealand  13 
Part 3: Pest Risk Management Assessment  15 
3.1 New market access request: Fresh pumpkin from Tonga  15 
Determination of phytosanitary measures included in the draft IHS  16 
Basic Measures  16 
Targeted Measures  21 
MPI-Specified Measures  22 
Summar y of proposed categories of measures for pumpkin from Tonga  23 
3.2 Consolidation of existing import health standards  24 
Australia – pumpkin  24 
New Caledonia – pumpkin and squash  26 
Tonga – squash and butternut  27 
Vanuatu – squash  27 
Part 4: Refe rences  29 
Appendix 1: Pest Categorisation  33 
 
 
   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 6 of 
46 Purpose  
 The purpose of this risk management proposal (RMP) is to:  
a) consider and assess a new market access request for fresh pumpkin ( Cucurbita pepo ) [Cucurbitaceae] 
from Tonga . It will:  
i) summarise the pests associated with the import of fresh pumpkin from Tonga  that require measures and 
the strength of measure required  to manage them;  
ii) justify  the measures proposed in the draft import health standard (IHS) for Fresh Pumpkin , Squash and 
Butternut  for Human Consumption  or Decorative Purposes  to effectively manage known biosecurity risks; 
and 
iii) explain how the proposed measures are consistent with New Zealand’s domestic legislation and 
international obligations.   
Note:  the assessment (Appendix 1) only include s market access for Cucurbita pepo  from Tonga  
b) present a new commodity import IHS for fresh pumpkin  (Cucurbita pepo ), squash (Cucurbita maxima) 
and butternut  (Cucurbita moschata ) for human consumption or decorative purposes from all currently  
approved countries , with the addition of the new market access request for pumpkin from Tonga. The 
commodity import health standard will replace the existing country: commodity based standards;  and 
c) review the strength of phytosanitary measures  for previously agreed pest lists , where different levels of 
measure apply for a given pest  under existing import health standards.  
 The draft IHS is the subject of consultation under section 23(3) of the Biosecurity Act 1993. This RMP 
provides information to support the consultation on the draft IHS but is not itself  the subject of consultation. 
However MPI will accept comments and suggestions on the RMP in order to improve future IHS 
consultations.  
Scope  
 This RMP describes  the information and process used to determine the pest risk management measures 
proposed in the  draft IHS: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption  or Decorative 
Purposes.  The RMP includes:  
a) a summary of pests directly associated with pumpkin at the point of export  from Tonga ;  
b) a description of pre -export phytosanitary measures and their effectiveness considered for managing 
pests associated with fresh  pumpkin , squash and butternut . 
c) consider ation and resolution of any inconsistencies in the level of measures required to manage 
biosecurity risks  in existing import health standards for  fresh pumpkin, squash and butternut ; and  
d) an outline of administrative changes (e.g. nomenclature and regulatory status changes).  
 The IHS for Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes provides 
additional market access  for fresh pumpkin from Tonga  in addition to existing access . Though New 
Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Australia are included in the new commodity standard, no new market access has 
been included. Therefore  currently  the IHS  only allows the importation of:  
a) Fresh  pumpkin for human consumption from Australia [existing market access] ; 
b) Fresh pumpkin  and squash for human consumption from New Caledonia [existing market access];  
c) Fresh squash fo r human consumption from Vanuatu  [existing market access] ; 
d) Fresh squash and b utternut for human consumption from Tonga [existing market access]; and fresh 
pumpkin for human consumption or decorative purposes from Tonga [new market access].  
Background  
 Fresh p umpkin ( Cucurbita  pepo ) is currently approved for import from Australia and New Caledonia under  
IHS 155.02 : Importation  and Clearance of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Into New Zealand .  
 Other members of the Cucurbita  genus that can be imported  into New Zealand  are:  
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 7 of 
46 a) IHS: Zucchini ( C. pepo) from Australia  
b) IHS: Squash ( C. maxima ) from Vanuatu  
c) IHS: Squash and Butternut  (C. maxima  and C. moschata ) from Tonga  
d) IHS: 152-02 Fresh Fruit and Vegetables: Squash ( C. maxima ) from New Caledonia, Scallopini ( C. 
pepo ) from Australia and New Caledonia; and Zucchini ( C. pepo ) from New Caledonia.  
 Since 2010  there ha ve been the following imports of cucurbits:  
a) no importation of fresh pumpkin from Australia and New Caledonia;  
b) fresh butternut  from Tonga (55 consignments) ; and  
c) fresh squash from New Caledonia and Tonga (91 consignments) . 
Part 1: Context  
Domestic  
 The New Zealand biosecurity system is regulated through the Biosecurity Act 1993. Section 22 of the Act 
describes the meaning of an IHS, and requires that the IHS specifies requirements to be met for the effective 
management of risks associated with importing risk goods (including plants and plant products) into New 
Zealand.  
 The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) leads the biosecurity system and is the government authority  
responsible for the effect ive management of risks associated with the importation of risk goods into New 
Zealand (Part 3, Biosecurity Act 1993).  
 MPI engages with interested parties and/or affected New Zealand stakeholders and the exporting country 
requesting market access during th e development of an IHS.  
 MPI follows MPI policies and procedures for the development of an IHS and consultation.  
International  
 Where possible, phytosanitary measures are aligned with international standards, guidelines, and 
recommendations as per New Zea land’s obligations under Article 3.1 of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) 
Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), WTO 1995 and 
section 23(4)(c) of the Biosecurity Act 1993.     
 The SPS Agreement states that phyt osanitary 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 res trictive measure.     
New Zealand’s Biosecurity System  
 New Zealand operates a biosecurity system for which the phytosanitary aspect (covering plant health) is a 
key part.  
 No biosecurity system is capable of reducing risk to zero. The objective of the syste m is to reduce to an 
acceptable level the likelihood of entry and establishment of quarantine pests  
 Pests are defined as “Any species, strain or biotype of plant, animal or pathogenic agent injurious to plants or 
plant products” (ISPM 5: Glossary of Phytos anitary Terms ). Pests are categorised as a quarantine pest for 
New Zealand (as per ISPM 11) if the pest:  
a) is not present in New Zealand or is not widely distributed and under official control; or  
b) is a vector of a quarantine pest for New Zealand; or   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 8 of 
46 c) is a dif ferent strain to the pests present in New Zealand and has a different impact (e.g. host range, 
pathogenicity); and  
d) has the potential to establish in New Zealand; and  
e) has the potential to cause unwanted economic consequences should it establish in New Zeala nd.  
 The New Zealand phytosanitary system focuses on ensuring that the most significant pests, for example 
economically important fruit flies, are unlikely to ever establish in New Zealand. The system also manages 
risk associated with all regulated pests.  
 The focus of the IHS for plant -based goods is to  manage unacceptable phytosanitary risks identified as being 
associated with the goods before arrival/  clearance at the New Zealand border. The expectation is that 
commercial consignments of plants and plant products meet New Zealand’s phytosanitary import 
requirements on arrival (risk is managed off -shore).  
 MPI monitors the pathway performance related to each IHS to ensure it provides the expected level of 
protection. This is achieved through verification an d inspection activities at the border (and where possible, 
identification of pests detected) and audits of the export systems and critical control points contained in the 
Export Plan s. 
Strength of measures  
 Measures are required for regulated pests (see paragraph 16 ) where the ‘ probability  of introduction and 
spread’ on a pathway is unacceptable (i.e. if it is able to enter through the pathway, find a suitable host, and 
able to establish and spread in New Zealand).  
 The strength of the measure required should be no more than necessary to manage the risk the organism 
poses. MPI has classified measures into three categories of increasing strength: Basic Measures , Targeted 
Measures  or MPI-Specified Measures .  
 The strengt h of measure required depends on the risk posed by the organism on the pathway. This risk is 
determined by a combination of the consequences the pest may cause if it was introduced into New Zealand 
and the likelihood that the pest will enter and establish from a pathway. For pests that would result in very 
high consequences, such as economically important species of fruit fly, MPI-Specified Measures  are required. 
This is because these pests would cause significant negative consequences to New Zealand, even if the  risk 
(likelihood of them  entering and establishing  a transient population ) is low.  
 The greater the risk from a  pest, the greater the level of assurance MPI requires that the pest is not present in 
a consignment unless the pest has been rendered non -viable (dead or sterile from irradiation). For Targeted  
and/ or MPI-Specified Measure  pests an Export Plan  will be negotiated with the exporting NPPO, supported 
by an MPI pathway assessment visit (if required). The Export Plan  will identify how Targeted  and MPI-
Specified Measures  will be applied. The Export Plan  must be approved by MPI, and is subject to audit and 
review by MPI.  
 The proposed IHS includes all measures accepted for pests assessed as being possibly associated with the 
commodity.  
Importing Fr esh Produce  
 Fresh produce can only be imported subject to an IHS specifying the commodity, and from a country where 
MPI has approved the systems, programmes and standards for regulatory oversight by the National Plant 
Protection Authority (NPPO). The expor t system is subject to audit by MPI.  
 In circumstances where regulated pests requiring  Targeted  or MPI-Specified Measures  are associated with 
the commodity, MPI requires the exporting NPPO to negotiate an Export Plan  with MPI. Exports to New 
Zealand under t he new IHS cannot occur until the Export Plan  has been agreed by MPI.   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 9 of 
46 Part 2: Approach  
Commodity Description  
 This Risk Mana gement Proposal (RMP) applies to fresh pumpkin , squash and butternut  fruit of the species 
Cucurbita pepo , C. maxima  and C. moschata  for human consumption or decorative purposes (‘fresh 
pumpkin , squash and/or butternut ’).  
 This RMP also applies to fresh pumpkin, squash and butternut fruit imported for decorative purposes. 
Additional information is included where the risk from fresh pumpkin, squash or butternut being used for 
decorative purposes is higher than fresh pumpkin, squash or butternut used for human consumption.  
 “Fresh pumpkin , squash and butternut ” is defined as commercially produced and harvested pumpkin , 
squash or butternut  fruit. The co mmodity is a mature, hard -skinned fruit, containing seeds, and trimmed at 
the point where the stem meets the peduncle.  
 “Commercially produced” is defined as the production of export quality  fruit sourced from sites that grow for 
export under standard culti vation, pest -management, harvesting, disinfestation and packing activities.  
a) Commercially produced pumpkin , squash and butternut  is graded to remove:  
- fruit in an immature state;  
- damaged fruit, and plant material (such as the leaves) other than what is included in the commodity 
description;  
- fruit which are infested or  infected with visually detectable  pests ; 
- all plant material from species other than Cucurbita pepo , C. maxima or C. moschata  
b) Private consignments and products produced through non -commercia l systems (for example, 
‘backyard’ production) do not meet the definition of commercially produced, and are excluded from 
the scope of this RMP and the IHS: Fresh Pumpkin , Squash and Butternut  for Human Consumption  
or Decorative Purposes . 
 This RMP does not apply to any immature or soft -skinned Cucurbita pepo, C. maxima  or C. moschata  
varieties such as summer squash, zucchini or scallopini.  
Information Sources  
 The following information was used to identify risk organisms associated with fresh pumpkin from Tonga  
(Appendix 1) and determine appropriate measures to manage the risk of their introduction (entry and 
establishment) into New Zealand:  
a) Pest assessment s from MPI Import Risk Analyses  (with consideration given to  the fresh pumpkin 
pathway and the end use of the product ) including:  
- Import Risk Analysis: Fresh Citrus F ruit (7 species) from Samoa (MAF , 2008) . 
- Import Risk Analysis: Fresh Island cabbage leaves ( Abelmoschus manihot ) from Cook Is., Fiji, Samoa, 
Tonga and Vanuatu (MAF, 2011).  
- Import Risk Analysis: Pears ( Pyrus bretschneideri, Pyrus pyrifolia , and Pyrus  sp. nr. communis ) fresh 
fruit from China (MAF, 2009).  
- Import Risk Analysis: Fresh Polynesian plum fruit ( Spondias dulcis ) from Cook Is., Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, 
Vanuatu (MPI, 2012).  
- Import Risk Assessment: Onion ( Allium cepa)  Fresh Bulbs for Consumption from China (MPI, 2016 a).  
- Generic Pest Risk Assessment: Armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Diaspididae) on the 
fresh produce pathway (MPI, 2014 ).  
b) The Risk Management Propos al: Fresh zucchini and scallopini (Cucurbita pepo) for consumption 
from the Kingdom of Tonga (MPI, 2015 a). 
c) Pest information  supplied by Tonga’s NPPO  (MAFFF, 2012) .  
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 10 
of 46 d) Relevant literature and database searches  (including the Crop Protection Compendium  and the 
Pacific Islands Pest List Database ). 
e) MPI pest interception data for other Cucurbitaceae  import pathways  (QuanCargo, 2017) . 
 The same informatio n sources were used for the consolidation of the existing pumpkin, squash and 
butternut import health standards into the new import health standard. A full list of sources is included in 
the reference list (Part 4).  
Assessment  
 The above information sources  were used to assess an organism ’s risk. The pest risk assessment  
process follows part 2.1 of the International Standard for P hytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 11:  Pest risk 
analysis for quarantine pests , MPI import risk an alysis procedures and considers  (see also Appendix 1) : 
a) presence or absence in the exporting country;  
b) presence or absence in New Zealand;  
c) regulatory status in New Zealand;  
d) association with the commodity and pathway;  
e) potential for establishment and spread in New Zealand;  and 
f) potential to cause unwanted consequences in New Zealand.  
(35) The level of hazard identification and pest risk assessment is only undertaken to the extent necessary and 
varies based on the existing information available on, and measures applied to, certain species, pest 
groups, o r taxa  (MPI, 2006 b). As this commodity (pumpkin from Tonga) is similar to a number of existing 
assessments and standards, assessments were primarily targeted at knowledge gaps and a review of the 
existing standards to ensure consistency . 
a) To the extent nece ssary means that pest risk assessment is undertaken to the degree required for a 
robust and transparent decision.  
(36) All pests identified as ‘ potential quarantine pests’  were assessed by MPI to determine:  
a) the ‘probability of introduction and spread’ (entry in to New Zealand, exposure to suitable hosts, 
establishment and spread) in New Zealand (following part 2.2 of ISPM 11);  
AND  
b) the ‘potential economic consequences’ (including economic, environmental, socio -cultural and 
human health consequences), following par t 2.3 of ISPM 11.  
(37) A pest is considered ‘appropriate for pest management’ if:  
a) the ‘probability of introduction and spread’ is sufficient to justify risk management (i.e. if it is able to 
enter through the pathway, find a suitable host, and able to establish  and spread in New Zealand); 
AND  
b) the ‘potential economic consequences’ are sufficient to justify risk management (i.e. if it is likely to 
cause unacceptable economic, environmental, socio -cultural or human health impacts in New 
Zealand).  
Description of me asures  
 The biosecurity system in New Zealand operates a series of components or layers (pre -border, border, 
and post -border) that together provide a high level of assurance that pests are unlikely to establish in New 
Zealand  (refer Table 1, page 14). No on e part of the system is able to achieve the necessary assurance 
on its own. The main components in the pre -border and border system include:  
a) commercial production ( Basic Measures ) to reduce pest prevalence on a commodity;  
b) application of an additional measu re in the exporting country to reduce pest prevalence on a 
commodity ( Targeted  and/ or MPI-Specified Measure  where required);   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 11 
of 46 c) official pre -export phytosanitary inspection and certification to verify that pre -export measures have 
been undertaken and effect ive as required by MPI and that the consignment is free from regulated 
pests;  
d) on-arrival inspection  of documentation in New Zealand  to verify compliance with the IHS . Inspection 
of a consignment may also be conducted in New Zealand to verify pests are not present in a 
representative sample (e.g. no live regulated visible pests in a 600 unit sample);  
e) remedial action (for example treatment) as required (e.g. if a  regul ated pest is detected during on -
arrival inspection).  
 Measures of different strengths ( Basic , Targeted , or MPI-Specified ) are applied according to the level of 
the pest risk on the pathway to effectively mitigate the risk of pest introduction via a commodity .  
Basic Measures  
 Basic Measures  are required to manage all organisms that could enter and establish in New Zealand. 
Basic  Measure pests are pests identified through risk assessment as possibly being on the pathway. 
Basic Measures  include (but are  not restricted to) the following required components:  
Commercial production  
 All fresh produce for export to New Zealand, regardless of the associated pests, must be commercially 
produced using a quality system, recognised standard cultivation, pest manage ment, harvest and 
packaging activities.  
 Commercial production of fresh pumpkin , squash and butternut  includes:  
a) Recognised standard cultivation : 
- production site management such as plant health monitoring, appropriate use of agrichemicals, 
environmental cont rols, management of records;  
- crop hygiene practices such as in -field weed control.  
b) Pest management : 
- pest monitoring;  
- management of pests and diseases includ ing cultural, biological and chemical controls.  
c) Harvest activities : 
- sorting of fruit to remove extraneous matter (such as plant material and soil) and non -export quality produce . 
d) Packaging activities : 
- removal of debris (including soil) and visible pests from pumpkin , squash and butternut  fruit; 
- pack ing pumpkin , squash and butternut  into clean packaging  material;  
- maintaining product security following export certification to prevent pest re -infestation.  
 All fresh produce  for export to New Zealand must be of export quality  to minimise the likelihood of infested 
or infected fruits  entering th e supply chain.  
 For many pests Basic Measures  are sufficient to reduce their prevalence in a consignment to a very low 
level thus limiting their potential to enter, establish and spread in New Zealand if they entered undetected.  
Targeted Measures  
 Targeted Measures  are used to manage the risk of entry and establishment of pests that are unlikely to 
be sufficiently managed by Basic Measures . 
 Pests which present a higher risk (consequence and likelihood of introduction) require measures of a 
greater strength ( e.g. Targeted Measures ) compared with those pests where the risk is lower.  
 An Export Plan  is required for all commodities that may be associated with pests identified by MPI as 
requiring Targeted Measures . The components of an Export Plan  may differ betwee n countries and  
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 12 
of 46 commodities because the  pest profiles,  agricultural practices , and  production and export regulatory 
systems may differ but can be similarly effective. The Export Plan  provides a description of how the 
agreed Targeted Measures  will be applied to manage these pests (where required) and is negotiated 
between New Zealand and the individual exporting country NPPO.  
 Targeted Measures  include a wide range of options and provide MPI with the assurance that pest 
incidence  on the export ed product is reduced to a level that will effectively mitigate  the risk of an organism 
successfully  establishing  in New Zealand.   
 A Targeted  Measure may also be efficacious against non -target pests.  
 The following measures are examples  of those  that may be  considered for managing pests requiring 
Targeted Measures :  
a) Country freedom;  
- additional measures or an Export Plan  are not required where ‘country freedom’ status is recognised by 
MPI for the export country.  
b) Pest free area;  
- MPI will audit and approve the management of pest free areas for compliance with ISPM 4: 
Requirements for the establishment of pest free areas . 
c) Pest free place of production;  
- MPI will audit and approve the management of pest free place of production for compliance with ISPM 
10: Requirem ents for the establishment of pests free places of production and pest free production sites.  
d) Systems Approaches;  
- a Systems Approach is composed of two or more independent measures, as negotiated between MPI 
and the exporting country  NPPO , and in accordan ce with ISPM  14: The use of integrated measures in a 
systems approach for pest risk management ; 
- independent measures may vary between exporting countries.  
e) Pest control activities (in -field);  
- In-field pest control activities efficacious against the target pest (may target several life cycle stages).  
f) End-point treatment.  
- An end point treatment considered efficacious against the target pest – options may include heat, cold, 
irradiation or chemical (e.g. MPI’s Approved Biosecurity Treatments ) treatments.   
  Targeted Measures  are subject to pathway assurance audits by MPI  once trade has commenced .  
MPI-Specified Measures  
 An Export Plan  is required for all commodities with associated pests identified by MPI as requiring MPI-
Specified Measures . 
 MPI-Specified Measures  are required when the consequence of establishment of a pest is very high and 
where entry and establishment is possible as a result of the unmanaged pathway.  
a) The selection of an appropriate MPI-Specified  Measure  is based largely on quantitative data that 
supports a high level of phytosanitary assurance. Quantitative data may be supported by qualitative 
information, especially with respect to approval of a syste ms approach.  
b) A MPI-Specified Measure  may also be effective against non -target pests.  
 Wherever possible, MPI uses ISPMs (or regional standards if applicable) to identify the appropriate 
requirements for imported plant commodities.  
 MPI-Specified Measures  are subject to pathway assurance audits by MPI.   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 13 
of 46 Certification and verification  
Pre-export inspection and phytosanitary certification  
 Pre-export inspection and phytosanitary certification by the exporting NPPO of all commercially produced 
fresh produce (includ ing cut flowers and foliage) for export to New Zealand is required to provide 
assurances of freedom from visually detectable regulated pests. Assurance is also required that 
measures for pests that are not visually detectable have been applied as described  in the Export Plan .  
 The phytosanitary certification process includes:  
a) verification that any Basic , Targeted  and MPI-Specified Measures  required by MPI have been met;  
b) sampling and inspection to determine pest freedom;  
i) a minimum sample of 600 randomly sele cted pumpkin , squash or butternut  fruit must be visually 
inspected by  the exporting country NPPO or its authorised agencies or personnel using official 
procedures and,  where necessary, at 10x magnification to ensure detection of cryptic or small pests. The 
visual inspection can include cutting pumpkin , squash or butternut  fruit to identify pests located within the 
fruit. Consistent with international practice, the inspected sample must be free from regulated pests.  
ii) where any live regulated pest is found in the inspected lot, an appropriate measure must be applied (for 
example fumigation with an efficacious chemical) or the lot must be rejected for export to New Zealand.  
c) any remedial action taken as agreed with MPI.  
Verification on arrival in New Zealand  
 When  a consignment arrives in New Zealand MPI will conduct a documentation check to ensure the 
phytosanitary certification conforms to the requirements laid out in the IHS.  
 Consignments without phytosanitary certification, or accompanied by incorrect certification, will be held in 
a transitional facility until correct documentation is presented. Failure to present correct documentation 
may result in the consignment being re -shipped or destroyed.  
 MPI will normally sample and inspect consignments of fresh produce  on-arrival to verify the absence of 
regulated pests. In a few cases where a pathway is , historically , highly compliant inspections may be 
conducted on an audit basis. Any reduction in the level of inspection from current on -arrival levels is 
based on sound evidence of the compliance of a pathway.   
 When live regulated pests are detected on consignments on arrival in New Zealand, one of the following 
remedial risk manage ment activities will be applied:  
a) reshipment of the consignment;  or 
b) destruction of the consignment; or  
c) treatment of the consignment. Treatment may include:  
- re-conditioning to remove infested or infected stems; or  
- fumigation with an efficacious chemical to kill regulated pests.  
 
 
   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 14 
of 46  
  
Field selection and/ or seed selection  
Commercial production  
In-field practices/ pest management  
Targeted  Pest Management  
Monitoring/pest controls  
Harvesting  
Packhouse processes/ Grading  
Official Export Inspection  
Official Verification and Inspection on -
arrival in New Zealand  
Remedial actions for live 
visually detectable 
regulated pests  
Issuance of export 
certification  
Human Consumption  / 
Decorative Purposes  
Table 1. New Zealand biosecurity system - Layers o f protection for imported fresh produce  
 
Remedial actions for live 
visually detectable regulated 
pests 
Biosecurity clearance issued  
Very low likelihood of pest 
populations establishing  
Reduction in pest population  
Targeted  post -harvest action  
 Waste disposal    
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 15 
of 46 Part 3: Pest Risk Management Assessment  
 Part 3 contains the following sections:  
a) New market access request: Fresh pumpkin  for decorative purposes or human consumption  from 
Tonga  
i) A summary  assessment for pests of fresh pumpkin from Tonga.  
b) Consolidation of existing import health standards  
i) As part of the process of consolidating existing pumpkin, squash and butternut  IHSs into the new 
commodity IHS format, MPI completed a review of existing pest lists and measures to ensure 
consistency across import pathways.  
ii) The review focuses on the following areas:  
- Confirming that the strength of measure required for each pest is c onsistent across all fresh 
pumpkin, squash and butternut import health standards, and determining the appropriate level 
of measures where the existing measures were inconsistent.  
- Confirmation of the current regulatory status of each pest on the existing pe st lists.  
- A review of interception data for each pathway.  
3.1   New market access request: Fresh pumpkin from Tonga  
 This section only includes a review of pests identified from the information sources included in paragraph 
32 of this RMP.  
 A summary  assessme nt for pests of fresh pumpkin can be found in Appendix 1. Pest risk assessment 
was primarily carried out using i nformation on pest morphology and life history taken from other import 
risk analyses as the risk is the same regardless of the pathway.  Througho ut the pest risk assessment 
process expert workshops were held with risk analysts and risk managers to determine areas that would 
require further analysis and areas that were sufficiently covered by existing assessments.  It is important to 
note that while most information was taken from other import risk analyses,  the ‘entry’ and ‘ex posure’ 
assessments  do take into account the fresh pumpkin pathway.  
 Due to the possible use of the commodity , fresh pumpkin exported  for decorative purposes  may require a 
greater  measure than required for other fresh produce pathways (ISPM 32: Categorization of commodities 
according to their pest risk ). This is because the volume of fruit that goes to waste (either compost, landfill 
or disposal in home garden s) as a result of its usage is a key component of the exposure assessment:  
a) Waste from fresh pumpkin  (regardless of pathway)  is significant (e.g . skin and viable seeds ). 
b) Fresh pumpkin used for decorative purposes may be carved and exposed to the outdoor 
environment. Carving of pumpkins provides an opportunity for development of any pests that may be 
present on the pumpkin at the time of import, and a higher level of exposure to other plants and soil 
than normal composting /disposal  practices.  
 Pests identified  as potentially associated with fresh  pumpkin  produced in Tonga  were included  in this 
assessment . These include species that use the commodity for some part of their lifecycle, as well as 
species where there is existing evidence to suggest they have an opp ortunistic association with the 
commodity.  
 Pests and quarantine pests are defined and categorised as per ISPM 5 and ISPM 11 (see paragraph 16).  
 Assessment identified 31 potential pests (Appendix 1) associated with fresh pumpkin that present a 
potential risk on this import pathway because  they: 
a) are present in Tonga;  
b) are absent from New Zealand; and  
c) are associated with pumpkin  (C. pepo ). 
 Pests that did not m eet the criteria of paragraphs 68 are not included in Appendix 1 as they do not require 
additional assessment.   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 16 
of 46 
 Nineteen  of the 31 pests present a non-negligible risk on the Tongan fresh pumpkin  pathway ( are 
associated with  the product at point of export, capable of establishing and spreading in New Zealand , and 
causing harmful economic consequences) .These are  identified in Table 2 below, and are discussed 
further in this section.   
a) The remaining 12 organisms are not considered to present a risk on the pathway and therefore do 
not require further  assessment.  
b) A summary of the pest risk assessments undertak en in the assessment  for the 31 pests is presented 
in Appendix 1.  
Table 2. Quarantine  pest groups that present a risk on fresh pumpki n from Tonga   
Group  Pests  
Arthropods  Aulacophora indica  
Aulacophora quadrimaculata  
Aphis fabae  
Aspidiotus destructor  
Bactrocera facialis  
Bactrocera kirki  
Bactrocera sp. nr. Passiflorae  
Bactrocera xanthodes  
Diaphania indica  Dysmicoccus brevipes  
Ferrisia virgata  
Leptoglossus gonagra  
Maconellicoccus hirsutus  
Pinnaspis strachani  
Planococcus minor  
Pseudaulacaspis pentagon a 
Tetranychus neocaledonicus  
Tiracola plagiata  
Fungi  Choanephora cucurbitarum  
Determination of phytosanitary measures included in the draft IHS  
 MPI requires measures to be applied to reduce the risk  of entry and establishment of  pests on the  
pathway  to a very low level . Attaining zero biosecurity risk is not possible in any system.  
 The following phytosanitary measures have been identified by MPI to manage pests associated with the 
importation of fresh pumpkin  from Tonga  (refer to Appendix 1  for reaso ns and supporting evidence).  
a) The options for additional measures are not specific to one exporting country. The options require 
agreement by MPI and the exporting country and are documented in an Export Plan  describing how 
they will be applied.  
b) A measure identified for one pest may also reduce the likelihood of entry and establishment for other 
pests on the import pathway.  
Basic Measures   
 Basic Measures are justifi ed for the pests in paragraph 74  based on the evidence for their low risk 
summarised from the sources identified in paragraph 32. Pests identified as requiring Basic Measures  
have been grouped based on taxon.  
 Basic Measures  are sufficient and justified to manage the following pests on th e fresh pumpkin from 
Tonga import pathway  for both human consumption and decorative purposes  unless otherwise specified :  
 Tetranychus neocaledonicus  
 Aulacophora indica  
 Aulacophora quadrimaculata  
 Aphis fabae  
 Leptoglossus gonagra  
 Aspidiotus destructor  
 Pinnaspis strachani    
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 17 
of 46  Pseudaulacaspis pentagona1 
 Maconellicoccus hirsutus  
 Planococcus minor  
 Dysmicoccus brevipes  
 Ferrisia virgata  
 Diaphania indica  
 Tiracola plagiata  
 Choanephora cucurbitarum  
 The following reasons and evidence support the determinations below :  
a) Unless otherwise reference d, all material included in this section is  sourced from Appendix 1 . 
Acari (mites)  
 Basic Measures  are justified and sufficient to manage the low to moderate risk posed by 
T. neocaledonicus because:  
a) Commercial production ac tivities will reduce populations of T. neocaledonicus  in pumpkin  production 
sites to a low level.  
i) Commercial production includes monitoring for plants displaying signs/symptoms of infestation during 
production. Monitoring will identify obviously affected p lants, resulting in pest controls being applied 
(see Commercial Production).  
ii) Signs/symptoms of infestation include chlorosis of leaves, twigs and fruit  
b) Harvest, grading and packing activities will reduce the likelihood of T. neocaledonicus being 
associated with fresh pumpkin at export to a very low level.  
i) Adult  T. neocaledonicus  are likely to be removed during packhouse activities, as they are visually 
obvious.  
 T. neocaledonicus is small (0.5mm) and of noticeable colour (red).  
 T. neocaledonicus is mobile and movement will make them more noticeable.  
ii) Other lifestages of T. neocaledonicus are unlikely to be associated with pumpkin fruit.  
 Eggs are laid on secondary hosts with mobile adults then moving to primary hosts such as Cucurb its (MAF, 
2008).  
iii) The IHS specifies ‘commercially produced’ export quality fruit (which includes grading to remove 
damaged fruit). Heavily infested and damaged pumpkin will not be export quality and therefore will be 
removed during grading and packaging (se e Commodity Description).  
c) T. neocaledonicus  is likely to be detected and managed during official pre -export inspection by the 
exporting NPPO (see Pre-export inspection and phytosanitary certification ).   
i) The mite’s mobility and coloration  will make them vi sually obvious.  
ii) Detection of T. neocaledonicus will require remedial action (e.g. end point treatment) prior to export 
certification.  
Coleoptera (beetles ) 
 Basic Measures  are justified and sufficient to manage the low risk posed by  Coleoptera ( Aulacophora 
indica  and Aulacophora quadrimaculata ) because:  
a) Commercial production activities will reduce populations of Coleoptera  during pumpkin production to 
a low level.  
i) Commercial production includes monitoring for plants displaying signs/symptoms of infestation du ring 
production. Monitoring will identify affected plants, resulting in pest controls being applied (see 
Commercial Production).  
ii) Signs and symptoms of infestation include  defoliation,  damage to the fruit surface and puncture 
wounds  (MPI 2015a).  
                                                             
1 Human consumption pathway   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 18 
of 46 b) Harvest, grading and packing activities will reduce the likelihood of Coleoptera  being associated with 
fresh pumpkin at export to a very low level.  
i) These Coleoptera  are likely to be removed during packhouse activities, as they are relatively 
conspicuous : 
 Adults of these species are 6mm  or larger and of distinct  black, red and/or yellow colour . 
 Larval damage is visually  noticeable . 
ii) The IHS specifies ‘commercially produced’ export quality  fruit (which includes grading to remove 
damaged fruit). Heavily infest ed and damaged pumpkin  will not be export  quality  and therefore will be 
removed during grading and packaging ( see Commodity Description).  
c) Coleoptera  are likely to be detected and managed during official pre -export inspection by the 
exporting NPPO (see Pre -export inspection and phytosanitary certification).  
i) Their distinct yellow and black colour and size will make them visually obvious  and they are mobile  
making them more noticeable . 
ii) Detection of A. indica  or A. quadrimaculata  will require remedial action  (e.g. end point treatment)  prior 
to export certification.  
Hem iptera: Aphididae ( aphids ) 
 Basic Measures  are justified and sufficient to manage the low risk posed by  Aphis fabae  because:  
a) Commercial production activities will reduce populations of A. fabae  in pumpkin production sites to a 
low level.  
i) Commercial production includes monitoring for plants displaying signs/symptoms of infestation during 
production. Monitoring will identify obviously affected plants, resulting in pest controls being applied 
(see Commercial Production).  
b) Harvest, grading and packing activities will reduce the likelihood of A. fabae  being associated with 
fresh pumpkin at export to a very low level.  
i) Adult A. fabae  are likely to be removed during packhouse activities, as they are visually obvious . 
 Adults of these species are large (1.3-3.1mm)  with distinct colouration ( matt black or yellow against the 
orange or green parts of the commodity) . 
ii) Other lifestages of A. fabae are unlikely to be associated with pumpkin fruit . 
 Eggs, the overwintering life stage, are laid on barky tissues (not C ucurbitaceae).  
 nymphs are sap -suckers on leaves and stems,  and not associated with fruit.  
iii) The IHS specifies ‘commercially produced’ e xport quality  fruit (which includes grading to remove 
damaged fruit). Heavily infested and damaged pumpkin will not be export quality  and therefore will be 
removed during grading and packaging (see Commodity Description) . 
c) A. fabae  is likely to be detected and managed during official pre -export inspection by the exporting NPPO 
(see Pre-export inspection and phytosanitary certification ).   
i) The aphid’s size and coloration  will make them visually obvious . 
ii) Detection of A. fabae or A. gossypii  will require remedial action (e.g. end point treatment) prior to 
export certification .  
Hemiptera: Coreidae (c oreid bugs)  
 Basic Measures  are justified and sufficient to manage the low risk posed by Leptoglossus gonagra  
because:  
a) Commercial production activ ities will reduce populations of Core idae in pumpkin  production sites to 
a low level.  
i) Commercial production includes monitoring for plants displaying signs/symptoms of infestation during 
production. Monitoring will identify obviously affected plants, resul ting in pest controls being applied 
(see Commercial Production ). 
 Breeding has been found to occur in decaying fruits of Citrus spp (MPI, 2008).  
ii) Signs and symptoms of infestation include  colour break , puncture wounds  and subsequent fungal 
infection (MPI, 2008).   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 19 
of 46 b) Harvest, grading and packing activities will reduce the likelihood of Core idae being associated with 
fresh pumpkin at export to a very low level.  
i) Adults are  likely to be removed during packhouse activities, as  they are visually obvious.  
 Adults of th is species are large (15mm). 
ii) Other lifestages of Core idae are unlikely to be associated with pumpkin fruit.  
 Eggs  are laid on leaves and stems, but not fruit.  Nymphs feed on other plant species, but may be found on 
leaves, stems, and developing fruit.  
iii) The IHS specifies ‘commercially produced’ export quality fruit (which includes grading to remove 
damaged fruit). Heavily infested and damaged pumpkin will not be export quality and therefore will be 
removed during grading and packaging (see Commodity Description ). 
c) Core idae are likely to be detected and managed during official pre -export inspection by the exporting 
NPPO (see Pre-export inspection and phytosanitary c ertification ).   
i) The Coreid bugs size will make them visually obvious.  
ii) Detection of L. gonagra  will require remedial action (e.g. end point treatment) prior to export 
certification . 
Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae ( mealybugs)  
 Basic Measures  are justified and suf ficient to manage the risk from Pseudococcidae  (Maconellicoccus 
hirsutus , Dysmicoccus brevipes , Planococcus minor and Ferrisia virgata ) associated with fresh pumpkin 
from Tonga because:  
 Commercial production activities will reduce populations of Pseudococcidae during production . 
i) Pseudococcidae damage plants directly by fee ding on phloem  and indirectly by producing honeydew, 
promoting  growth of noticeable sooty mould.  
ii) Commercial production includes monitoring for plants displaying signs/symptoms o f infestation during 
production. Monitoring will identify obviously affected plants, resulting in pest controls being applied 
(see Commercial Production ).  
 Harvest, cleaning and packing activities will reduce the likelihood of Pseudococcidae eggs, crawlers  
and adults  being associated with  fresh  pumpkin  at export.  
i) Pseudococcidae lay eggs on leaves and stems , which are not included in the commodity description . 
ii) Mobile crawlers are delicate and likely to be damaged or removed during harvest and packing . 
iii) Adult Pseudococcidae range from (2 -5 mm long) and are visually detectable . 
iv) The IHS specifies ‘commercially produced’ export quality  fruit ( which includes grading to remove 
damaged fruit). Heavily infested and d amaged fruit will not be export quality  and th erefore will be 
removed during grading and packaging (see Commodity Description).  
 Pseudococcidae are likely to be detected during visual inspection.  
i) Pseudococcidae that are not detected and removed during production, harvest, grading and packing 
are likely  to be detected during pre -export NPPO visual inspection (see Pre-export inspection and 
phytosanitary certification ). 
ii) Detection of Pseudococcidae will require remedial action (e.g. end point treatment) prior to  export 
certification.   
Hem iptera: Diaspididae (armoured scale insects)  
 Basic Measures  are justified and sufficient to manage the low risk posed by  Diaspididae  (Aspidiotus  
destructor and Pinnaspis strachani  (and Pseudaulacaspis pentagona  on fresh pumpkin for human 
consumption)) because:  
 Commercial production activities will reduce populations of  A. destructor,  P. strachani  and 
P. pentagona  during production.  
i) Diaspididae  damage plant s directly by feeding on phloem  and indirectly by producing honeydew, which  
promotes the growth of noticeable sooty mould.  
ii) Commercial production includes monitoring for plants displaying signs/symptoms of infestation during 
production. Monitoring will identify obviously affected plants, resulting in pest controls being applied 
(see Commercial Production ).   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 20 
of 46 
 Harvest, cleaning and packing activities will reduce the likelihood of A. destructor,  P. strachani  and 
P. pentagona  eggs, crawlers and adults  being associated with fresh pumpkin at export.  
iii) Diaspididae often lay eggs on leaves and on stems, which are not included in the commodity 
description.  
iv) Mobile crawlers are delicate and likely to be damaged or removed during harvest and packing.  
v) Adult Diaspididae range from (2 -5 mm long) and are  visually detectable.  
vi) Diaspididae often secrete sticky honeydew which in heavy infestations promotes the growth of sooty 
mould which is visually detectable.  
vii) The IHS specifies ‘commercially produced’ export quality  fruit (which includes grading to remove 
damaged fruit). Heavily infested and damaged fruit will not be export  quality  and therefore will be 
removed during grading and packaging (see Commodity Description ). 
 A. destructor,  P. strachani  and P. pentagona are likely to be detected during visual inspection.  
i) Diaspididae  that are not detected and removed during production, harvest, grading and packing are 
likely to be detected during pre -export NPPO visual inspection (see Pre-export inspection and 
phytosanitary certification ). 
ii) Detection of P. strachani  or P. pentagona  will require remedial action (e.g. end point treatment) prior to 
export certification.  
Fungi  
 Basic Measures  are justified and sufficient to manage the low risk from  Choanephora cucurbitarum  
because:    
a) Commercial production activities will reduce inoculum of fungi in pumpkin production sites to a low 
level.  
i) Commercial production includes monitoring for plants display ing signs/symptoms of infection during 
production. Monitoring will identify obviously affected plants, resulting in pest controls being applied 
(see Commercial Production).  
ii) Signs /symptoms of infection include extensive mould/fungal growth on leaves and fru it, floral lesions, 
rot through the plant and stem canker  
b) Harvest, grading and packing activities will reduce the likelihood of fungi being associated with fresh 
pumpkin at export to a very low level.  
i) Advanced symptoms of fungal damage (fungal growth, dam aged fruit tissues) are likely to be obvious 
during harvest, grading and packing.  
ii) The IHS specifies ‘commercially produced’ export quality fruit (which includes grading to remove 
obviously damaged fruits). Heavily infected and damaged pumpkin will not be e xport quality and 
therefore will be removed during grading and packaging (see Commodity Description).  
c) Fungi are likely to be detected and managed during official pre -export inspection by the exporting 
NPPO (see Pre -export inspection and phytosanitary certi fication).   
i) Fungi that are not detected and removed during production, harvest, grading and packing are likely to 
be detected during pre -export NPPO visual inspection (see Pre-export inspection and phytosanita ry 
certification ). 
ii) Detection of  C. cucurbitarum will require remedial action (e.g. resort) prior to export certification.  
Lepidoptera  (moths)  
 Basic Measures  are justified and sufficient to manage the low risk posed by Lepidoptera ( Diaphania indica  
and Tiracola plagiata ) because:  
a) Commercial production activities will reduce populations of Lepidoptera in pumpkin  production sites 
to a low level.  
i) Commercial production includes monitoring for plants displaying signs/symptoms of infestation during 
production. Mo nitoring will identify obviously affected plants, resulting in pest controls being applied 
(see Commercial Production).  
ii) Signs and symptoms include defoliation, warping of leaves and surface damage to fruits from feeding 
(MPI, 2015a; MPI, 2008).   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 21 
of 46 b) Harvest, gr ading and packing activities will reduce the likelihood of Lepidoptera  being associated 
with fresh pumpkin at export to a very low level.  
i) Larvae are likely to be removed during packhouse activities, as they are visually obvious.  
 D. indica larvae are up to 25mm long and T. plagiata  larvae are up to 60mm long.  
ii) Other lifestages of Lepidoptera are unlikely to be associated with pumpkin fruit.  
 Eggs are laid on leaves and developing fruit, but not usually mature fruit.  
iii) The IHS specifies ‘commerc ially produced’ export quality fruit (which includes grading to remove 
damaged fruit). Heavily infested and damaged pumpkin will not be export quality and therefore will be 
removed during grading and packaging (see Commodity Description).  
c) These species are  likely to be detected and managed during official pre -export inspection by the 
exporting NPPO (see Pre-export inspection and phytosanitary certification ).   
i) The size of the larvae will make them visually obvious.  
ii) Detection of D. indica or T. plagiata  will require remedial action (e.g. end point treatment) prior to 
export certification.  
Targeted Measures  
 The following measures are justified based on the evidence of their moderate risk to New Zealand, 
summarised from the sources identified in paragraph 32 (also see Appendix 1).  
 The following pests have been identified as requiring a Targeted  Measure, in addition  to Basic Measures : 
 Pseudaulacaspis pentagona   
 Targeted Measures  may also be effective against non -target pests that only require Basic Measures . 
Hemiptera: Diaspididae (armoured scale insects)  – decorative purposes only  
 Targeted Measures  are justified and sufficient to manage P. pentagona because:   
a) The likelihood of exposure is higher than for the human consumption pathway  because pumpkins 
may be  displayed outdoors (decorative purposes).  
i) P. pentagona  are relatively immobile, but wind dispersal of crawlers from exposed pumpkins would 
increase the level of exposure compared to waste disposed into compost.  
b) Targeted Measures  will effectively manage risk from P. pentagona, either by excluding it, reducing 
populations to a very low level, limiting its potential for establishment in the New Zealand 
environment, or removing or eliminating it from the pathway. Targeted Measures  include:  
Pest Exclusion  
c) Pest freedom status either at the country, area or production site will effectively exclude P. 
pentagona  from the pathway. The options for pest freedom are as per the ISPMs.  
i) Country freedom;  
- additional measures or an Export Plan  are not required where ‘country freedom’ status is 
recognised by MPI for the export country.  
ii) Pest free area (PFA);  
- MPI will audit the management of pest free areas for compliance with ISPM 4: Requirements for 
the establishment of pest free areas . 
iii) Pest fre e place of production (PFPP);  
- MPI will audit the management of pest free place of production for compliance with ISPM 10: 
Requirements for the establishment of pests free places of production and pest free production 
sites.  
Pest Removal or Elimination  
d) An effective chemical treatment targeting the pest prior to or after harvest. Pest removal or 
elimination include:  
i) Systems Approaches;   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 22 
of 46 - a Systems Approach is composed of two or more independent measures, as negotiated between 
MPI and the exporting country, and in accordance with ISPM14: The use of integrated measures in 
a systems approach for pest risk management ; 
- independent measures may vary between exporting countries.  
ii) Pest control activities (in -field);  
- In-field pest control activities efficacious against the target pest (may target several life cycle 
stages).  
iii) End-point treatment.  
- An end point treatment considered efficacious against t he target pest – options may include heat, 
cold, irradiation or chemical (e.g. MPI’s Approved Biosecurity Treatments ) treatments.   
e) Detection of regulated pests will require remedial action, such a s fumigation with methyl bromide, 
to eliminate them prior to export certification.  
MPI-Specified Measures  
 The following measures are justified based on the evidence of their high risk to New Zealand, 
summarised from the sources identified in paragraph 32 ( also see Appendix 1).  
 The following pests have been identified as requiring a MPI-Specified Measure, in addition  to Basic 
Measures : 
 Bactrocera facialis  
 Bactrocera kirki  
 Bactrocera sp. nr. passiflorae  
 Bactrocera xanthodes  
 MPI-Specified Measures  may also be  effective against non -target pests that only require Basic Measures  
or Targeted Measures . 
Diptera: Tephritidae (fruit flies)  
 MPI-Specified Measures  are justified and sufficient to manage Tephritidae (B . facialis, B. kirki, B. sp. nr.  
passiflorae  and B. xanthodes ) because:  
a) These Tephritidae pose a high risk to New Zealand, and are unlikely to be sufficiently managed by 
Basic Measures  or Targeted Measures . 
- Many of New Zealand’s important commercial crops are recorded as major hosts of these Bactrocera 
fruit flies , including avocado, tomato, capsicum, and citrus.  
- If these Bactrocera fruit flies were to enter on fresh pumpkin , it is possible that an individual fruit c ould be 
infested with any number of  eggs or larvae , including both males and females.  
- These Bactrocera fruit flies are likely to be able to establish at least seasonal populations in restricted 
distributions during the warmer months.  
- If these Bactrocera fruit flies established even a transient population, the economic impacts are likely to 
be high, due to direct damage to fruit crops and disruption to trade.  
b) MPI-Specified Measures  will effectively manage risk from B. facialis , B. kirki, B . sp. nr. passiflorae 
and B. xanthodes  by excluding, removing or eliminating them from the pathway. MPI-Spec ified 
Measures  options include:  
Pest Exclusion  
c) The p est host status of fresh  pumpkin to B. facialis , B. kirki, B . sp. nr. passiflorae  and B. xanthodes  
will effectively exclude them from the pathway  because  undamaged mature fruit are a  conditional 
non-host of fruit fly as per  (ISPM)  37: Determination of host status of fruit to fruit flies (Tephritidae) . 
- Only soft skinned varieties of C. pepo  are reported as hosts of B. facialis , B. kirki, B . sp. nr. passiflorae 
and B. xanthodes .  
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 23 
of 46 - Heimoana (1996) demonstrated that a number of other Cucurbitaceae species (cucumber, bitter gourd, 
spongy gourd, watermelon) are non -hosts to B. facialis , B. kirki, B . sp. nr. passiflorae  and B. xanthodes  
when they are in an undamaged mature condition.  
- Mature pumpkin have hard skin o ver hard flesh. Extensive fruit sampling conducted in the Pacific 
(Leblanc et al, 2012; Leblanc et al, 2013) has not resulted in B. facialis, B. kirki, B . sp. nr. passiflorae  and 
B. xanthodes  being detected in association with undamaged pumpkin . 
- A conditio nal non -host status requirement excludes any pumpkins which are immature, or d amaged 
(mechanically, by pests, or by pathogens ). 
- Note, soft skinned varieties of C. pepo  are not eligible  for importation under this IHS (see Commodity 
Description).  
Summary of proposed categories of measures  for pumpkin from Tonga  
 MPI considers the pest risks associated with the importation of fresh pumpkin  will be effectively managed 
by applying a combination of Basic , Targeted  and MPI-Specified Measures  (Table 1 and Table 3), which 
will be negotiated in an Export Plan , specifically:  
- Commercial production . 
- An end point treatment (e.g. fumigation)  or, pest free area or pest free place of production or, a systems 
approach or, in -field pest control activities . 
- Processes to achieve conditional non -host status for fruit flies based on undamaged hard skinned fruit . 
- Pre-export inspection and certification, overseen by the exporting country NPPO . 
- Audit of the Export Plan  by MPI and the exporting NPPO.  
 Each step in the export system reduc es the likelihood of pests being present on the pathway. MPI will 
verify and inspect the consignment to ensure the requirements in the IHS have been met. Non -compliant 
consignments will be treated, re -shipped or destroyed.  
 The measures MPI has identified a s necessary to manage pests associated with pumpkin are described 
below:  
Table 3. Measures required to manage the risk associated with the fresh pumpkin  from Tonga  import pathway.  
Organism type  Basic Measures  Basic  plus Targeted 
Measures  Basic  plus MPI-Specified 
Measures  
Arthropods  Tetranychus neocaledonicus  
Aulacophora indica  
Aulacophora quadrimaculata  
Aphis fabae  
Leptoglossus gonagra  
Aspidiotus destructor  
Pinnaspis strachani  
Pseudaulacaspis pentagona2 
Maconellicoccus hirsutus  
Dysmicoccus brevipes  
Planococcus minor  
Ferrisia virgata  
Diaphania indica  
Tiracola plagiata  Pseudaulacaspis pentagona3  
 Bactrocera facialis  
Bactrocera kirki  
Bactrocera sp. nr.  passiflorae  
Bactrocera xanthodes  
Fungi  Choanephora cucurbitarum  - - 
                                                             
2 Human consumption pathway  
3 Decorative purposes pathway   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 24 
of 46 
 The measures contained in the IHS are subject to regular review based on pathway compliance, pest 
interceptions, emerging risk assessment, new information/  intelligence, and results of audit of the Export 
Plan. 
 MPI will monitor interceptions of all regulat ed pests (and hitchhikers) and the appropriateness/ 
effectiveness of phytosanitary measures during trade.  
3.2   Consolidation of existing import health standards  
 Pumpkin, squash and butternut are combined int o one commodity standard : 
a) because each hard-skinned cucurbit variety  has a similar pest profile .  
i) Pests that are  associated with pumpkin  are often also associated with squash and butternut  (MPI, 
2016 d; MAF, 2006 a).  
b) to harmonise phytosanitary measures across pathways and base  measures  on international 
standards, guidelines or recommendations, where they exist . 
i) WTO SPS Agreement.  
c) to provide a mechanism to effectively amend IHS s consistently . 
 Existing standards that were included in the consolidation  have been  reviewed . The review includ es: 
a) assessment of p otential pests identified through the emerging risks system  
b) assessment of live interceptions on pumpkin, squash and butternut at the New Zealand border  
c) inclusion or removal of pests identified through the assessment for pumpkin from Tong a 
d) alignment of existing pest measures and nomenclature between countries  
e) an update on presence/absence in New Zealand and regulatory status for the existing pest lists  
f) administrative  and clarity  changes  
 Updates  and inconsistencies in pest lists are address ed because : 
a) Pests are now grouped by the measures applied to them  
i) Previously pests have been grouped by their risk i.e low, medium, high risk or Risk Group (RG) 1 , 
RG2, RG3.  
ii) Pests are now grouped into those requiring Basic Measures, Targeted Measures or MPI-Specified 
Measures . 
b) regulatory status has changed  
i) refer BORIC  
c) pest nomenclature has changed  
d) grammatical mistakes or spelling errors  
 In order to minimise trade impacts, MPI will prioritise negotiation of Export Plan s on pathways which have 
outstanding biosecurity risk including additional  pests requiring Targeted  or MPI-Specified Measures . 
Australia – pumpkin  
Additions to the pest list  
 Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV) is added to the pest list for pumpkin  from Australia  
because:   
a) it poses a new risk on the pathway.  
i) Cucurbitaceae, including pumpkin, squash, and butternut ( Cucurbita pepo , C. maxima  and C. 
moschata ) are known hosts of CGMMV  (MPI, 2016b) . 
 Targeted Measures  (in addition to Basic Measures ) are justified to manage CGMMV for the foll owing 
reasons:  
a) CGMMV is present in Australia  (MPI, 2016b) . 
b) CGMMV is not present in New Zealand ( NZOR, 2017; NZFungi, 2017 ).  
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 25 
of 46 c) CGMMV has the potential to establish and spread in New Zealand because:  
i) CGMMV can remain viable in seed for long periods of time (MP I, 2016c).  
ii) The end use of fresh pumpkin, butternut and squash results in a high degree of waste, including a 
large number of viable seed which are not typically consumed or denatured before being discarded.  
iii) CGMMV can be transmitted via seed,  pollen, and mechanically  (MPI, 2016b, c) . It is also persistent in 
soil. 
iv) Seed can germinate and  grow into infected plants if they were disposed of into a suitable environment 
such as compost  (MPI, 2016b, c) . 
v) Infected plants grown from seed can transmit the virus, either  through further seed production or 
mechanically  (MPI, 2016b, c).  
vi)  A variety of weed species from different families are hosts for CGMMV , which increases the chances 
of exposure to suitable hosts and ability to spread (MPI, 2016c). Many species identified as hosts were 
also asymptomatic (MPI, 2016c).  
vii) Some plants commonly grown in private gardens are hosts to CGMMV including squash, zuchinni and 
pumpkin and would therefore be exposed to discarded fruit and seed (MPI, 2016c).  
viii) The likelihood of exposure and es tablishment was assessed as  high for the importation of 
cucurbitaceae seed (MPI, 2016c), and low for the importation of watermelon (with low levels of seed 
viability) (MPI, 2016b).  
d) CGMMV is likely to have unacceptable economic consequences should it establ ish in New Zealand 
because:  
i)  A number of commercial crops in New Zealand are affected by CGMMV including watermelon, 
Cucurbita  spp., apricot . The sale value of cucurbitaceae grown in New Zealand is approximately $51 
million and the establishment of CGMMV i n New Zealand would likely have an impact of millions of 
dollars in the first year  (MPI, 2016c).  
ii) Serious economic losses from CGMMV have been observed in several countries (MPI, 2016c).  
iii) Fruit quality can be adversely affected through visible symptoms on the fruit surface, and also interior 
deformation of the fruit (MPI 2016b).  
iv) CGMMV causes leaf mottling, mosaics, chlorosis,  wilting and, in extreme cases, plant death  (MPI 
2016c) .  
v) CGMMV prevents fruit growth entirely on apricot trees when combined with Str awberry Latent 
Ringspot Virus (present in New Zealand)  (MPI 2016c).  
vi) CGMMV is difficult to eradicate and commonly reoccurs in countries where eradication has been 
considered successful (MPI, 2016c).  
vii) The potential economic consequence of CGMMV establishing i n New Zealand is considered moderate . 
e) Targeted Measures  will effectively manage risk from CGMMV, either by excluding it, reducing 
populations to a negligible level, limiting its potential for establishment in the New Zealand 
environment, or removing or eli minating it from the pathway . 
f) The following measures will manag e CGMMV :  
i) Country freedom;  
- additional measures or an Export Plan  are not required where ‘country freedom’ status is 
recognised by MPI for the export country.  
ii) Pest free area;  
- MPI will audit the management of pest free areas for compliance with ISPM 4: Requirements for 
the establishment of pest free areas . 
iii) Pest free place of production;  
- MPI will audit the management of pest free place of production for compliance with ISPM 10: 
Requirements for the establishment of pests free places of production and pest free production 
sites.  
Deletions from pest list  
 Three  species are removed from the pest list for fresh pumpkin and from Australia  because : 
a) they are not a risk on the pathway.   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 26 
of 46 i) Bemisia tabaci  was assessed as not associated with pumpkin fruits ( assessed for Tonga, refer to 
Appendix 1).  
ii) Epilachna vigintioctopunctata  was detected in New Zealand in January 2010, and is now considered to 
be non -regulated  under the Biosecurity Act 1993 . This means that if it is intercepted in a consignment, 
it is an incidental organism under section 28(1A) of the Biosecurity Act 1993 (BRAD, 2017). It will 
therefore be removed from the pest list for fresh pumpkin from Australia.  
Note:  Epilachna vigintioct opunctata  is still considered to be a new organism for the purposes of the 
Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, meaning that this species cannot intentionally 
be imported into New Zealand.  
iii) Fusarium oxysporum  f. sp. melonis  is present in New Zealand.  
Nomenclature changes  
 Three pest s have names updated on the pest list because : 
a) their names are no longer correct  or preferred . 
i) Leptoglossus gonagra is considered to be the preferred name of Fabrictilis australis (BORIC, 2017).  
ii) Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata is considered to be the preferred name for  Epilachna 
vigintioctomaculata  (BORIC, 2017) .  
iii) Tetranychus kanzawai  had been misspelled . 
New Caledonia – pumpkin and squash  
 Unless otherwise stated, the following changes to the pest lists for New Caledonia are a result of the 
Tonga pumpkin IHS development process.  
Additions to pest list  
 Dysmicoccus brevipes, Helicoverpa assulta  and Planococcus minor  are added to the pest list for New 
Caledonia because : 
a) they are a risk on the pathway . 
b) they are now present in New Caledonia .  
i) All three species have been intercepted at the New Zealand border on fresh produce from New 
Caledonia (Quancargo, 2017) and are assumed to now be present in New Caledonia. These species 
will be added to the pest list for New Caledonia and will require Basic Measures . 
 Pseudaulacaspis pentagona  and Tetranychus neocaledonicus  are known to be present in  New Caledonia 
(PIPLD, 2017). They  will be added to the pest list for New Caledonia and will require Basic Measures .  
Deletions from pest list  
 Two species are removed from the pest list for fresh pumpkin and squash from New Caledonia because:  
a) they are not a risk on the pathway.  
i) Epilachna v igintioctopunctata  was detected in New Zealand in January 2010, and is now considered to 
be non -regulated. This means that if it is intercepted in a consignment, it is an incidental organism 
under section 28(1A) of the Biosecurity Act 1993 (BRAD, 2017). It  will therefore be removed from the 
pest list for fresh pumpkin from Australia.  
Note : Epilachna vigintioctopunctata  is still considered to be a new organism for the purposes of the 
Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, meaning that this species cannot intentionally 
be imported into New Zealand.  
ii) Liriomyza sativae  is not associated with fruit of cucurbit species.  
- Adults of Liriomyza  species cause crop damage by puncturing the leaf surface to feed on leaf 
tissues and lay eggs (MPI, 2016a; EFSA, 20 12).  
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 27 
of 46 - Eggs are laid inside leaves, and once hatched, larvae tunnel within the leaf feeding (on occasion 
they have been reported from leaf stalks or the plant stem), before leaving the leaf and pupating 
in soil (MPI, 2016a; EFSA, 2012).  
- Liriomyza sativae  adults are over 1mm long, and have a shiny black and yellow appearance 
(CPC, 2017), which would make any individuals present on a fruit, and not disturbed by harvest, 
visually distinct.  
Nomenclature changes  
 Leptoglossus gonagra  has had its name updated from L. australis  on the pest list because : 
a) its name is no longer correct or preferred  
i) Leptoglossus gonagra is considered to be the preferred name  for L. australis  (BORIC, 2017) .  
Tonga – squash and butternut  
 Unless otherwise stated, the following changes to the pest lists for squash and butternut are a result of 
the Tonga pumpkin IHS development process.  
 The Tonga pumpkin IHS development process found the pest lists for fresh pumpkin, squash and 
butternut for human consumption aligned well, resulting in the same  pest list for all three commodities  
Additions to pest list  for squash and butternut  
 Aulacophora quadrimaculata, Bactrocera facialis, B. kirki, B. sp. nr . Passiflorae , B. xanthodes and 
Choanephora cucurbitarum are added to the pest list for squash an d butternut because:  
a) they are associated with the squash and butternut hosts and pose a risk on these pathways.  
i) Aulacophora quadrimaculata was assessed as requiring  Basic Measures  (refer para graph 77 ). A. 
quadrimaculata is also associated with squash ( Cucurbita sp.) (PIPLD, 2017), and is assumed to also 
be associated with butternut.  
ii) Bactrocera facialis, B. kirki, B. sp. nr.  passiflorae and B. xanthodes were assessed as requiring  MPI-
Specified Measures  for pumpkin (refer para graph  91), and it is assumed  that squash and butternut are 
also hosts (Appendix 1).   
Note: These fruit fly species  will be  managed under the existing  MPI-Specified Measure (Conditional 
non-host status based on maturity) . 
iii) Choanephora cucurbitarum was assessed as requiring  Basic Measur es (refer para graph 82 ). Squash 
and butternut ( C. maxima and C. moschata ) are also hosts of  C. cucurbitarum (MAF, 2011) .  
Deletions from pest list  
 Seven  species are removed from the pest list for fresh squash and butternut from Tonga  because:  
 They are not associated with squash or butternut fruit, not present in Tonga or, do not vector regulated 
diseases or concern : 
a) Bemisia tabaci  and Liriomyza trifolii  were assessed as not associated with pumpkin  fruit (refer 
Appendix 1) , and therefore assumed to not be as sociated with squash and butternut . 
b) Aphis craccivora, Aphis gossypii , Myzus persicae  and Planococcus citri  were assessed as present in 
New Zealand and not vectors  of any diseases of concern that are pres ent in Tonga (refer Appendix 
1). 
c) Achatina fulica  was assessed as not present in Tonga (refer Appendix 1).  
Vanuatu – squash  
 Unless otherwise stated, the following changes to the pest list for Vanuatu are a result of the Tonga 
pumpkin IHS development process.   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 28 
of 46 Additions to pest list  
 Pseudaulacaspis pentagona  and Tetranychus neocaledonicus  are include on the pest list for squash from 
Vanuatu because:  
a) they are a risk on the pathway.  
i) Pseudaulacaspis pentagona and Tetranychus neocaledonicus are now known to be present in 
Vanuatu (PIPLD, 2017)  and will re quire  Basic Measures .  
ii) Refer Appendix 1.  
Deletions from pest list  
 Liriomyza trifolii and L. sativae are removed from the pest list for fresh squash from Vanuatu  because:  
a) they are not associated with squash.  
i) Refer Appendix 1 for host association assessment .  
ii) Liriomyza sativae  was assessed as not associated with squash fruit ( refer paragraph 108 ). 
Nomenclature changes  
 One pest has had their name  changed on the pest list because:  
a) they are  no longer the preferred name.  
i) Leptoglossus gonagra  is considered to be the preferred name for Fabrictilis australis  (BORIC, 2017)  
   
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 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 33 
of 46 Appendix 1: Pest Categorisation  
The pest categoris ation process (table below) identifies all known major pests and diseases found to be 
associated with fresh pumpkin in Tonga , determines their presence (or absence) in New Zealand, and 
considers if they might be associated with fresh  pumpkin  at export. A s ummary of key conclusions from the risk 
analysis process is included where a pest has been identified as a potential quarantine pest. Pests associated 
with pumpkin, but not present in Tonga, are not included in the table.  
 
The table below  follows the risk analysis process and terminology identified in part 2 of the international 
standard, ISPM 11: Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests . The table includes:  
 The identity of the pest. The table is organised by order, then family.  
 Conclusions  from the risk analysis, including the associated justification and evidence, for: 
- Step 1: Pest categorisation .  
- Step 2: Assessment of the probability of introduction and spread . 
- Step 3: Assessment of potential economic consequences . 
Note:  if at any step  there is  insufficient  information available  to determine  that the organism fulfils the criteria of 
a quarantine pest, the n the organism is discounted from the pest list and the pest risk analysis process does 
not continue . 
 Conclusion of the pest risk asses sment  (‘Is a measure justified?’) . 
Note:  the level of measure required , based on the outcome of the  pest risk management assessment  in Part 3 
of this RMP , is included in the table .  
 
It is assumed that if a species associated with fresh  pumpkin ( C. pepo ) is of c oncern, then the reasons for this 
concern  would be recorded internationally ( with interception data (where available), any risk analysis, scientific 
studies , reports of significant economic impacts ). Measure s must be supported by technical justific ation, and 
measures cannot be applied  because there is uncertainty or a lack of available information. MPI may review the 
pests associated with a pathway (or their management) if new information becomes available, including in the 
following circumstances:  
a) a change in host status;  
b) pest status prevalence;  
c) frequent interception on arrival in New Zealand; or  
d) a new or changed  risk on imported fresh pumpkin is identified  by MPI’s Emerging Risks System.  
Some organisms may not be included on the fresh pumpkin pest list, and therefore a measure (e.g. Basic , 
Targeted , or MPI-Specified Measures ) has not been assigned to the pest. However , if regulated organisms are 
intercepted on the pathway an on -arrival remedial action is required (e.g. fumigation) prior to clea rance for entry 
into New Zealand. If no suitable or approved treatment is available, the consignment will be reshipped or 
destroyed.  Any pests intercepted on the pathway  may be retro spectively added to the pest list and  will be 
considered as part of the ne xt review of the IHS.  
 
ISPM 11 requires  that “The identity of the pest should be clearly defined to ensure that the [risk] assessment is 
performed on a distinct organism, and that biological and other information used in the assessment is relevant 
to the organism in question.” It is recognised that a pest may still be clearly defined at genus level, as not all 
species are described. In this case, genera that are present in Tonga but not in New Zealand would be 
considered as regulated as they still pose a potential hazard to New Zealand.  
 
Note:  ISPM 5  defines ‘quarantine pest’ as “ a pest of potential economic importance to [New Zealand] and not 
yet present there, or present but not widely distributed and under official control.  
 
   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 34 of 46 Scientific name  Conclusion  Reason  Evidence to support  Is a measure 
justified?  Acari  Tetranychus 
neocaledonicus  
Andr é 
[Tetranychidae]  Has the potential to be a 
quarantine pest on this 
pathway.  Tetranychus 
neocaledonicus  is 
associated with the 
pathway.  - T. neocaledonicus  is present in Tonga ( Migeon and Dorkeld 2006 -2017 ). 
- - Is not recorded in New Zealand ( MAF, 2008; not recorded in PPIN  2017 ). 
- Pumpkin ( Cucurbita  pepo ) is a host of T. neocaledonicus  (Migeon and Dorkeld 2017; MAF 
2008 ). Is considered 
a quarantine 
pest on this 
pathway.  
 
Measures are 
justified 
(Basic 
Measures ). 
 
 And has the potential to 
establish and spread if it 
entered NZ.  T. neocaledonicus  has the 
potential to enter New 
Zealand and b e exposed 
to suitable hosts.  Entry:  
- The small size (~0.5mm) (MAF, 2008) of T. neocaledonicus  means that the pre -export grading 
and packing process and phytosanitary inspection could miss low level infestation, especially on 
ridged pumpkin varieties . 
-  T. neocaledonicus  is a distinct carmine red colour (MAF, 2008), which would be visually obvious 
on inspection . 
-  Tetranychus  sp. mites have been intercepted on fresh pumpkin  from Australia and butternut 
from Tonga arriving in New Zealand (QuanCargo, 2017).  
Exposure:  
- -Decorative pumpkins may be displayed outdoors, providing a substrate for mite development 
and exposure to a suitable environment /hosts . 
- Waste may be disposed of to compost  or home gardens . 
- T. neocaledonicus  is relatively  mobile and can disperse via air cur rents and crawling  (MAF, 
2008) . 
Establishment and spread:  
- T. neocaledonicus  is highly polyphagous, with economically imp ortant hosts including  clover, 
eucalypts , cucurbits, citrus, peach, beans and potato (MAF, 2008). Ornamental hosts include 
rose, chrysanthemum and hibiscus (MAF, 2008). Suitable host  species are common in home 
gardens and commercial production throughout New Zealand.  
- Reproduction is both  parthen ogenic  and sexual (MAF, 2008). Fertilised females overwinter on 
secondary hosts, move to cultivated hosts (usually cucurbits ) and breed rapidly (MAF, 2008).   
- The optimal temperature for development for T. neocaledonicus  is 30°C and established 
populations would be restricted to distinct areas (MAF, 2008). Females can enter diapause in 
adverse conditions until exposed to more suitable conditions (MAF, 2008). As the conditions are 
not optimal in New Zealand, it is unlikely that there would be rapid population  increases and 
establishment would be limited to warmer regions (MAF, 2008).  
And has the potential to 
cause negative 
economic consequences 
which are sufficient to 
justify phytosanitary 
measures on this 
pathway.  T. neocaledonicus  is 
capable of causing 
medium  level economic 
impacts and possibl y 
environmental impacts if it 
established in New 
Zealand.  - Establishment of T. neocaledonicus would increase pest control costs and decrease productivity 
of economically important agricultural species (clover) as well as impacting production crops 
(cucurbits, citrus, peach, beans and potato) and forestry (eucalypts) (MAF, 2008).  
- The economic impac t of T. neocaledonicus  establishing is considered to be low to moderate 
(MAF, 2008 ; D. Anthony, personal communication, 2017 ). Infestations would affect agricultural, 
forestry, horticultural and nursery sectors (MAF, 2008).  
- Clover is a major pasture species for wider  agricultural production  in New Zealand , and even small 
productivity decreases could have significant economic impact.   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 35 of 46 - Iconic native species ( Leptospermum , Metrosideros  and Lophomyrtus ) are potential hosts, 
howeve r conditions are unlikely to be favourable for rapid population growth, and impact is 
uncertain (MAF, 2008).  Coleoptera  
 Aulacophora indica  
(Gmelin)  
[Chrysomelidae]  
(Syn: Aulacophora similis ) 
 
Aulacophora 
quadrimaculata  
Fabricius, 1781  
[Chrysomelidae]  
 
 
 Have the potential to be 
quarantine pests on this 
pathway.  Aulacophora indica  and 
A. quadrimaculata are 
associated with the 
pathway.  - A. indica and A. quadrimaculata, are present in Tonga (MAFFF, 2012).  
- Are not recorded from New Zealand (Gordon, 2010; NZOR, 2017; PPIN, 2017).  
- Are associated with Cucurbita pepo  (varieties unclear) (Kimoto et al, 1984; MPI, 2015a).  Are 
considered 
quarantine 
pests on this 
pathway.  
 
Measures are 
justified 
(Basic 
Measures ). 
 And have the potential 
to establish and spread if 
they entered NZ.  A. indica  and 
A. quadrimaculata have  
the potential to enter New 
Zealand and be exposed 
to suitable hosts.  Entry:  
- Larval damage should, but may not always be detected by visual inspection (MPI,  2015a).  
- A. indica  larvae are up to 10mm long and 0.8mm wide (CPC, 2017).  
- Primarily root feeders, A. indica  and A. quadrimaculata  could be carried across international borders as 
they sometimes tunnel under the skin (MPI, 2015a).  
- Adults should be visually detectable due to their large size and conspicuous colouring.  
- Adults of A. indica  (red wing cases) and A. quadrimaculata  (yellow wing cases with large black marks) are 
6-8mm long (MAF, 2008).  
- Adults are likely to be disturbed by harvest (DOA, 2013).  
- Eggs a re laid on dead leaves and in soil (MAF, 2008), and not associated with pumpkin fruit.  
Exposure:  
- Decorative pumpkins may be displayed outdoors, providing opportunity for development and 
exposure to the environment.  
- A. indica and A. quadrimaculata are like ly to be strong fliers (MPI, 2015a). Other reported hosts 
of A. indica include melons, cucumber, Brassicaceae, maize, spinach, sweet potato, and broad 
beans (CPC, 2017).  
Establishment and spread:  
- A. indica  has a wide distribution in tropical (Pacific and S .E. Asia) and colder (most of China, 
Afghanistan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Nepal, Japan, Siberia) climates (MPI, 2015a).  
- The climatic preferences of A. quadrimaculata  are unclear, however it is present in Australia 
(DOA, 2013).  
- The likelihood of establishment has been assessed as low to moderate in areas of New Zealand 
where C. pepo  is grown (MPI, 2015a).  
And have the potential 
to cause negative 
economic consequences 
which are sufficient to 
justify phytosanitary 
measures on this 
pathway.  A. indica  and 
A. quadrimaculata are 
capable of causing low 
level economic impacts if 
they established in New 
Zealand.  - The economic consequences of establishment of A. indica  and A. quadrimaculata  have 
previously been assessed as low (MPI, 2015a).  
Platysimus insularis  
(Boheman, 1843)  
[Curculionidae]  
 Have the potential to be 
quarantine pests on this 
pathway.  Platysimus insularis  
and Sphaerorhinus spp. 
are associated with the 
pathway.  - P. insularis  and Sphaerorhinus spp. are present in Tonga (PIPLD, 2017).  
- Are not recorded from New Zealand (not recorded in NZOR; Gordon, 2010 or PPIN).  
- Are associated with pumpkin (PIPLD, 2017), though it is unclear if there is an association with 
pumpkin fruit, or other plant parts.  Do not fulfil 
the criteria of 
quarantine  
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 36 of 46 Coleoptera  Sphaerorhinus  sp. 
Guérin -Méneville, 1841  
[Curculionidae]  
 However  they do not 
have the potential to 
establish and spread if 
they entered NZ.  P. insularis and 
Sphaerorhinus sp. do not  
have  the potential to enter 
New Zealand, be exposed 
to suitable hosts, and 
establish and spread 
within New Zealand.  Entry:  
- There is not much literature available on these species. It is unclear which lifestages might be 
associated with pumpkin fruit.  
- P. insularis  is a leaf feeder, defoliating plants (Zimmerman, 1964).  
- Sphaerorhinus  sp. weevils are recorded as leaf feeders (note: this assessment was of a leaf commodity) 
(DOA, 2013).  
- no reports were identified of either of these genera feeding on fruit.  
- MPI interception data (pumpkin from Australia and New Caledonia, squash and butternut from 
Tonga) does not include any weevil interceptions  (Quancargo, 2017) . 
- P. insularis  has spread within the Pacific Islands as a hitchhiker species (e.g. crawling into 
cargo ) (Zimmerman, 1964).  
Exposure:  
- Platysimus insularis (Zimmerman, 1964)  and Spaeherorhinus  sp. (MPI, 2015a) are flightless, 
and therefore limited in movement. Adult weevils are capable of walking short distances to 
locate host plants (MPI, 2015a).  
- There is u ncertainty regarding the host range of these weevils.  
- Known hosts of  P. insularis  include  Ipomoea , Lepidium and Scaevola  (Zimmerman 1964).  
- Known hosts of  Sphaerorhinus  sp. include  pumpkin, watermelon and squash (PIPLD, 2017).  
Establishment and spread:  
- The climatic preferences of P. insularis  and Spaerorhinus  sp. are unknown, however it is 
assumed that they are unlikely to be able to establish in New Zealand conditions as they are 
only reported from tropical countries.  
- P. insularis  is reported from Tonga  Fiji and Cook Islands (PIPLD, 2017). Zimmerman (1964) also records 
presence as far northwest as the Marshall Islands and southwest as the Austral Islands.  
- PIPLD (2017) only reports  Sphaerorhinus sp. as present in Tonga.  pests on this 
pathway.  Diptera  
 
 
Diptera (flies)  
 Diptera (flies)  
 Diptera  
Diptera  Atherigona orientalis  
Schiner  
[Muscidae]  
 Does not fulfil the criteria 
of a quarantine pest on 
this pathway.  Atherigona orientalis is not 
associated with the 
pathway.  - Atherigona orientalis is present in Tonga (CPC, 2017).  
- Is not recorded from New Zealand (not recorded in NZOR or Gordon, 2010; recorded as not in 
New Zealand in PPIN).  
- Although recorded as a saprophagous pest on marrow (MPI, 2015a; CPC, 2017), no evidence 
has been found of association with pumpkin.  
- A. oriental is is primarily saprophytic, mostly feeding on damaged or rotten plant tissues (MPI, 2008; CPC, 
2017).  
- MAF (2008) considered that there was a low likelihood of association with commercial fruit [citrus] 
pathways.  
- As it is not associated with fruit at harvest, it does not have the potential to enter New Zealand 
on the pathway.  Does not fulfil 
the criteria of 
a quarantine 
pest on this 
pathway.  
Liriomyza trifolii  
(Burgess)  
[Agromyzidae]  
 Has the potential to be a 
quarantine pest on this 
pathway.  Liriomyza trifolii is 
associated with the 
pathway.  - L. trifolii is present in Tonga (MAFFF, 2012).  
- Is not recorded from New Zealand (not recorded in NZOR or Gordon, 2010; recorded as not in 
New Zealand in PPIN).  
- Pumpkin is a recorded host (MAFFF, 2012) . Does not fulfil 
the criteria of 
a quarantine  
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 37 of 46 Diptera  
 
Diptera  However  it does not 
have the potential to 
enter NZ.  L. trifolii does not have  the 
potential to enter New 
Zealand.  Entry  
- While pumpkin is a recorded host of L . trifolii  (MAFFF, 2012) , this pest is associated with leaves 
(and possibly stems), rather than fruits of host plants.  
- Adults of  Liriomyza  species cause damage by puncturing the leaf surface to feed on leaf tissues and lay 
eggs (MPI, 2016 a; EFSA, 2012).  
- Eggs are laid inside leaves, and once hatched, larvae tunnel within the leaf feeding (on occasion they have 
been reported from leaf stalks or the plant stem) before leaving the leaf and pupating in soil (MPI, 2016 a, 
EFSA, 2012).  
- As it is not associated with fruit a t harvest, it does not have the potential to enter New Zealand 
on the pathway.  pest on this 
pathway.  
Bactrocera facialis  
(Coquillett)  
[Tephritidae]  
 
Bactrocera kirki   
(Froggatt)  
[Tephritidae]  
 
Bactrocera sp. nr. 
passiflorae   
[Tephritidae]  
 
Bactrocera xanthodes   
(Broun)  
[Tephritidae]  Have the potential to be 
quarantine pests on this 
pathway.  Bactrocera facialis, 
B. kirki, 
B. sp. nr. passiflorae and 
B. xanthodes are 
associated with the 
pathway  - B. facialis  (absent from Niuas) , B. kirki, B. sp. nr. passiflorae  (Niuas only) and  B. xanthodes are 
present in Tonga (Pacifly, 2007).  
- B. facialis, B. kirki, B. sp. nr. passiflorae  and B. xanthodes  are not recorded in New Zealand (not 
recorded in NZOR or Gordon, 2010; recorded as not in New Zealand in PPIN).  
- Pumpkin ( C. pepo ) is assumed to be a conditional host of B. facialis, B. kirki, B. passiflorae  and 
B. xanthodes.  
- While there is no evidence of these fruit flies feeding on undamaged mature pumpkin, it is assumed that 
damaged or soft lifestages of C. pepo  are able to h ost these fruit flies.  
- Zucchini, a soft skinned variety of C. pepo , is a demonstrated host of these fruit flies in laboratory based host status tests 
(Heimoana et al, 1996).  
- Pumpkin is a known host of B. cucurbitae , B. decipiens  and B. tryoni (note, none of these species are present in Tonga) 
(Leblanc et al, 2013; Leblanc et al, 2012; Leblanc and Putoa, 2000; Dhillon et al, 2005; Jessup and McCarthy, 1993).  
- Non-host status testing for pumpkin has not been carried out as part of research into fruit fly hosts (e.g. Heimoana et al, 
1996).  Are 
considered 
quarantine 
pests on this 
pathway.  
 
Measures are 
justified ( MPI-
Specified 
Measures ). 
 
And have the potential 
to establish and spread if 
they entered NZ.  B. facialis, B. kirki, 
B. sp. nr. passiflorae and 
B. xanthodes have the 
potential to enter New 
Zealand and be exposed 
to suitable hosts.  Entry:  
- Eggs and larvae of Bactrocera  spp. fruit flies are internal to fruit (MPI, 2015a), and may go 
undetected during harvesting, handling, cleaning and packaging (MPI, 2012; MPI, 2016 a). 
Exposure:  
- Whole (carved) pumpkins for decorative purposes are likely to be displayed outdoors. Some 
waste (seeds, flesh) will be disposed of, sometimes to compost.  
- Skin (with a small amount of flesh) and seeds from pumpkins for consumption may be disposed 
of, sometimes to compost.  
- Hatching larvae feed on the fruit flesh for 10 -35 days, progressing through 3  instars before 
pupating in soil (MPI, 2012). Decorative pumpkins displayed outdoors and compost would 
provide suitable opportunities for larval development and pupation.  
- After hatching, adults fly to suitable hosts. Suitable hosts for these fruit flies va ry between 
species, but include avocado, capsicum, citrus, eggplant, mango, papaya, passionfruit, and 
tomato (Pacifly, 2007). Many of these species are grown in home gardens and/or commercially 
in New Zealand.   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 38 of 46  Diptera  
 Establishment and spread:  
- It is not known how many eggs are laid into each fruit, however as females do not discriminate 
against fruit that already has eggs present it is assumed that any number of larvae of both sexes  
could be present in a single fruit entering New Zealand.  
- Limited evidence is availa ble on the climatic preferences of these fruit flies, however it is 
generally assumed that tropical fruit flies could be capable of establishing permanent 
populations in Northern New Zealand (Northland, Auckland, Coromandel) and seasonal 
populations in oth er North Island and warmer South Island regions (MAF, 2008).  
- MPI (2012) assessed a very low likelihood of permanent establishment of B. kirki  or B. passiflorae,  with a 
low likelihood that seasonal populations could establish.    
- A range of hosts (varies be tween fruit fly species) are found in home gardens and grown 
commercially.   
And have the potential 
to cause negative 
economic consequences 
which are sufficient to 
justify phytosanitary 
measures on this 
pathway.  B. facialis, B. kirki, 
B. sp. nr. passiflorae and 
B. xanthodes are capable 
of causing a high level 
economic and 
environmental impacts if 
they established in New 
Zealand.  - The host range for these fruit flies (varies between fruit fly species) includes important 
commercial crops such  as avocado, tomato, capsicum, citrus, pumpkin, and passionfruit 
(Pacifly, 2007).  
- The annual combined domestic and export sales value of these crops is approximately $430 
million (FreshFacts, 2016).  
- Establishment of even a seasonal population of one of the se fruit flies has a potentially adverse 
impact on access to overseas markets.  
- Eradication of Queensland fruit fly ( Bactrocera tryoni ) populations from Auckland in 2015 cost 
over $13 million (MPI, 2015b).  Hemiptera   
 
Homoptera  
Homoptera: Aphidae  
Homoptera: Aphidae  Bemisia tabaci  
Gennadius, 1889  
[Aleyrodidae]  
 Does not fulfil the criteria 
of a quarantine pest on 
this pathway.  Bemisia tabaci is not 
associated with the 
pathway.  - Some strains of B. tabaci are present in Tonga (MAFFF, 2012).  
- Some strains are present in New Zealand and is a potential vector (NZOR, 2017).  
- Is associated with pumpkin plants (MAFFF, 2012). However, eggs, larvae and adults are 
associated with leaves, not fruit (CPC, 2017).  As it is not associated with fruit at harvest, it does 
not have the potential to enter New Zealand on the pathway.  
- No diseases of concern in Tonga are known to be vectored by B. tabaci.  Does not fulfil 
the criteria of 
a quarantine 
pest on this 
pathway.  
Aphis fabae  
Scopoli  
[Aphididae]  
 
 Has the potential to be  a 
quarantine pest on this 
pathway.  A. fabae is associated 
with the pathway.  - A. fabae  is present in Tonga (MAFFF, 2012).  
- A. fabae  is not reported from New Zealand and is a potential vector (NZOR, 2017).  
- Is associated with pumpkin plants  (MAFFF, 2012).  However, eggs, larvae and adults are 
typically associated with leaves, and so would pest incidence on fruit would be low (CPC, 2017).    Is considered 
a quarantine 
pest on this 
pathway.  
 
Measures are 
justified  
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 39 of 46 And have the potential 
to establish and spread if 
they entered NZ.  A. fabae has the potential 
to enter New Zealand and 
be exposed to suitable 
hosts.   Entry:  
- Adults are visually noticeable and can be found during packhouse cleaning and grading 
procedures. C. pepo  has a relatively simple structure and earlier life stages would not be difficult 
to find on fruit (Capinera, 2015; MAF, 2011) . 
-  A. fabae is visible with distinct colour that would be noticeable during inspection. Eggs are laid on barky 
tissues (eg. tr ees) as an overwintering lifestage; nymphs are sap suckers on leaves and stems, adults may 
be found on fruit in low numbers (MAF, 2011).  
- A. fabae is capable of surviving transit conditions to New Zealand (intercepted on fresh produce) 
(QuanCargo, 2017).  
Exposure:  
-  Adults are highly mobile with dispersal mostly occurring from wind and winged lifestages 
(Capinera, 2015; MAF, 2011).  
- A. fabae is highly polyphagous with many suitable hosts in New Zealand, including plants that 
are common in NZ home gardens (Ca pinera, 2015; MAF, 2011). Therefore adults may come in 
contact with a suitable host.  
Establishment and spread:  
- A. fabae is likely to survive in the New Zealand climate (MAF, 2011)  
- A. fabae can reproduce asexually (give birth to nymphs) and sexually (lay eg gs) (Capinera, 
2015; Chinery, 1993).  
- A. fabae has a high potential to establish and spread through New Zealand (MAF, 2011).  
 (Basic 
Measures ). 
 Hemiptera  
And have the potential 
to cause negative 
economic consequences 
which are sufficient to 
justify phytosanitary 
measures on this 
pathway.  A. fabae is capable of 
causing moderate level 
economic and 
environmental impacts if 
they established in New 
Zealand.  - Economic impact of A. fabae  should it establish is considered low to moderate  
- A known pest of vegetable crops, pa rticularly beans and beets (MAF, 2011).  
- Feeding weakens plants and can cause plant death (MAF, 2011).  
- A. fabae can be difficult to control once established (MAF, 2011).  
- A. fabae is a vector of Papaya ringspot virus -cucurbit affecting strain (PRSV -W) which is not 
known to be present in New Zealand (NZOR, 2017).  
- Papaya ringspot virus -cucurbit affecting strain (PRSV -W) can be vectored by these aphids  
- PRSV -W is associated with pumpkin and other cucurbits.  
- PRSV -W is present in Tonga and not reported from NZ.  
- This virus is transmitted in a non -persistent manner by these aphids and would not present a risk on this 
pathway (Van Emden and Harrington 2007).  
- All other viruses known to be vectored by these aphids and associated with cucurbits are either 
not present i n Tonga or already present in New Zealand (Davis and Ruabete, 2010).  
Aphis craccivora  
Koch, 1854  
[Aphididae]   
 
Aphis gossypii  
Glover, 1877  
[Aphididae]  Do not fulfil the criteria of 
quarantine pests on this 
pathway.  A. craccivora  is not 
associated with the 
pathway  - A. craccivora , A. gossypii  and M. persicae  are present in Tonga (MAFFF, 2012).  
- Are present in New Zealand (Gordon, 2010; PPIN), but are potential vectors  of a plant virus not 
known to be present in New Zealand  (NZOR, 2017).  
- Papaya ringspot virus -cucurbit affecting strain (PRSV -W) can be vectored by these aphids  
- PRSV -W is associated with pumpkin and other cucurbits.  
- PRSV -W is present in Tonga and not reported from NZ.  Do not fulfil 
the criteria of 
quarantine 
pests on this 
pathway   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 40 of 46  
Myzus persicae  
Sulzer, 1776  
[Aphididae]  - This virus is transmitted in a non-persistent manner by these aphids  and would not present a risk on this 
pathway  (Van Emden and Harrington 2007).  
- All other viruses known to be vectored by these aphids  and associated with cucurbits  are either 
not present in Tonga or already present in New Zealand (Davis and Ruabete, 2010 ). 
 
Leptoglossus gonagra  
Fabricius 1775  
[Coreidae]  
(Syn: Fabrictilis australis  / 
Fabrictilis gonagra ) 
 Has the potential to be a 
quarantine pest on this 
pathway.  L. gonagra  is associated 
with the pathway  - L. gonagra is present in Tonga (MAFFF, 2012).  
- Is not recorded in New Zealand (not recorded in NZOR or Gordon (2010), or PPIN).  
- Is associated with pumpki n (MAFFF, 2012).   Is considered 
a quarantine 
pest on this 
pathway.  
 
Measures are 
justified 
(Basic 
Measures ). 
 And has the potential to 
establish and spread if it 
entered NZ.  L. gonagra has the 
potential to enter New 
Zealand and be exposed 
to suitable hosts.  Entry:  
- Adults may be associated with pumpkin fruit (Baldin et al, 2002).  
- Eggs are laid on leaves and stems, but not fruit (Baldin et al, 2002). Nymphs may feed on 
leaves, stems and devel oping fruit, however antibiotic components from cucurbits are harmful to 
the biological development of L. gonagra  (100% nymph mortality was observed in no choice 
tests) (Baldin et al, 2002).  
- Adults are large (15mm) (MAF, 2008) and would be visually obvious  during production and 
inspection.  
- MAF (2008) assessed the likelihood of entry on citrus fruit from Samoa as very low. As L. 
gonagra  primarily uses cucurbit leaves to lay eggs, it is assumed that L. gonagra will be present 
in cucurbit growing areas, however the hard skin of undamaged pumpkin fruits means that 
feeding is unlikely.  
Exposure:  
- Wide host range including cucurbits, citrus, beans, kumara, tomatoes, potatoes and passionfruit 
(MAF, 2008).  
- Adults are winged, and it is assumed that they are capa ble of sufficient flight to find host plants 
(MAF, 2008).  
Establishment and spread:  
- MAF (2008) considered the likelihood of establishment to be low, based on localised populations 
establishing in warmer parts of the North Island (permanent establishment li mited by wet and 
cold winter conditions).  Hemiptera  
 
And has the potential to 
cause negative 
economic consequences 
which are sufficient to 
justify phytosanitary 
measures on this 
pathway.  L. gonagra is capable of 
causing low level 
economic and 
environmental impacts if it 
established in New 
Zealand.  - In Florida, L. gonagra  attacks citrus as part of a pest complex including L. phyllopus  and the 
stink bug Nezara viridula  (present in New Zealand) (MAF, 2008) . On its own, L. gonagra  is 
considered a minor pest (on citrus) (MAF, 2008).  
- MAF (2008) considered that the economic impact of establishment would be low.  
- Environmental impacts are uncertain , but likely to be very low (MAF, 2008).  
Pinnaspis strachani   
(Cooley 1899)  
[Diaspididae]  
 Has the potential to be a 
quarantine pest on this 
pathway.  A. destructor and P. 
strachani are associated 
with the pathway.  - A. destructor and P. strachani are present in Tonga (MAFFF, 2012).  
- Are not recorded in New Zealand (not recorded in NZOR or Gordon (2010), recorded as not 
present in PPIN).  
- Are known to be associated with C. pepo (MAFFF, 2012).  Is considered 
a quarantine 
pest on this 
pathway.   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 41 of 46 Aspidiotus destructor  
Signoret 1869  
[Diaspididae]  
 And has the potential to 
establish and spread if it 
entered NZ.  A. destructor and P. 
strachani has the potential 
to enter New Zealand and 
be exposed to suitable 
hosts.  Entry:  
- A. destructor and P. strachani are visually noticeable and may be found during packhouse 
cleaning and grading procedures.  
- Adult A. destructor  are1.5 -2mm in diameter and a dult P. strachani  are 1mm in diameter , both covered with 
a scale cover which is white to grey in colour. Eggs are laid underneath the scale cover (CPC, 2017;  Din 
and Arthurs, 2015;  MAF, 2009).  
- C. pepo  has a relatively simple structure, however there are some areas of the pumpkin that could make 
detection of  A. destructor and P. strachani difficult (e.g. where the peduncle meets the stem).  
- Diaspididae  are capable of surviving transit conditions to New Zealand (intercepted on fresh 
produce) (QuanCargo, 2017).  
 Exposure:  
- Due to their specialised biology, exposure of Diaspididae is limited.  
- Only crawler (male and female; crawling/wind dispersal) and adult male Diaspididae are mobile (MPI, 
2014), restricting the ability of these species to leave the host and find a suitable host.  
- Crawlers are susce ptible to extremes of temperatures, desiccation, rain and predation (Beardsley and 
Gonzalez, 1975; MPI, 2014).  
- No part of the pumpkin will be consumed, providing a higher level of unavoidable waste and a 
higher exposure risk (MPI, 2014).  
- Pumpkin is a robust host that could support viable Diaspididae for long periods of time.  
- A. destructor and P. strachani  are highly polyphagous with many suitable hosts in commercial 
production and home gardens throughout New Zealand (CPC, 2017;  Din and Ar thurs, 2015;  
MAF, 2009) .    
- MPI (2014) assessed the exposure of Diaspididae on fresh produce for consumption pathways 
as varying between negligible and low. Considering the factors in their conclusion, pumpkin for 
decorative purposes would fit at the high end, but within this range.  
- (e.g. quantity and exposure of material, robustness of host, proximity to hosts, temperature).  
Establishment and spread:  
- A. destructor and P. strachani  are highly polyphagous with many suitable hosts in commercial 
production an d home gardens throughout New Zealand (CPC, 2017;  Din and Arthurs, 2015;  
MAF, 2009) .    
- A. destructor and P. strachani  currently have  a broad tropical distribution (CPC, 2017; Din and 
Arthurs, 2015; MAF, 2008). MAF (2008) notes that while there is insuffic ient information to 
assess its ability to establish in New Zealand, it is likely P. strachani  could survive Northland 
summers and year round in glasshouses.  
- MAF (2009) notes  P. strachani is established in glasshouses in Hungary and the former USSR.   
Measures are  
justified 
(Basic 
Measures ). 
  Hemiptera  
Hemiptera  
And has the potential to 
cause negative 
economic consequences 
which are sufficient to 
justify phytosanitary 
measures on this 
pathway.  P. strachani is capable of 
causing low level 
economic and 
environmental impacts if it 
established in New 
Zealand.  - The ability for A. destructor and P. strachani to establish in New Zealand is limited (probably to 
glasshouses) ( Din and Arthurs, 2015; MAF, 2009 ,), limiting  potential impacts. MAF (2009) did 
not assess the economic impacts of P. strachani  as it was considered to be a negligible 
likelihood of establishment on the pear pathway .  
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 42 of 46 Pseudaulacaspis 
pentagona  
(Targioni Tozzeti)  
[Diaspididae]  Has the potential to be a 
quarantine pest on this 
pathway.  P. pentagona  is 
associated with the 
pathway.  - P. pentagona  is present in Tonga (MAFFF, 2012).  
- Is not recorded in New Zealand (not recorded in NZOR or Gordon (2010), recorded as not 
present in PPIN).  
- Is known to be associated with C. pepo (MAFFF, 2012).  Is considered 
a quarantine 
pest on this 
pathway.  
 
Measures are 
justified  
 
(Human 
consumption  
= Basic 
Measures ) 
 
(Decorative 
purposes = 
Targeted 
Measures ). 
  
 
 And has the potential to 
establish and spread if it 
entered NZ.  P. pentagona  has the 
potential to enter New 
Zealand and be exposed 
to suitable hosts.  Entry:  
- P. pentagona  is visually noticeable and may be found during packhouse cleaning and grading 
procedures.   
- Adult P. pentagona  are 1.5 -3mm in diameter and covered with a scale cover which is pale in colour. Eggs 
are laid underneath the scale cover (; MPI, 2014).  
- C. pepo  has a relatively simple structure, however there are some areas of the pumpkin that could make 
detection of P. pentagona  difficult (e.g. where the peduncle meets the stem).  
- Diaspididae  are capable of surviving transit conditions to New Zealand (intercepte d on fresh 
produce) (QuanCargo, 2017).  
Exposure:  
- Due to their specialised biology, exposure of Diaspididae is limited.  
- Only crawler (male and female; crawling/wind dispersal) and adult male Diaspididae are mobile (MPI, 
2014), restricting the ability of these species to leave the host and find a suitable host.  
- Crawlers are susceptible to extremes of temperatures, desiccati on, rain and predation (Beardsley and 
Gonzalez, 1975; MPI, 2014).  
- P. pentagona  is highly polyphagous with many suitable hosts in commercial production and 
home gardens throughout New Zealand (CPC, 2017; MPI, 2014) .    
- MPI (2014) assessed the exposure of Diaspididae on fresh produce for consumption pathways 
as varying between negligible and low.  
- Pumpkins used for decorative purposes have a higher risk of exposure than those consumed:  
- Carved pumpkin is a robust host that  could support viable Diaspididae for long periods of time.  
- Wind dispersal of crawlers from decorative pumpkins would increase the level of exposure compared to 
waste disposed of to compost.  
- Considering the factors in the conclusion reached by MPI (2014),  the exposure of Diaspididae on 
decorative pumpkin is going to be higher than pumpkins used for consumption.  
Establishment and spread:  
- P. pentagona  is highly polyphagous with many suitable hosts in commercial production and 
home gardens throughout New Zeal and (CPC, 2017; MPI, 2014) .    
- P. pentagona  is known to occur in temperate regions and may be able to establish in at least in 
warmer northern parts of New Zealand, or in sheltered habitats or in greenhouses (MPI, 2014).  
- Mated females are known to overwin ter in cold climates (eggs may over -winter in warmer climates) (MPI, 
2014).  Hemiptera  
Hemiptera  
 
 And has the potential to 
cause negative 
economic consequences 
which are sufficient to 
justify phytosanitary 
measures on this 
pathway.  P. pentagona  is capable 
of causing moderate level 
economic and 
environmental impacts if 
they established in New 
Zealand.  - Economic consequences of establishment of P. pentagona  in New Zealand have been assessed 
as moderate (MPI, 2014).  
- Feeding activities on hosts cause s early leaf drop, and may on occasion kill plants (MPI, 2014).  
- Kiwifruit and grapes are among reported hosts; and damage is likely to reduce marketable yields (e.g. 20% 
yield reduction observed on kiwifruit in Italy) (MPI, 2014).  
- Increased production cos ts may occur (e.g. additional pest control activities).  
- P. pentagona  is already present in many important export markets (MPI, 2014), however there may be 
some impact on access to export markets.   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 43 of 46 Maconellicoccus hirsutus 
(Green,1908)  
[Pseudococcidae]  
 
Dysmicoccus brevipes  
(Cockerell, 1893)  
[Pseudococcidae]  
 
Planococcus minor  
(Maskel)  
[Pseudococcidae]  
 
Ferrisia  virgata  
(Cockerell, 1893)  
[Pseudococcidae]  
 Have the potential to be 
quarantine pests on this 
pathway.  Maconellicoccus hursutus , 
Dysmicoccus brev ipes 
and Ferrisia virgata  are 
associated with the 
pathway  - M. hirsustus, D. brevipes, and F. virgata are present in Tonga (MAFFF, 2012).  
- Are not recorded in New Zealand (not recorded in NZOR or Gordon (2010); M. hirsutus  not 
recorded in PPIN; D. brevipes  and F. virgata  recorded as not in NZ in PPIN).  
- Are known to be associated with C. pepo (PIPLD, 2017).  Are 
considered 
quarantine 
pests on this 
pathway.  
 
Measures are 
justified 
(Basic 
Measures ). 
 
 
 And have  the potential 
to establish and spread if 
it entered NZ.  M. hirsutus , D. brevipes  
and F. virgata  have the 
potential to enter New 
Zealand and be exposed 
to suitable hosts.  Entry:  
- Adults  are small, however adults (and the associated black sooty mould (MPI, 2007)) are 
considered to be relatively easy to detect by inspection (MPI, 2014) .  Mealybugs  tend to reside 
in cryptic locations, increasing the likelihood that they may be missed duri ng vis ual inspection 
(MPI, 2014; MAF,  2008 ). 
- Pumpkin is typically smooth and would make the distinct  adult mealybugs  and eggs (MPI, 2008; 
MPI, 2014) detectable during pre -export inspection, although there are some cryptic locations 
around the peduncle that could  make inspection more difficult.  
- Crawlers would be removed during packhouse brushing and processing as they are fragile and 
easily dislodged  (MPI, 2014).  
- Likelihood of entry for mealybugs was assessed to range from negligible to moderate dependent 
on the commodity, and medium for citrus as the calyx and peduncle provide refuge and make 
them hard to find during inspection (MAF, 2008; MPI, 2014).  
Exposure:  
- These mealybugs are highly polyphagous with many suitable hosts present in NZ, including 
plants that ar e common in home gardens (MPI, 2014; MAF, 2008).  
- Pumpkin skin may allow exposure to the environment.  
- The skin is not consumed, and may be disposed of to compost (or to landfill, etc.) with some 
flesh attached.  
- Whole decorative pumpkins may be carved and di splayed outdoors.  
- Pumpkin is a robust host, and the exposed flesh could provide a medium for mealybug 
development.  
- Nymphs, crawlers and adults are all mobile to some extent although the most mobile stage is 
the crawler stage (MPI, 2014; MAF, 2008).  
Establ ishment and spread:  
- These mealybugs are highly polyphagous with a wide variety of potential commercial and wild 
hosts (MPI, 2014; CPC, 2017). Host species are also commonly found in home gardens.  
- Suitable temperatures for establishment of at least seasonal  populations can be found in 
northern parts of New Zealand.  
- M. hirsutus  currently has a tropical to subtropical distribution, but is believed to be capable of establishment 
in the northern North Island (MPI, 2014).  
- F. virgata  currently has a tropical to te mperate distribution, including presence in Australia, USA, and South 
America, and is believed to be capable of establishment in the northern North Island (MAF, 2008).  
- D. brevipes  and P. minor  currently  have  a tropical to subtropical distribution, but is believed to be capable 
of establishment in the northern North Island (MAF, 2008).  Hemiptera  
  
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 44 of 46 And have the potential 
to cause negative 
economic consequences 
which are sufficient to 
justify phytosanitary 
measures on this 
pathway.  M. hirsutus , D. brevipes  
and F. virgata  are capable 
of causing economic and 
environmental impacts if 
they established in New 
Zealand.  - These mealybugs are a threat to a number of significant crops in New Zealand such as grapes, 
passionfruit, citrus and squash.   
- Mealybugs can cause serious damage to host plants although the most significant damage usually occurs 
in regions warmer than New  Zealand.  
- Mealybugs can be difficult to control with herbicide due to their polyphagous nature allowing them to 
establish on a range of weed species  (MPI, 2014).  
- Economic and environmental impacts of these mealybugs have been considered by MPI:  
- The poten tial economic and environmental impacts M. hirsutus  are considered ‘low’ (MPI, 2014).  
- MAF (2008) considered the potential economic and environmental impacts of D. brevipes and F.  virgata  to 
be medium.  
Planococcus citri  
(Risso, 1813)  
[Pseudococcidae]  
 
Pseudococcus longispinus 
(Targioni -Tozzetti)  
[Pseudococcidae]  Do not fulfil the criteria of 
quarantine pests on this 
pathway.  Pseudococcus citri  and 
Pseudococcus longispinus  
do not vector any 
diseases of concern.  - P. citri and P. longispinus are present in Tonga  (MAFFF, 2012; QuanCargo, 2017).  
- P. citri and P. longispinus are present in New Zealand – but are potential vectors of plant 
pathogens.  
- P. citri and P. longispinus are not known to vector any viruses associated with cucurbits in 
Tonga and therefore do  not require regulation on this import pathway.  Do not fulfil 
the criteria of 
quarantine 
pests on this 
pathway.  Lepidoptera  
Lepidoptera  Diaphania indica  
Saunders, 1851  
[Crambidae]  
 
Tiracola plagiata  
Walker, 1857  
[Noctuidae]  
 Have the potential to be 
quarantine pests on this 
pathway.  D. indica, and T. plagiata 
are associated with the 
pathway.  - D. indica, and T. plagiata are present in Tonga (MAFFF, 2012, PIPLD, 2017).  
- Are not recorded from New Zealand ( T. plagiata  is recorded from the Kermadec Islands) (not 
recorded (except T. plagiata in the Kermadecs) in NZOR or Gordon, 2010; recorded as not in 
New Zealand in PPIN).  
- Are associated with pumpkin (MAFFF, 2012).  Are 
considered 
quarantine 
pests on this 
pathway.  
 
Measures are 
justified 
(Basic 
Measures ). 
 And have the potential 
to establish and spread if 
it entered NZ.  D. indica, and T. plagiata  
have the potential to enter 
New Zealand and be 
exposed to suitable hosts.  - Entry:  
-  Larvae and adults of  T. plagiata are visually obvious external feeders, which would be detected 
during production and inspection.  
- D. indica  larvae 18 -25mm; adult wingspan 25mm (MPI, 2015a).  
- T. plagiata  mature larvae 60mm; adult wingspan 50mm (MAF, 2008).  
- D. indica  and T. plagiata  larvae are external feeders (MAF, 2008; MPI, 2015a).  
- D. indica  and T. plagiata  eggs and larvae are primarily associated with leaves.   
- D. indica  eggs are laid on leaves while T. plagiata  eggs are laid on leaves or young fruit (MAF, 2008; MPI, 
2015a).  
- D.indica and T. plagiata  can survive transit to New Zeala nd. 
- Both have been intercepted on consignments of fresh produce at the border (Quancargo, 2017).  
- Exposure:  
- D. indica and T. plagiata  are polyphagous with many suitable hosts present in NZ, including 
plants that are common in home gardens (MAF, 2008; MPI, 2015a).  
- However, larvae of both species feed on young fruit (MAF, 2008; MPI, 2015a).  
- Larvae are mobile to an extent and could travel to a suitable host when pumpkin waste is 
disposed into a garden or compost.  
-  Adults are highly mobile but are likely only t o be found as hitchhikers as they are not typically 
associated with fruit (MAF, 2008; MPI, 2015a).  
- A T. plagiata  adult (moth) was intercepted on a consignment of zucchini in 2010 (Quancargo, 
2017).   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 45 of 46 Establishment and spread:  
- D. indica and T. plagiata  are po lyphagous with a variety of potential commercial and wild hosts 
(MAF, 2008; MPI, 2015a ).  
- Suitable conditions for the establishment of populations can be found in New Zealand.  
- D. indica would be able to establish in most parts of New Zealand (MPI, 2015a).  
- T. plagiata  currently has a tropical to temperate distribution, including presence in Australia, Asia, and 
many pacific islands, and would likely be capable of establishment in the northern North Island (MAF, 
2008).  
And have the potential 
to cause negative 
economic consequences 
which are sufficient to 
justify phytosanitary 
measures on this 
pathway.   D. indica, and T. plagiata  
are capable of causing 
economic and 
environmental impacts if 
they established in New 
Zealand.  - D. indica and T. plagiata  are a threat to a number of significant crops in New Zealand such as 
cucurbits, beans, citrus and capsicum (MAF, 2008; MPI, 2015a).   
- Damage includes defoliation and damage to young fruit.  
- Potential economic impact from D. indica was assessed to be from n egligible to moderate  (MPI, 
2015a) . 
- Potential economic impact from T. plagiata is likely to be negligible to low as climate would 
restrict its distribution . 
Setomorpha rutella  
Zeller  
[Tineidae]  
 Does not fulfil the criteria 
of a quarantine pest on 
this pathway.  Setomorpha rutella  
is not associated with the 
pathway.  - S. rutella  was intercepted on squash from Tonga (QuanCargo, 2017) and is therefore assumed 
to be present in Tonga.  
- Is not recorded in New Zealand (not recorded in NZOR, or Gordon (2010); recor ded as not 
present in New Zealand in PPIN).  
- Is recorded as intercepted on squash from Tonga (QuanCargo, 2017), but it is unclear if the 
interception was from the fruit or packaging.  
- S. rutella  larvae feed on dry vegetable matter including dried goods, cer eals, grain, rice, nuts and seeds 
(Zimmerman, 1978). No records have been identified of S. rutella , or members of Setomorpha  feeding on 
fruit or Cucurbitaceae plants.  Does not fulfil 
the criteria of 
a quarantine 
pest on this 
pathway.   
 Fungi  i   
Fungi  
 
                 Fungi  Choanephora cucurbitarum  
(Berkeley and Ravenel) 
Thaxter  Has the potential to be a 
quarantine pest on this 
pathway.  C. cucurbitarum is 
associated with the 
pathway.  - C. cucurbitarum is present in Tonga (MAF 2011, PIPLD, 2017; CPC, 2017) . 
- Is not recorded in New Zealand (recorded as absent in NZOR (2017) and NZFungi, (2017); 
recorded as not in New Zealand in PPIN).  
- Is known to be associated with pumpkin (MAF 2011 ( C. moschata  pumpkin); APS, 2017).  Is considered 
a quarantine 
pest on this 
pathway.  
 
Measures are 
justified 
(Basic 
Measures ). 
  
 And has the potential to 
establish and spread if it 
entered NZ.  C. cucurbitarum has the 
potential to enter New 
Zealand and be exposed 
to suitable hosts.  Entry:  
- C. cucurbitarum first attacks blossom, progressing into the developing fruit, although it can also 
infect other tissues when damaged (MAF, 2011).  
- Advanced symptoms (fungal growth) would be obvious to visual inspection, however early 
stages of infection may be asymptomatic.  
- Infection can remain asymptomatic for ten days after infection (MAF, 2011).  
Exposure:  
- Hosts include pine, onion, brassicas, capsicum, melons, cucumbers, sweet potato, lettuce, 
eggplant, and corn.  
- Decorative pumpkins may be displayed outdoors in home gardens, providing exposure for spore 
distribution to other host plants.  
- Sporulation occurs after rainfall when the temperature exceeds 10°C (MPI, 2012), conditions likely to occur 
in New Zealand (espe cially in northern regions) during the summer months   
 Risk Management Proposal: Fresh Pumpkin, Squash and Butternut for Human Consumption or Decorative Purposes   Page 46 of 46  
 Establishment and Spread:  
- C. cucurbitarum  has a wide host range (including pine, onion, brassicas, capsicum, melons, 
cucumbers, sweet potato, lettuce, eggplant, and corn) (MAF, 2011).  
- Climatically the northern North Island is likely to be suitable for establishment in New Zealand 
(MPI, 2012).  
And has the potential to 
cause negative 
economic consequences 
which are sufficient to 
justify phytosanitary 
measures on this 
pathway.  C. cucurbitarum is 
capable of causing 
economic and 
environmental impacts if it 
established in New 
Zealand.  - Crop losses of 30% have been reported from C. cucurbitarum  (MPI, 2012).  
- C. cucurbitarum  has a wide host range (including pine, onion, brassicas, capsicum, melons, 
cucumbers, sweet potato, lettuce, eggplant, and corn) (MPI, 2012).  
 
 
 
 Virus        
 
Virus  Papaya ringspot virus -W, 
cucurbit infecting strain  
[Potyvirus]  
 
formerly Watermelon 
mosaic virus 1 (WMV -1) Has the potential to be a 
quarantine pest on this 
pathway.  Papaya ringspot virus -W 
is associated with the 
pathway.  - Papaya ringspot virus -W is present in Tonga (MAFFF, 2012).  
- Is not recorded in New Zealand (not recorded in NZOR or Verrakone et al (2015) or PPIN).  
- Is known to be associated with pumpkin (MAFFF, 2012).  Does not fulfil 
the criteria of 
a quarantine 
pest on this 
pathway  However  does not have 
the potential to establish 
and spread if it entered 
NZ. 
 Papaya ringspot virus -W 
does not have the 
potential to enter New 
Zealand and be exposed 
to suitable hosts.  
 Entry:  
- Early stages of this virus may be asymptomatic on host plants (CPC, 2017), and therefore not 
detected during harvest and packing processes.  
Exposure:  
- The likelihood of a vector present with the consignment infecting a host in New Zealand is 
considered to be negligible.  
- PRSV is non -persistent (Tripathi et al, 2008). In non -persistent viruses, inoculativity by the vector is 
retained for only a few seconds/minutes (Hogenhout 2008) or hours (Hohn 2007) after acquisition from 
plants.  
- The likelihood of an aphid vector present  in New Zealand acquiring the virus from an infected 
pumpkin is uncertain but likely to be  negligible.  
- Aphids are passive phloem feeders ( they do not pump fluids from plants, it is the phloem sap pressure 
which allows this mode of feeding; Van Emden and Harrington 2007).  
- It is unlikely that discarded plant parts would be suitable for feeding, and they would be unlikely to attract 
aphids, particularly if there are living plants available . 
-  Aphids are unlikely to be able to pierce the pumpkin skin to feed.  
- No information has been found suggesting that seed transmission takes place in cucurbits.  
- As the virus is non -persistent in aphid vectors, and there is no evidence of seed transmission, 
there is no opportunity for exposure to hosts in New Zealand.