Risk Management Proposal:  
Amendment to  the Grain and Seeds for 
Consumption, Feed, or Processing  import 
health standard   
GCFP.IHS  
 
 
Prepared for  public consultation  by the Animal and Plant Health Directorate  
 
 
 
 
 
September  2022 
Disclaimer  
While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this publication is accurate, 
the Ministry  for Primary Industries does not accept any responsibility or liability for error of 
fact, omission, inte rpretation or opinion that may be present, nor for the consequences of any 
decisions based on this information.  
 
This publication is also available on the Ministry for Primary Industries  website at  
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/news -and-resources/publications/   
 
 
© Crown Copyright – Ministry  for Primary Industries   
i Contents  Page 
1 General information  1 
1.1 Purpose  1 
1.2 Background  1 
1.3 Timing and consultation  1 
1.4 Background and context of consultation  1 
2 Proposed changes to the standard  2 
2.1 Removal of phytosanitary measures for specific pests in t he Panicum  schedule  3 
2.2 New schedule for Brassica napus  8 
2.3 New s chedule for Pennisetum glaucum  and P. clandestinum  11 
3 References  13 
Appendix 1: Proposed changes to the standard  14 
A- Proposed changes to the Panicum  spp. schedule  14 
B- Proposed new schedule for Brassica napus  19 
C- Proposed new schedule for Pennisetum glaucum  and P. clandestinum  21 
Appendix 2: Technical advice  22 
A- Technical advice: pests associated with Panicum  spp. seeds  22 
B- Technical advice: pests associ ated with Brassica napus  seeds  37  
Ministry for Primary Industries   RMP: Amendment to GCFP.IHS  • 1 1 General  information  
1.1 Purpose  
(1) The purpose of this document is to:  
a) Provide relevant background information about the import health standard for grains and seeds for 
consumption, feed, or processing (the standard) , 
b) Identify  the proposed amendments to the standard ,  
c) Provide the rationale for the proposed amendments, and risk management measures  and how they 
manage risk , 
d) Seek feedback on the proposed amendments to the standard. 
(2) The subject of public consultation is the specific amendments proposed in the draft standard. This risk 
management proposal supports the draft standard and should be read in conjunction with the draft 
standard, to understand the rationale behind the proposed import requirements. The risk management 
proposal itself is not the subject of pub lic consultation.  
1.2 Background   
(3) The standard  applies to grains and seeds for consumption, feed, or processing that are imported into New 
Zealand from foreign countries and territories .  
(4) The standard sets out risk mitigations measures for the importation of ‘ Basic’ seeds (as specified in the 
Plants Biosecurity Index (PBI) and other seeds with specific schedules, for the purposes of consumption, 
feed, and processing.  
(5) The standard  was last issued on 4 February  2021, under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993  (the Act), 
incorporating amendments made in accordance with section 24B(1)(a) of that Act.  
1.3 Timing and consultation  
(6) The proposed amendment to the import health standard Grain and Seeds for Consumption, Feed, or 
Processing  was released for consultation on 05 September  2022 and will remain open for consultation 
until 17 October  2022. 
1.4 Background and context of consultation  
1.4.1 International regulation of risk goods  
(7) “The World Trade Organization Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures 
(SPS Agreement) sets in place rules that protect each country’s sovereign right to take the measures 
necessary to protect the life or health of its people, animals, and plants, while at the same time facilitating 
trade. It embodies and promotes the use of s cience -based risk assessments to manage the risks 
associated with the international movement of goods. The SPS Agreement guides how New  Zealand sets 
standards and makes decisions related to biosecurity.” (MAF et al., 2009, p. 1)  
(8) “In particular, [it is] im portant to maintain the standards of transparency and scientific rigour required by 
the SPS Agreement and to make decisions as quickly as possible. This will encourage other countries to 
comply with the rules of the SPS Agreement and also demonstrate that New Zealand’s strict controls are 
justified to countries that challenge them.” (MAF et al., 2009, p. 13)  
1.4.2 Domestic regulation of biosecurity risks associated with importing risk goods  
(9) The N ew Zealand  biosecurity system is regulated through the Biosecurity A ct 1993 (the Act). Section 22 of 
the Act describes a n import health standard and requires all risk goods imported into New Zealand  to be 
managed by the import health standard .  2 • RMP: Amendment to GCFP.IHS  Ministry for Primary Industries  (10) MPI is the N ew Zealand  government ministry responsible for maintaining biosecurity standards for the 
effective management of risks associated with the importation of risk goods and craft into N ew Zealand  
(Part 3, the Act).  
(11) MPI is committed to the principles of transparency and evidence -based technical justificati on for all 
phytosanitary measures, new and amended, imposed on importing pathways. MPI periodically reviews all 
import health  standards, related documents,  and other standards so that the legal requirements are clear , 
and information is easy to understand.  
2 Proposed changes  to the standard  
(12) MPI aims to manage biosecurity risks on the grain import pathway to achieve an appropriate level of 
protection for New Zealand, whilst facilitating trade of economically important commodities.  This will be 
achieved by prop osing the following amendment to the standard:  
a) remove phytosanitary requirements for specific pests in the Panicum  schedule  
b) develop a new schedule for Brassica napus   
c) develop a new schedule for Pennisetum glaucum  and P. clandestinum  
d) minor changes to the ISTA sampling  wordings to clarify ambiguities  
   
Ministry for Primary Industries   RMP: Amendment to GCFP.IHS  • 3 2.1 Removal of phytosanitary measures for specific pests in the Panicum  
schedule  
2.1.1 Background  
(13) New Zealand does not grow Panicum  spp. commercially ( NZGSTA , 2022 ). Panicum  spp. seeds are 
imported for consumption, feed or processing under the Panicum  spp. schedule of the Standard. There 
are four options  for the import of Panicum  seeds . The first two options involve treatment (either overseas 
or in New Zealand) to render the grains non -viable. The third option involves processing of untreated 
grains in an approved transitional facility to render them non -viable. Under option four, viabl e grains can 
receive biosecurity clearance on arrival.  
(14) This amendment involves grains imported under Options 3 (processing in N ew Zealand ) and 4 (clearance 
on arrival). The phytosanitary measures for import u nder these two options , require  that Panicum  grains: 
a) must be sourced from an area where named regulated pests  are not known to occur ;  
b) must be sourced from a n arable  crop that has been inspected during the growing season and named 
regulated pests were not detected ; or  
c) representative samples of the gra ins were tested at an approved diagnostic laboratory and found to 
be negative for named regulated pests . 
(15) Currently, there are 4 5 pests listed in the Panicum  spp. schedule that require the above -mentioned 
phytosanitary requirements. Th is list consists of 43 fungi,  one nematode and one virus.   
2.1.2 Proposed change to the Panicum  schedule  
(16) MPI proposes removing the  phytosanitary measures for 37 pests in the Panicum  schedule because  there 
is insufficient evidence to support continuing their regulation  (see amended Schedule in Appendix 1  A).   
2.1.3 Rationale for proposed change  
(17) It can be financially challenging for exporters to d evote resources (through surveillance) to maintain an 
area’s freedom status , undertak e field inspections to determine production area freedom for 45 pests , or 
test consignments for these pests . Some of these pests are of minor significance , or there is not sufficient 
evidence that these pests are associated with Panicum  seeds .  
(18) To enable tr ade whil e protecting New Zealand  from biological risks, MPI reviewed  the 45 regulated pests 
on the Panicum  spp. schedule . We wanted  to ensure  that we are only regulating  important pests  on this 
pathway  that can establish  in New Zealand . We also wanted to ensure  there is sufficient evidence to 
support the application of phytosanitary measures .  
(19) In our  review , we considered each pest, whether it  is seed -borne  and can be transmitted  through seed , its 
significance  and the suitability of the New Zealand  climate for it to establish a population .  
(20) We considered t echnical information ( MPI 2004, MPI 2021a) and scientific reports related to the pests . We 
used thi s information  to assess the justification for the current i mport requirements for the se pathogens in 
the Panicum  spp. schedule. We concluded  that the continued regulation of some of the pests  is unjustified 
and that the Panicum  spp. schedule should be amended to remove requirements for th ose pests  after 
consultation  with stakeholders . 
2.1.4 Pathogens to be removed from Panicum  spp. schedule  
(21) MPI propose s removing  phytosanitary requirements for 37 pests (Table 1) listed in the Panicum  spp. 
schedule.  There is insufficient evidence to support including measures to manage  these pests in the 
Panicum  spp. schedule.  
(22) The pests meet  one or more  of the following criteria:  
a) The pest is p resent in New Zealand . 
b) The pest is n ot associated with Panicum  seed s or is not seed -borne and/or  not seed -transmitted . 4 • RMP: Amendment to GCFP.IHS  Ministry for Primary Industries  c) The p est is of mi nor significance for  Panicum  spp., and New Zealand  climatic condition s may restrict 
its establishment . 
Table 1. Regulated pests  being removed from the Panicum  spp. schedule and reason  for removal  
P Pest  Present 
in NZ  Seed -borne 
(SB) or seed-
transmitted 
(ST)  Reason for removal  
1 Alternaria saparva  - SB Minor significance   
2 Aspergillus tamarii  Yes N* Panicum  not a host  
3 Balansia andropogonis  - N No evidence of association with Panicum  seeds  
4 Balansia henningsiana  - N Minor significance  
5 Balansia pallida  - N No evidence of association with Panicum  seeds  
6 Balansia sclerotica  - N No evidence of association with Panicum  seeds  
7 Balansia strangulans  - N Minor significance, only parts of North Island 
have suitable climate  
8 Bipolaris panici -miliacei  - N Minor significance  
9 Bipolaris urochloae  Yes SB Minor significance, New Zealand  climate not 
suitable  
10 Claviceps africana  - N No evidence of association with Panicum  seeds ; 
Sorghum  is main host  
11 Claviceps fusiformis  - N No evidence of association with Panicum  seeds ; 
New Zealand  climate not suitable  
12 Claviceps maximensis  - N Minor significance ; New Zealand  climate not 
suitable  
13 Claviceps sorghi  - N No evidence of association with Panicum  seeds ; 
New Zealand  climate not suitable  
14 Cochliobolus setariae  - N Minor significance  
15 Gloeocercospora sorghi  - N New Zealand  climate not suitable  
16 Melanomma panici -miliacei  - N Minor significance  
17 Panicum mosaic virus  - N New Zealand  climate not suitable ; limited host 
range  
18 Peronosclerospora 
graminicola  - N No evidence of association with Panicum  seeds   
Ministry for Primary Industries   RMP: Amendment to GCFP.IHS  • 5 19 Peronosclerospora sorghi  - N No evidence of association with Panicum  seeds  
20 Sorosporium afrum  - N Minor significance  
21 Sorosporium cryptum  - N Minor significance  
22 Sorosporium formosanum  - N Minor significance  
23 Sorosporium harrismithense  - N Minor significance  
24 Sorosporium panici  - N Minor significance ; New Zealand  climate not 
suitable  
25 Sphacelotheca digitariae  - N Minor significance  
26 Sphacelotheca veracruziana  - N Minor significance  
27 Sporisorium cenchri  - N Minor significance  
28 Sporisorium sorghi  - N No evidence of association with Panicum  seeds ; 
seed-borne on Sorghum  
29 Tilletia ayresii  - N Minor significance  
30 Tilletia barclayana  - N Oryza  sativa  is main host ; Panicum  is secondary 
host 
31 Tilletia biharica  - N Minor significance  
32 Tilletia courtetiana  - N Minor significance  
33 Tilletia maclagani  - N Minor significance  
34 Tilletia narayanaraoana  - N Minor significance  
35 Tilletia  tumefaciens  - N Minor significance  
36 Tilletia verrucosa  - N Minor significance  
37 Ustilago heterogena  - N Minor significance  
* N = no evidence, or neither seed -borne nor seed -transmitted on Panicum   
(23) In addition to removing the  pathogens  listed on Table 1 , MPI proposes making the following changes to 
the Panicum  spp. schedule:  
a) Replac ing Sorosporium manchuricum and Sporisorium destruens  (mistakenly listed in the standard 
as Sorosporium destruens) with the synonym  Anthracocystis destruens , which is the current and 
preferred name ( McTaggart et al. 2012; Farr et al. 2022).  6 • RMP: Amendment to GCFP.IHS  Ministry for Primary Industries  2.1.5  Pathogens that will stay  in the Panicum  spp. schedule   
(24) The p ests listed in Table 2 will stay in  the Panicum  spp. schedule . These pests  pose  biosecurity  risks to 
New Zealand . 
a) They are not present in New Zealand . 
b) They are seed -borne or seed -transmitted . 
c) They are significant pests of Panicum  or other New Zealand  hosts, and the New Zealand  climate is 
suitable for them to establish  a population .  
 
Table 2. Regulated pests that will stay  in the Panicum  spp. schedule and the ir significant characteristics that 
warrant a measure  
 Regulated pest  Characteristics  
1 Anthracocystis destruens 
(syn.: Sorosporium 
manchuricum and 
Sporisorium destruens ) This fungal pathog en does not appear to be established in New  Zealand 
(technical advice from risk, pers. comm . Merje Toome). It is seed -borne 
and appears to be a serious pest of Panicum  sp. (Zhou et al. 2016). The 
New Zealand  climate is suitable for its establishment.  
2 Aphelenchoides besseyi  This nematode is not present in New Zealand . It is seed -borne and seed -
transmitted on Panicum  maximum  (Garcia et al., 2000). It can survive in a 
state of anhydrobiosis for several years on stored grain. The nematode is 
found on numer ous ornamental plants and also on grasses ( CABI, 2022 ). 
Significant New Zealand  hosts for the nematode are Ipomoea batatas , 
Allium cepa,  Zea mays  and Fragaria  sp. The climate in the North Island is 
suitable for its establishment  (MPI, 2004) . 
3 Balansia cl aviceps  This fungal pathogen is not present in New Zealand . It is systemic in its 
host and thus most likely seed -borne  (MPI, 2004).  It is a significant pest 
on Panicum  spp. (Lenne 1990) , Setaria  spp. and Pennisetum  spp. (Index 
Fungorum 2021 ). The New Zeala nd climate , mainly in the North Island , is 
suitable for its establishment  (MPI, 2004).  
4 Balansia epichloe  This fungal pathogen is not present in New Zealand . It is systemic in its 
host and thus most likely seed -borne  (MPI, 2004).  It is a significant pest 
on Panicum  spp., Eragrostis hirsuta  and Festuca spp. It can poison 
animals that eat  infected seeds  (Phillips , 1993) . The New Zealand  
climate , mainly in the N orth Island , is suitable for its establishment  (MPI, 
2004).  
5 Balansia oryzae -sativae  This fungal pathogen is not present in New Zealand . It is systemic in its 
host and thus most likely seed -borne  (MPI, 2004).  It is a significant pest 
on Panicum  spp., Cynodon dactylon, Eragrostis tenuifolia,  Setaria  spp. 
and Pennisetum  spp. The fungus might affect native grasses and pasture 
and thus is of some environmental concern. It also can poison animals 
feeding on infected pasture  (Phillips, 1993) . The New Zealand  climate , 
mainly  in the North Island , is suitable for its establishment  (MPI, 2004).   
6 Cochliobolus pallescens  This fungal pathogen is not present in New Zealand . It is seed -borne. It is 
an important pest of many commercial Poaceae  crops, particularly those 
grown for grain  (Manamgoda et al. 2011) . Significant New Zealand  hosts 
are Zea mays , Capsicum  spp., Corchorus capsularis , Eleusine coracana , 
Eleusine indica , Imperata cylin drica , Asparagus officinalis,  Dioscorea   
Ministry for Primary Industries   RMP: Amendment to GCFP.IHS  • 7 spp., Citrus  spp., Triticum  spp. and Callistephus chinensis . The climate in 
the North Island is suitable for its establishment  (MPI, 2004) . 
7 Ustilago crameri  This fungal pathogen is not present in New Zealand . It is seed -borne. It is 
an important pest of Panicum  spp. (Lenne 1990) and Pennisetum spp. 
(Kumar 2011) . The climate in the North Island is suitable for its 
establishment  (MPI, 2004).  
 
(25) The phytosanitary measures are then required for pests listed in Table 2 when Panicum  spp. seeds are 
imported under option 3 or 4 of the standard .  
(26) While  New Zealand does not grow Panicum  spp. commercially ( NZGSTA, 2022 ), some of the plants that 
are co -hosts or secondary hosts for Panicum  pathogens are typically grown in the North Island where 
climatic conditions are considered suitable for establishment of Panicum  pathogens. Measures for 
Panicum  spp. seeds are justified for the pests listed in Ta ble 2 if the seeds are  imported under options 3 
and 4 of the standard.  
2.1.6 Feasibility and consequences of the proposed change  
(27) The proposed change s would remove an existing requirement for an additional declaration to the 
phytosanitary certificate for pests s pecified in Table  1 for Panicum  spp. seeds.  
(28) The proposed change will facilitate trade by removing a potential barrier to an offshore national plant 
protection organisation ( NPPO ) issuing an additional declaration on a phytosanitary certificate for the 
pests proposed to be removed from the Panicum  spp. schedule.  
(29) The proposed change s do not affect other requirements of the standard  and will not impose additional 
costs on New Zealand importers.   8 • RMP: Amendment to GCFP.IHS  Ministry for Primary Industries  2.2 New schedule for Brassica napus  
(30) The standard does not curren tly specify import requirements for importing  Brassica napus  (oilseed rape, 
canola, swede) seeds. MPI propose s adding  a schedule for B. napus with biosecurity requirements for 
import ing these  seeds . The schedule will have  three  import options.  
2.2.1 Background  
(31) B. napus  seeds have been imported for processing for many years. Previously, seeds were  imported 
under Part 3.8 of the standard  Stored Plant Products for Human Consumption  (SPP.HUMAN.IHS)  and 
could  only be processed  in an approved transitional facility . The import requirements were specified on the 
permit.   
(32) Currently, imports of B. napus  seeds for processing are facilitated by the direction issued by a chief 
technical officer,  which directs seeds into a transitional facility for processing under a valid permit. The 
direction was given on the basis that:  
a) there were no known biosecurity risks associat ed with B. napus  seeds , based on the rapid risk 
assessment for Brassica  pathogens (MPI, 2013) ; 
b) the B. napus  schedule in the standards  Seed s for Sowing  only sets requirements to manage the risk 
of genetically modifie d (GM)  seeds being introduced into New  Zealand ; and 
c) send ing B. napus  seeds for processing to a transitional facility and processing them to render them 
non-viable  will manage all biosecurity risks associated with the imported seeds . 
2.2.2 Proposed import options in new  Brassica napus  schedule  
(33) The full text of the proposed schedule is in Appendix 1 B. We are proposing t hree import options . 
Option 1: Import ing seeds that have been devitalised in the country of origin  
This option is for import ing non-viable seeds. Seeds must  be treated in the country of origin. They must 
be heat treated (at 85°C and 40% RH for a minimum of 15 h ours) or irradiated (at a dose of 25 KGy) to 
devitalise the seed s. Irradiated seeds cannot be used for human consumption. The p hytosanitary 
certificate must have a n endorsement from the exporting NPPO that the seeds have been  treated and 
the consignment contains no viable seeds.  MPI may check consignments for seed viability 
consignments  on arrival to verify the phytosanitary certificate.  
Option 2: Import ing seeds to be treated in New Zealand  
This option is for importing viable seeds. Seeds must be  treated after arrival  in a transitional facility 
approved for this purpose . They must be heat treated  (at 85°C and 40 % RH1 for a minimum of 15 h ours) 
or irradiat ed (at a dose of 25 KGy ) to devitalise the seeds . 
Option 3: Import ing seeds for processing in New Zealand  
This option is for importing viable seeds for destructive processing . Seeds must be processed  at a 
trans itional facility approved for this purpose. The processing must be destructive and render  the seeds 
non-viable . 
(34) All consignment s must have  a phytosanitary certificate stating that the seeds have  been inspected and 
found free of any visually detectable live regulated pest s.  
(35) Only non -viable Brassica napus  seeds will be  eligible for biosecurity clearance.  
(36) At this stage , and with our current information, we are not includ ing an option  to import seed s for 
biosecurity clearance on arrival at the New Zealand border . This is  explained in section  2.2.3.  
 
1 Relative humidity   
Ministry for Primary Industries   RMP: Amendment to GCFP.IHS  • 9 2.2.3 Rational e and r isk management for the proposed new schedule  
(37) MPI identified 24 pests  associated with B. napus  seeds (seed -borne (internally or externally) or seed -
transmitted) . Most  of these pests are already  present and established in New Zealand  (Appendix  2 B) 
(MPI, 2021b ).  
(38) Out of the 24 pests, MPI concluded that the following are a hazard on B. napus  seed s: 
Bacteria:  
• Xanthomonas campestris pv. aberrans  
• X. campestris pv. armoraciae  
• X. campestris pv. raphanin  
Virus es: 
• Turnip yellow mosaic virus  
Fungi:  
• Alternaria ethzedia  
(39) These pests are hazard s because they are  seed -borne on B. napus  seeds and are not present in New 
Zealand. The proposed new schedule  does not provide a mechanism for the se pests to reach vulnerable 
hosts and be introduced to the New  Zealand environment . 
a) The treatment options  in the proposed schedule (option 1 and 2) are heat treatmen t at 85°C and 
40% RH for a minimum of 15 h ours or irradiation at 25 KGy. Heat treatment devitalise s seeds and 
kills and inactivate s organisms that are associated with the seeds and pose a biosecurity risk. 
Irradiation devitalises seed  and damages the microorganisms’ DNA, which kills them or makes them 
incapable of multiplying.  
b) Bacteria and viruses in seeds can only establish a population  if the seed s grow. Viruses and bacteria 
do not spread through non-viable seed s. The proposed requirements ensure that seeds will be non -
viable after treatment or processing and unable to  grow.  
c) Although  fungal pathogens may survive being ground up , it is highly unlikely that significant amounts 
of inoculum (viable spores or mycelium) will survive destructive  processing in a transitional facility 
and be released into the New  Zealand environment near suitable hosts.  
d) The end use of the seeds (consumption) minimises any residual risk.  Seeds imported for p rocessing 
or consumption are unlikely to be planted or distributed in the wider environment. Commercial seed 
growers want confidence that the seeds they plant are healthy, and so they  usually plant certified 
seeds from commercial seed supplier s. 
(40) Under the proposed new schedule, viable B. napus  seeds cannot be imported to be cleared on arrival. To 
allow this, we would need to conduct  further risk assessment to better understand the likelihood of these 
pests entering New Zealand on B. napus seeds , becoming  expo sed to a suitable host or environment  and 
establishing a population. We would also need to assess  the impact  of these pests  on the Brassica  seed 
industry . We may  assess this in the  future . 
2.2.4 Feasibility and consequences of the proposed change  
(41) The proposed new schedule will provide more options for import ing B. napus . The proposed requirements 
in option s 1, 2 and 3 have been successful so far in facilitating trade for other seeds and have kept the 
biosecurity risk  to New Zealand  low. 
(42) The proposed requirements are not new. These seeds  are currently imported under a CTO direction . 
Facilities that import B. napus  seeds for processing are already accredited to the appropriate MPI facility 
standard (usually General Transitional Facilities f or Uncleared Goods  (MPI -STD-TFGEN) ), and the 
biological risk s associated with the imported seeds are managed.  10 • RMP: Amendment to GCFP.IHS  Ministry for Primary Industries  (43) There will be  some additional costs to import  seeds under the new import options (e.g., phytosanitary 
certificate) . However, it is still feasible for importers to comply with this requirement, and  the benefits of the 
proposed schedule  outweigh the financial cost. The new options will give  importers more flexibility with 
how they import  B. napus  seeds.  
(44) The proposed new schedule even reduces import costs for importers  who are importing  B. napus  seeds 
for processing , because w e have  also removed  the permit requirement  for import of seeds .   
Ministry for Primary Industries   RMP: Amendment to GCFP.IHS  • 11 2.3 New schedule for Pennisetum glaucum  and P . clandestinum  
2.3.1 Background  
(45) Currently, Pennisetum glaucum  and P. clandestinum  whole seeds cannot be  import ed for consumption or 
feed. MPI has been asked to  add a new schedule to the standard so that  Pennisetum glaucum  and P. 
clandestinum  seeds  can be imported  for consumption . We have agreed to add this, and we are proposing 
two options to import these seeds.  
(46) Before we add a  new schedule to a standard , we usually  identif y the hazards and conduct a full risk 
assessment . However,  hazard identification and risk as sessment  for pests associated with Pennisetum 
glaucum  and P. clandestinum  are not current prioritie s for MPI for 2022 –2023 . Given that the request is 
only to import treated seeds and seeds to be treated on arrival, we propose issuing  this schedule with 
limited import options  as explained below.  
2.3.2 Proposed import options in new Pennisetum glaucum  and P. clandestinum  schedule  
(47) The full text of the proposed  schedule is in Appendix 1 C. We are proposing two import options . 
Option 1: Import ing seeds devitalised in the country of origin  
This option is for importation of non -viable seeds. Seeds must be heat treated (at 85°C and 40% RH for 
a minimum of 15 h ours) or irradiated (at a dose of 25 KGy ) at the country of origin to devitalise the seed. 
An endorsement from the exporting NPPO stating that the seeds were  treated, and the consignment 
contains no viable seeds will need to be included on the phytosanitary certificate. An audit for seed 
viability may be conducted on consignments on arrival to ve rify the phytosanitary certificate.  
Option 2: Import ing seeds to be treated in New Zealand  
Viable seeds may be imported if they are destined to be treated after arrival  in New Zealand . The 
treatment s (at 85°C and 40% RH for a minimum of 15 h ours or irradiated at a dose of 25 KGy)  must be 
carried out in a transitional facility approved for this purpose  to render seeds non -viable . Irradiated seeds 
must not be used for human consumption. For import under  this option, seeds must carry a 
phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting NPPO stating that the consignment has been inspected 
and found to be free of any visually detectable live regulated pest.  
(48) In the proposed  new schedule , only treated Pennisetum glaucum  and P. clandestinum  seeds will be  
eligible  for import and  biosecurity clearance.   
(49) At this stage and with the current information, we are not including  options for: 
a) Import ing seeds for processing in New Zealand ; or 
b) Import ing seeds for biosecurity clearance on arrival at the New Zealand border.  
2.3.3 Rationale for the proposed change  
(50) Currently, Pennisetum glaucum  and P. clandestinum  seeds can only be imported into New Zealand either  
for sowing (under the standard  Seeds for Sowing ) or research (under the standard  Research Samples 
(Excluding Animal Samples) ). Demand to import these seeds for consumption and feed is growing , and 
we need a pathway for th ese goods .   
(51) Because there is no recent risk assessment for these seeds, MPI has only proposed import options that 
allow treated seeds  (treated offshore or in a New Zealand facility) to be eligible for biosecurity clearance . 
The effectiveness of heat treatment and irra diation in mitigat ing biosecurity risks is fully explained in 
section 2.2.3.  
(52) We do not expect  the proposed changes to increase  the chances of biosecurity risk s being introduced into 
New Zealand environment  through import ed Pennisetum glaucum  and P. clandestinum  seeds.  12 • RMP: Amendment to GCFP.IHS  Ministry for Primary Industries  2.3.4 Feasibility and consequences of the proposed change   
(53) The proposed new schedule will allow  importers to import Pennisetum glaucum and P.  clandestinum  
seeds for human consumption or animal feed , with  two import options.  The requirements in these options 
have been successful in mitigating the pest risk s associated with importing  other seeds into New Zealand.   
(54) All grain and seeds for consumption or feed already require a phytosanitary certificate. This requirement is 
the same as the  requirements for other species . Therefore, it  is feasible for importers to comply with the 
requirement for a phytosanitary certificate to accompany consignments of  Pennisetum glaucum  and P. 
clandestinum  seeds.   
   
Ministry for Primary Industries   RMP: Amendment to GCFP.IHS  • 13 3 References  
CABI (2022) Aphelenchoides bess eyi (rice leaf nematode). CAB International; Wallingford, UK. 
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/6378  Accessed 16 May 2022.  
Farr, D  F; Rossman, A  Y (2022) Fungal Databases, U.S. National Fungus Collections, ARS, USDA. https://nt.ars -
grin.gov/fungaldatabases/  Accessed 16 May 2022.  
Garcia, J W; Tenente, R C V; Mendes, M A S (2000) Thermal treatm ent applied to Panicum maximum  seeds for 
eradication of Aphelenchoides besseyi  and plant pathogenic fungi. Nematologia Brasileira , 24(1): 41 –47. 
Kumar, B (2011) First record of smut disease of foxtail millet caused by Ustilago crameri  Korn. Journal of 
Myco logy and Plant Pathology , 41(3): 459 –461. 
Lenné, J M (1990) A world list of fungal diseases of tropical pasture species (No. 31). Commonwealth 
Mycological Institute.  
MAF; MFAT; FSA (2009) Balance in Trade.  Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 
Trade, New Zealand, Food Safety Authority; Wellington, NZ. https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/12576 -
balance -in-trade   
Manamgoda, D  S; Cai, L ; Bahkali, A  H;  et al. (2011) Cochliobolus : an overview and current status of species. 
Fungal Diversity 51, 3 –42. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13225 -011-0139 -4 
McTaggart, A  R; Shivas, R  G; Geering, A  D W; Vanky, K; Sc haraschkin, T (2012) Taxonomic revision of Ustilago, 
Sporisorium and Macalpinomyces. Persoonia , 29: 116–132. Taxonomic revision of Ustilago, Sporisorium and 
Macalpinomyces - PMC (nih.gov ) 
MPI (2004) Technical advice (02 August 2004), Technical information on viruses, nematodes and weeds of 
Panicum spp. Plant Import Risk Assessment. Ministry for Primary Industries ; Wellington , NZ. 
MPI (20 13) Technical advice ( 24 July 2013), Rapid risk assessment on Brassica  pathogens. Plant Import Risk 
Assessment. Ministry for Primary Industries ; Wellington , NZ. 
MPI (2021a) Technical advice (24 September 2021), Review of p ests listed in the Panicum  spp schedule of the 
import health standard for grain and seeds for consumption, feed or processing . Plant Import Risk Assessment. 
Ministry for Primary Industries ; Wellington , NZ. 
MPI (2021b) Technical advice (21 December 2021), Potential hazard list of seed b orne and seed transmitted 
pathogens associated with Brassica napus . Plant Import Risk Assessment. Ministry for Primary Industries ; 
Wellington , NZ. 
NZGSTA ( 2022 ) Personal communication New Zealand Grain & Seed Trade Association; Wellington , NZ.  
Phillips, D (1993) Evaluation of seedborne quarantinable diseases of the tropical grasses Chloris , Panicum  and 
Pennisetum . Bureau of Resource Sciences Working Paper, Bureau of Resource Sciences ; Canberra, Australia.  
Zhou, Y; Qu, Y; Zhu, M; Liu, J; Wang, Y;  Song, H; Feng, B (2016) Genetic diversity and virulence variation of 
Sporisorium destruens  isolates and evaluation of broomcorn millet for resistance to head smut. Euphytica , 211: 
59–70. 
  14 • RMP: Amendment to GCFP.IHS  Ministry for Primary Industries  Appendix 1: Proposed changes to the standard  
A- Proposed change s to the Panicum  spp. schedule  
 
 
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Appendix 4: Pest list  
  
 
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Appendix 4: Pest li st 
 
  
 
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A- Technical advice : pests associated with Panicum  spp. seeds   
 
 
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