Risk Management Proposal:   
Import requirements for Capsicum  seeds  
 
FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
March  2016  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant Imports  
Plant s, Food & Environment  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
Pastoral House  
25 The Terrace  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
New Zealand  
 
Tel: +64 4 894 0100  
Fax: +64 4 894 0662  
 
Email: plantimports@mpi.govt.nz   
  
 
Contents  Page 
 
Submissions  1 
Official Information Act 1982  2 
Purpose  3 
Background  3 
Current import requirements  3 
Commodity  4 
Trade value  4 
Source information  4 
International obligations  5 
Objective  5 
Biosecurity risks assoc iated with imported Capsicum seed for sowing  5 
Viroids   5 
Risk Management  9 
Management measures for PSTVd  9 
Management measures proposed for PCFVd  10 
Feasi bility & Practicality of Measures  10 
References  11 
Appendix 1: Propo sed Revision of the Import Health Standard schedule in the Seed for Sowing 
Standard 155.02.05  13 
  
Page 1 of 13 
 Submissions  
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment from interested parties on the proposed 
changes to the  requirements for the importation of capsicum seeds for sowing (Import Health 
Stand ard 155.02.05: Seeds for Sowing ).  The proposed changes are supported by this discussion 
document.  
 
An IHS “specifies requirements to be met for the effective management of risks associated with 
importing risk goods, including risks arising because importing the goods involves or might 
involve an incidentally imported new organism” (section 22(1) Biosecurity Act 1993).  
 
MPI seeks comment on the proposed inclusion of two viroids which are pests of capsicum and 
other solanaceous crops, and which may be  introduced to New Zealand on capsicum seeds for 
sowing . MPI has developed this proposal based on best available scientific evidence and 
assessment  of this evidence. If you disagree with the measure s propos ed to manage the risk s, 
please provide either data  or published references to support your comments. This will enable 
MPI to consider additional evidence which may change how risks are proposed to be managed.  
 
The following points may be of assistance in preparing comments:  
• wherever possible, comments sh ould be specific to a particular change in IHS 
requirements or a question asked in this document (referencing section numbers or 
commodity names as applicable);  
• where possible, reasons, data and supporting published references to support 
comments are requ ested;  
• the use of examples to illustrate particular points is encouraged.   
 
MPI encourages respondents to forward comments electronically. Please include the following 
in your submission:  
• the title of the consultation document in the subject line of you r 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 06th April  2016. 
Plant Germplasm (Imports) team  
Plants, Food & Environment  Directorate  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
New Zealand  
The closure date for this consultation is on the 06th April  2016 .  
Submissions received by the closure date will be considered during the development of the final 
IHS. Submissions received after the closure date may be held on file for consideration when the 
issued IHS is next revised/reviewed.    
Page 2 of 13 
  
Official Information Act 1982  
Please note that your submission is public information and it is MPI policy to publish submissions 
and the review of submissions on the MPI web site. Submissions may also 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. Submitters may wish to indicate grounds for withholding 
specific information contained in their submission, such as the information is commercially 
sensitive or they wish personal information to be withheld. Any decision to withhold informatio n 
requested under the OIA is reviewable by the Ombudsman.   
Page 3 of 13 
 Purpose  
1. The purpose of this document is to:  
a) Summarise the biosecurity risks of the seed transmitted  quarantine pests (Potato spindle 
tuber viroid  (PSTVd) and Pepper chat fruit viroid  (PCFVd) ) associated with imported 
capsicum seeds for sowing from all countries . 
b) Provide the rationale for the proposed phytosanitary  measures to effectively manage the 
risks of entry of these organisms  with capsicum seed .  
c) Establish the feasibility and practicality  of implementation of the proposed measures . 
d) Seek stakeholder feedback on the proposed phytosanitary measures.  
 
Background  
1. Capsicums are affected by a wide range of viruses, viroids, bacteria and fungi. Many of these 
organisms are already present in New Ze aland, and as such  are deemed to be ‘non -regulated’, 
meaning that the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)  will not take action against them if 
they are identified in imported seeds or crops in New Zealand.  
 
2. A risk analysis on virus and viroid hazards th at are seed -borne and that are transmitted seed -
to-seedling in capsicum peppers (including chilli and bell pepper s: Capsicum annuum, C. 
frutescens, and C. chinense ) was completed by the MPI in 2012 . 
 
3. The risk analysis identified that the basic import requirements in the MPI import health 
standard (IHS) 155.02.05: Seed s for Sowing  do not adequately manage the risk posed by seed 
transmitted viroids. MPI amended the IHS under urgency in August 2014 to inc lude a new 
schedule for Capsicum seed for sowing. The schedule was created to manage the risk of 
importation of Potato spindle tuber viroid  (PSTVd) and  specific measures for PSTVd were 
implemented from 1 September 2014.  
 
4. MPI notified trading partners of th e urgent changes via the WTO SPS notification system. 
Following  the International standard ISPM No.13:2001 “ Guidelines for the notification of non -
compliance and emergency action ”, MPI has reviewed  the technical justification for the 
continuance of the emergency measures for PSTVd in Capsicum  seed for sowing .  A summary 
of the pest risk analysis  is presented in this Risk Management Proposal  (RMP) .  
 
5. An additional regulated viroid was identified in the 2012 risk analysis as requiring 
phytosanitary management  on the Capsicum  seed for sowing pathway: Pepper chat fruit viroid  
(PCFVd) . The management of th is disease is the subject o f this RMP.  
 
CURRENT IMPORT REQUI REMENTS  
 
6. Seeds eligible for import into New Zealand are liste d in the Plants Biosecurity Index : 
http://www1.maf.govt.nz/cgi -bin/bioindex/bioindex.pl .  
 
7. The IHS for Seed s for Sowing and IHS for Nursery Stock were urgently amended in August 
2014 to put measures in place to mana ge a range of host species of PSTVd. The specific 
measures for PSTVd were implemented from 1 September 2014.  
 
8. Capsicum seeds are currently required to meet general requirements and the specific 
requirements listed in the ‘Capsicum’ schedule  withi n the seed for sowing import health 
standard (IHS ) 155.02.05: Seeds for Sowing . The general  requirements for i mported seed  
Page 4 of 13 
 require seed to be packag ed in clean packets, clearly labelled with the scientific /botanical  
name,  and to be free of any contaminating plant material, debris, soil and  contaminating seeds.  
Seeds are visually inspected at the border to verify the basic conditions have been met.  
 
9. The specific requirements listed in the Capsi cum schedule require  a phytosanitary certificate 
from the exporting country , certify ing that the seeds have  either  been sourced from a ‘ Pest 
free area ’ free from PSTVd, sourced from a ‘ Pest free place of production ’ free from PSTVd, 
or officially tested, on a representative sample, and using appropriate methods, and found free 
from PSTVd prior to import.  
 
10. Visual inspection of seed at the border cannot detect seeds  infected with  viruses and  viroids, 
and therefore the basic  requirements do not specifically manage the biosecurity risk s of th is 
type of organism (viroids) . 
 
COMMODITY  
11. There are three recognised species complexes of the genus Capsicum : 
a) C. annuum  complex: comprising C. annuum * L., C. frutescens *, L., C. chinense *, C. 
chacoense , C. galapahoense  
b) C. baccatum  complex: comprising C. baccatum * L. (synonyms C. mic rocarpum *, C. 
pendulum *), C. praetermissum, C. tovarii  
c) C. pubescens complex: comprising C. pubescens*, C. cardenasii * and C. exim ium*. 
_____________________  
* Species  marked wi th an asterisk are eligible for import into New Zealand . 
 
12. New Zealand imports capsicum seeds from many  countries including Australia, Brazil, Chile, 
China, Denmark, France, Guatemala, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Morocco, 
Netherlands, Peru, Serbia, Spain, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, United Kingdom, USA  and 
Vietnam . 
 
TRADE VALUE  
13. Bell pepper s (Capsicum  annuum ) are an important  crop in New Zealand : domestic sales in 
2014 were worth $29 .3 million, an d exports in 201 4 were worth $3 2 million  (Plant  and Food  
Research , 2014).  They are also a popular crop for home gardeners.  
 
14. A diverse range  of chilli peppers are also grown in New Zealand for domestic markets, 
restaurant and home use. Some commonly grown varieties include the habanero ( C. chinense ), 
jalapeno ( C. annuum ), and tabasco ( C. frutescens ) chillies , used in many  traditional foods 
including African, Chinese, Indian, Mexican  and Malaysian dishes.  
 
 
SOURCE INFORMATION  
15. The following information was used to identify risk organisms and the appropriate measures 
to manage their entry and establishment in New Zealand:  
a) MPI risk analysis for Capsicum and Tomato  (2012) : www.mpi.govt.nz/document -
vault/2887   
b) Additional technical advice on v iruses and  viroids associated with capsicum . 
c) Relevant literature and database searches . 
d) Stakeholder discussions prior to, and during the development of this RMP .   
e) MPI diseases of Capsicum  2013 , spreadsheet.   
Page 5 of 13 
  
INTERNATIONAL OBLI GATIONS  
16. Where possible, phyto sanitary measures are aligned with international standards,  International 
Plant Protection Convention  guidelines, and recommendations as per New Zealand’s 
obligations under Article 3.1 of the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary M easures (SPS Agreement), WTO 1995 
(http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/sps_e/spsagr_e.htm ) and section  23(4)(c) of the 
Biosecurity Act 1993.  
 
17. The SPS Agreement states that phytosanitary  measures must not discriminate unfairly 
between countries or between imported or domestically produced goods, and where there is a 
choice of phytosanitary measures to reduce risk to an acceptable level, WTO members must 
select the least trade restrictive measure .  
 
Objective  
18. To ensure the biosecurity risks associated with the import of capsicum seeds are managed 
appropriately  and are consistent with New Zealand’s domestic legislatio n and international 
obligations . 
Biosecurity risks associated with imported  Capsicum seed for 
sowing  
 
VIROIDS  
19. Viroids are highly infectious organisms which replicate inside plant cells and cause plant 
disease . Common symptoms in susceptible plant hosts range from symptomless to severe 
symptoms of purpling and chlorosis of leaves,  shortening of the leaf internodes, leaf epinasty, 
thickening and brittleness, and occasional plant death.  The diseases do not typically result in 
plant death, but often result in yield losses  or reduced quality.  
 
20. According to European Food Safety Authorit y (EFSA ) (2011 ) there are three types of 
situations  where viroids belonging to the group pospiviroid  (including PSTVd and PCFVd ) 
does not display signs of any obvious  symptoms. They are : 
• when the infection happened  in certain solanaceous ornamental hosts  but also on other 
non-solanaceous hosts;  
• certain isolates are able to induce only mild symptoms  in certain hosts . 
• abiotic factors like, low temperatures and low light intensity can have a direct effect on 
limiting viroid accumulation and symptom  expression on the host . 
 
21. It is known that pospiviroids can be present in the seed of susceptible species and remain 
viable in dormant seed where it can infect the germinating seedling ( EFSA, 2011 ). Seed -
transmission as a result of a viroid infection can occur in two ways: (1) the pathogen  is 
attached to the surface of seeds and can infect seedlings during germination by penetrating 
little wounds in the seed coat surface (surface seed transmission), or (2) the pathogen  enter 
the reproductive organs in some phase of the growing cycle and come to reside within seed 
tissues (internal seed transmission).  
 
22. Once the growing seedling becomes infected, the viroid may be readily spread to other plants 
through plant to plant contact, handling by people, and by contact with contaminated clothing,  
Page 6 of 13 
 through grafting, or through the use of contaminated tools or equipment. Some viroids can 
also be transmitted by insects feeding on plant sap, or through pollen transfer.  
 
23. If the disease  establishes in  a perennial host spe cies, there is a potential for persistence and 
spread in the environment . 
 
Potato spindle tuber viroid  
 
24. The first record of PSTVd naturally infecting Capsicum annuum  was in New Zealand. 
Capsicums have been recorded showing only mild symptoms, a slight wavi ness of the leaf 
edge (Lebas et al., 2005).  However, Verhoeven et al. (2009) experimentally inoculated 
capsicum plants with PSTVd and recorded that maximum fruit size was reduced. The viroid 
is highly contagious and is transmitted between plants by touch,  either by plants rubbing 
against each other or people touching plants. The use of cutting or pruning tools or 
contaminated machinery or any form of physical contact between plants can result in disease 
transmission.  In potatoes it is spread primarily by knives used to cut healthy and infected 
potato tubers used as seed -potatoes1 and during handling and planting of the potato crop. After 
inoculation of a tuber with PSTVd, the viroid can replicate and spread systemically throughout 
the plant (Agrios, 2005).   PSTVd is a regulated pest in New Zealand and designated as an  
“unwanted organism”  under the Biosecurity Act 1993. It current status is ‘Transient: 
actionable, under eradication’ . 
 
25. PSTVd is transmitted by seed and pollen of infected Solanum lycopersicum  and Solanum 
tuberosum  plants (Singh , 1970 ; Lebas et al., 2005; Grasmick and Slack, 1986; Benson and 
Singh, 1964; EUPHRESCO, 2009 ; MPI, 2012 ), and it is likely to be seed transmitted in 
capsicum seeds (Lebas et al., 2005 ; MPI, 2012 ). In tomato seeds, PSTVd  occurs within the 
seed rather than as a contaminant on the surface, as demonstrated by in-situ hybridisation 
(Matsushita et al.,  2011).  The percentage of infected seedlings, grown from seeds from plants 
infected with PSTVd ranged from 2 to 31% in tomato (Grasmick and Slack, 1986; Singh, 
1970; Benson and Singh, 1964) and 6 -12% in potato (using true potato seed) (Singh, 1970 ; 
MPI, 2012 ). 
 
26. According to CABI (2016) PSTVd is found in Afghanistan, Austria, Australia, Azerbaijan, 
Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Ch ile, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Dominican 
Republic, Egypt, Germany, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, 
Nigeria, Peru, Poland, Russian Federation, Spain, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine, United 
Kingdom,  USA,  and Venezu ela (CPC, 2010 ). It has also been reported from Greece 
(Malandraki  et al. , 2010), and Hungary (EPPO, 2014) . 
 
27.  The likelihood of PSTVd establishing and spreading in tomato and capsicum crops within a 
single season is considered to be high.  The potential eco nomic impacts if PSTVd established 
in New Zealand on capsicum have been assessed by MPI as being low to moderate (MPI, 
2012). If PSTVd infection of crops is detected early, there may only be a localised impact and 
the associated costs may not be too great.  However if PSTVd infection is not detected 
immediately, which is likely as some infected plants are symptomless, infection may spread 
to a wider area, increasing costs of detection and eradication and possible yield losses.  
                                                
1 Note t hat these are not true botanical seeds.   
Page 7 of 13 
  
Pepper chat fruit viroid  
 
28. Pepper chat fruit viroid  (PCFVd) is a pathogen of capsicum pepper  and tomato plants 
(Verhoeven et al. , 2009). The viroid was discovered for the first time in 2006, and is now 
reported from the Netherlands, Canada and Thailand. Capsicum annuum  (Verhoeven et al., 
2009; Verhoeven et al., 2011); and Solanum lycopersicum  (Reanwarakorn et al., 2011) have 
been reported as natural hosts. It has been shown experimentally to infect potato plants 
(Verhoeven et al., 2011 ; MPI, 2012 ). PCFVd is not known to be present in New Zealand.   
 
29. In capsicum plants, PCFVd causes reduced plant growth and fruit size reduction by up to 50%.  
It is seed -borne in Capsicum annuum  (Verhoeven et al.,  2011), and has been shown to be 
transmitted from seed -to-seedling at a rate o f 19% (Verhoeven et al. , 2009).  
 
30. PCFVd can be mechanically transmitted from plant -to-plant during crop maintenance and 
handling activities, as occurs with other pospiviroids. The occurrence of PCFVd along rows 
in commercial crops (Verhoeven et al.,  2009) is indicative of the viroid being spread in this 
manner.  
 
31. PCFVd has not yet been reported in commercial capsicum seed consignments but it is unclear 
whether commercial seeds are routinely tested for the presence of this viroid.  The source of 
the th ree known PCFVd infections in capsicum (in Canada, Netherlands  and Thailand) is 
unknown. It is not known whether the viroid is borne internally or externally on the seed 
surface.  
 
32. MPI propose to regulate PCFVd on Capsicum  seed because it is highly likely t o spread  to 
other  capsicum  plants or to tomato  plants  and there is a possibility it could establish in the 
wider environment. The  two main hosts are annual crops, which will limit the likelihood of 
the viroid persist ing beyond one growing season. However there is a potential for the disease 
to be maintained in the environment by the practice of seed saving  or managing practices  (i.e. 
equipment not appropriately cleaned, machinery, movement of people within 
glasshouse/fie lds). 
 
33. The viroid is a relatively new and emerging pathogen of Capsicum  seed and Solanum 
lycopersicum . The extent of adverse impacts for PCFVd in New Zealand are not fully known . 
It is likely to have similar impacts than other pospiviroids and is  assessed as presenting low 
to moderate  economic impacts .  
 
  
Page 8 of 13 
 Table 1.  Summary of seed -transmitted diseases of Capsicum proposed to require measures in the seed for sowing IHS.  
Pathogen  Host/s  Seed -
transmission  Status  in 
NZ Distribution  Reference  Likelihood of entry & 
establishment on 
seed  Economic 
Impacts  Trade 
Impacts  Additional 
notes  
Potato 
spindle 
tuber viroid  
PSTVd  Capsicum,  
Potato,  
Tomato  Transmitted in 
potato  and 
tomato . 
Detected in 
capsicum  
seeds.  Regulated  Worldwide  Verhoeven et 
al., 2007 ; Lebas 
et al., 2005  Moderate likelihood of 
entry;  
Highly likely to be spread 
through the crop by 
mechanical means ;  
Likely to establish outside.  Low to 
moderate . Expected 
negative trade 
impacts  of 
fresh 
capsicum and 
tomatoes .  
Pepper chat 
fruit viroid  
PCFVd  Capsicum , 
Tomato , 
[potato , experimental ] Transmitted in 
capsicum with a 
rate of  19%  Regulated  Canada , 
Netherlands, 
and , Thailand  Verhoeven et 
al., 2009, 2011  Moderate likelihood of 
entry;  
Highly likely to be spread 
through the crop by 
mechanical means ; 
Likelihood of establishment 
for more than one growing 
season is uncertain.  Low to 
moderate, 
with 
uncertainty.  Export of 
fresh 
capsicums, 
and possibly 
other crops.  Emerging risk. 
Regulated in 
Australia.   
Page 9 of 13 
  
Risk Management  
 
34. In addition to the basic requirements, additional  specific measures can be employed to 
reduce the likelihood of introduction of biosecurity risks  associated with  seed imported for 
sowing. The following measures  (see below) are proposed to reduce the  biosecurity risk of 
regulated viroids to an acceptable level .  
 
35. The Biosecurity Organisms Register for Imported Commodities (BORIC) , lists the 
regulatory status for pest and disease organisms of plants . If these organisms are intercepted 
on seed destined for export  to New Zealand , then the exporting NPPO is expected to tak e 
action to prevent the risk goods being shipped. If these organisms are intercepted on arrival  
in New Zealand , actions will be taken to prevent the risk goods being given biosecurity 
clearance if the pest cannot be treated or otherwise managed.  
 
 
MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR  PSTVD  
 
Country Freedom  
 
36. This current phytosanitary measure is considered appropriate to manage the risk of PSTVd 
in imported Capsicum seed, and no changes are proposed.  For countries where PSTVd is 
not known to occur , a country freedom declaration  can be endorsed on the phytosanitary 
certificate and provides a sufficient level of assurance that consignments are free from this 
pathogen. Exporting countries must  follow the guidelines established by ISPM 4 when  
determining country f reedom . 
 
Pest F ree Place of Production  (PFPP)  
 
2. Capsicums have been recorded showing only mild symptoms  of PSTVd , a slight waviness 
of the leaf edge (Lebas et al., 2005). The lack of conspicuous symptoms in Capsicum  plants 
limits visual inspection at place of production. For this viroid Pest Free Place of Production 
based on visual inspection on the field is insufficient in providing assurances that this 
pathogen is not present. For this viroid , Pest Free Place of Production  will only be 
considered as a r isk management option for PSTVd , if parent plant testing for the absence 
of this specific quarantine pest is used for the official endorsement of Pest Free Place of 
Production on the phytosanitary certificate . 
 
Seed testing  
 
37. A testing option is also an availa ble measure for PSTVd in the IHS. Internationally 
available PCR testing methods using universal pospiviroid primers may be used (eg. 
Monger et al.,  2010) . Methods like these are used by Australia n DAFF  to test for PCFVd  
and PSTVd  in tomato and capsicum see ds at the border.  Some laboratories have validated 
their RNA extraction protocols and are able to test seed directly , such as for PSTVd  
(Verhoeven et al. , 2004) . Growing season p arent plant and seed testing can either be done 
by an official laboratory or at another laboratory, if the official NPPO has approved the 
method of testing and will endorse the testing on the phytosanitary certificate.  
 
38. MPI proposes that a representative sample of a minimum of 3000 seeds (sub -sample size 
of 400 seeds) officially drawn according to the ISTA and AOSA sampling methodology  
Page 10 of 13 
 must be tested using an approved PCR NPPO testing method . The tests and its results must 
be endorsed on th e phytosanitary certificate,  to show that the consignment is free of this 
viroid . 
 
MANAGEMENT MEASURES PROPOSED FOR PCFVD  
 
Pest free area  (PFA)  
 
39. Pepper chat fruit viroid  is a pospiviroid with similar biosecurity risks to PSTVd. For 
countries free from PCFV d, Pest Free Area can be endorsed on the phytosanitary certificate 
and provides a sufficient level of assurance that consignments are free from this pathogen. 
Exporting countries will follow the guidelines established by ISPM 4 in determining Pest 
free area.  
 
Pest free place of production  
 
40. Pest Free Place of Production systems for specific quarantine pathogens , in compliance with  
ISPM 10 , offers a good level of assurance of freedom from PCFVd . Suppliers can source 
healthy planting material or resistant c ultivars. During the growing season, an official 
inspection for disease symptoms and/or parent plant testing for the absence of specific 
quarantine pests can be used for the official endorsement of Pest Free Place of Production 
on the phytosanitary certifi cate.  Pest Free Place of Production will provide a means to 
ensure that consignments of seeds produced in the designated production area are free from 
PCFVd . 
 
Seed testing  
 
41. Testing is also a proposed measure for PCFVd in the IHS. Internationally available PCR 
testing methods using universal pospiviroid primers may be used (eg. Monger et al.,  2010). 
Methods like these are used by Australian DAFF to test for Pepper chat fruit viroid  and 
Potato spindle tuber viroid  in tomato and capsicum seeds at the border.  A PCR test is 
available for the detection of PCFVd, using primers as per Botermans et al. , 2013. This 
PCR is more sensitive on leaf material than seed, and is recommended for use either in 
testing parent plants for seed production, or in a grow -out seedlin g test.  Growing season 
parent plant and seed testing can either be done by an official laboratory or at another 
laboratory, if the official NPPO has approved the method of testing and will endorse the 
testing on the phytosanitary certificate.   
 
42. MPI proposes that a representative sample of a minimum of 3000 seeds (sub -sample size 
of 400 seeds) officially drawn according to the ISTA and AOSA sampling methodology 
must be tested using an approved ELISA or PCR NPPO testing method . The tests and its 
results must be endorsed on the phytosanitary certificate,  to show that the consignment is 
free of this viroid.  
 
Feasibility & Practicality of Measures  
 
43. The New Zealand industries for tomatoes, potatoes, capsicum peppers  and other 
solanaceous plants would  benefit from the measures implemented to mitigate the risk of 
importing new viroids  into New Zealand . 
  
Page 11 of 13 
 44. It is not yet known whether Country Freedom, Pest Free Area or Pest Free Place of 
Production declarations could be supplied by all trading partners for the regulated viroids . 
 
45. Seed testing allows access to seed produced for international markets, and gives a practical 
option for importing stored inventory of seed, where country of origin is not specified and/or 
growing season inspections have not previously been undertaken. Given an appropriate and 
statistically valid sample size, MPI considers that seed testing for the viroids  listed in this 
Risk Management Proposal provide a similar level of assurance as Country Freedom, PFA 
and PFPP . 
 
46. Seed testing costs may vary from country t o country depending on a number of factors, such 
as the variation in costs for importing the consumables from the manufacturing companies  
and variation in demand for testing at accredited laboratories.  
 
47. Seed test ing costs for the completion of testing in New Zealand have been set following an 
analysis of MPI’s costs to provide these services. Testing prices are set to ensure that 
charges remain fair and equitable while fully recovering the cost of testing. PHEL on ly 
recover costs for staff time and consumables and do not make a profit  
(http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/biosec/org/phel/mpi -phel-charges -2012.pdf ). The 
testing prices are a true reflection of costs incurred during purchasing (exchange rates) and 
importing (shipping) the consumables from the manufacturing companies, which are based 
in the USA and Europe, together with the limited number of tests performed he re in New 
Zealand.  
 
References  
 
Agrios, G (2005) Plant Pathology, Fifth Edition. Elsevier Academic Press, 922pp  
 
Benson, A P; Singh, R P (1964 ) Seed transmission of potato spindle tuber virus in tomato. 
American Potato Journal  41(9): 294  
 
CABI (2016) Pota to spindle tuber viroid (spindle tuber of potato) Reviewed at 28 November 
2012. Available at http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/43659  
 
CPC, 2010. Crop Protection Compendium. CAB International.  
 
EFSA Panel on Plant Health (2011)  Scientific Opinion on the assessment of the risk of 
solanaceous pospiviroids for the EU territory and the identification and evaluation of risk 
management options.  EFSA (European Food Safety Authority); Italy.  
 
EPPO, (2014 ) PQR database. Paris, France: European and Mediterranean Plant Protection 
Organization.  Available at http://www.eppo.int/DATABASES/pqr/pqr.htm  
 
EUPHRESCO (2009) (EUPHRESCO Phytosanitary ERA -NET). Detec tion and epidemiology 
of pospoviriods (DEP) final report, pp. 70. Pilot project report of the virtual common pot. 
Published on 7/01/2011. Available at 
https://secure.fera.de fra.gov.uk/euphresco/downloadFile.cfm?id=536  
 
Grasmick, M E; Slack, S A (1986) Effect of potato spindle tuber viroid on sexual 
reproduction and viroid transmission in true potato seed. Canadian Journal of Botany 64: 
336-340  
Page 12 of 13 
  
ISPM 4:  (1995 ) Requirements for the establishment of pest free areas. Rome, IPPC, FAO.  
 
ISPM 10:  (1999 ) Requirements for the establishment of pest free places of production and 
pest free production sites.  
 
Lebas , B.S. M, Clover, G.R.G, Ochoa -Corona, F.M., Elliot, D.R.,  Tang, Z. and Alexander, 
B.J.R.  (2005 ) Distribution of Potato spindle tuber viroid  in New Zealand glasshouse 
crops of capsicum and tomato. Australasian Plant Pathology  34: 129 -133. 
 
Matsushita, Y; Usugi, T; Tsuda, S (2011) Distribution of tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid in 
floral organs of tomato. European Journal of Plant Pathology 130: 441 -447 
 
Monger, W., Tomlinson, J., Booonham, N., Marn, M.V., Plesko, I.M., Molinero_Demilly, V., 
Tassus, X., Meekes, E., Toonen, M., Papayiannis, L., Perez -Egusquiza, Z., Me hle, N., 
Jansen, C. and S.L. Nielsen.  (2010 ) Development and inter -laboratory evaluation of real -
time PCR assays for the detection of pospiviroids. Journal of Virological Methods  169: 
207-210. 
 
MPI, (2012 ) Ministry for Primary Industries Draft Risk Analysis: Tomato and Capsicum seed 
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15. 
 
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Page 13 of 13 
 Appendix  1: Proposed Revision of the Import Health Standard 
schedule  in the Seed for Sowing Standard 155.02.05  
Capsicum  
The following entry conditions only apply to species in the Plants Biosecurity Index listed under 
Import Specifications for Seed as “see 155.02.05 under Capsicum ”.  
 
Countries:  All 
 
Quarantine Pests:  Pepper chat fruit viroid; Potato spindle tuber viroid  
 
 
Phytosanitary Certificate Additional Declarations  
(1) In addition to the certifying statement in Part 1.5.2 of this import health standard, if satisfied 
that the pre -shipment activities have been undertaken, the exporting country NPPO must 
confirm this by prov iding the following additional declarations to the phytosanitary certificate:  
a) “The [ Capsicum annuum; C. baccatum; C. cardenasii; C. chinense; C. eximium; C. 
frutescens; C. microcarpum; C. pendulum; C. pubescens ] seeds for sowing in this consignment 
have  been:  
i) Inspected in accordance with appropriate official procedures and found to be free 
of any visually detectable regulated pests.  
AND  
b) For Potato spindle tuber viroid  (PSTVd) : 
i) sourced from (the country or state where the seed was produced)  where  Potato 
spindle tuber viroid  is not known to occur . 
OR 
ii) sourced from a ‘pest free place of production’, where parent plant testing was 
applied and found free from Potato spindle tuber viroid  
OR 
iii) “officially tested, on a representative sample of a minimum of 3000 seeds (sub -
sample size of 400 seeds) officially drawn according to the ISTA or AOSA sampling 
methodology using an approved PCR NPPO testing method , and found to be free from 
Potato spindle  tuber viroid ”. 
AND  
c) For Pepper chat fruit viroid  (PCFVd) : 
i) sourced from a ‘pest free area’ free from Pepper chat fruit viroid ; 
OR 
ii) sourced from a ‘pest free place of production’ free from Pepper chat fruit viroid  
OR 
iii) “officially tested, on a re presentative sample of a minimum of 3000 seeds (sub -
sample size of 400 seeds) officially drawn according to the ISTA or AOSA sampling 
methodology using an approved PCR NPPO testing method , and found to be free from 
Pepper chat fruit viroid ”.