# Importation of **Live**

**Greenhouse -**  **Grown Tomato Plantlets on**  **Approved Growing Media from**  **Mexico to the Continental United**  **States Draft**  **Environmental Assessment,**  **January 201**  **5 United**  **States Department of**  **Agriculture Marketing and**  **Regulatory Programs**  **Animal and Plant Health**  **Inspection Service** 

# Importation of **Live**

**Greenhouse -**  **Grown Tomato Plantlets on Approved**  **Growing Media from Mexico into the Continental United**  **States**

**Draft En**  **vi ronmental**  **As sessment**  **January 201**  **5**

**Ag ency** **Contact:** Lydia E. Colón Regulatory Policy Management Plant Protection and Quarantine Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service U

. S

. D epartment of Agriculture 4700 River Road, Unit 1 33 R iverdale, MD 20737

– 1237

________________________________ __________________________Non

- Discrimination Policy The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, re prisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in a ny program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) To File an Employment Complaint If you wish to file an employment complaint, you must contact your agency' s EEO Counselor (PDF) within 45 days of the date of the alleged discriminatory act, event, or in the case of a personnel action. Additional information can be found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_file.html. To File a Program Complain t If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632

- 9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue , S.W ., Wa shington, D.C. 20250

- 9410, by fax (202) 690

- 7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov. Persons with Disabilities Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities and you wish to file either an EEO or program complaint plea se contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877

- 8339 or (800) 845

- 6136 (in Spanish). Persons with disabilities who wish to file a program complaint, please see information above on how to contact us by mail directly or by email. If you require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please contact US DA's TARGET Center at (202) 720

- 2600 (voice and TDD).
Mention of companies or commercial products in this report does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over others not mentioned. USDA neither guarantees nor war rants the standard of any product mentioned. Product names are mentioned solely to report factually on available data and to provide specific information.
This publication reports research involving pesticides. All uses of pesticides mu st be registered by appropriate State and/or Federal agencies before they can be recommended.
CAUTION: Pesticides can be injurious to humans, domestic animals, desirable plants, and fish or other wildlife

— if they are not handled or applied properly. Use all pesticides selectively and carefully. Follow recommended practices for the disposal of surplus pesticides and pesticide containers.

## Table of Contents

I. Introduction

................................ ................................ .............. 1 A. Background

................................ ................................ ........ 1 B. Purpose and Need

................................ .............................. 2 II. Alternatives

................................ ................................ .............. 3 A. No Action

................................ ................................ ............. 3 B. Preferred Alternative

................................ ........................... 4 III. Affected Environment

................................ ............................... 8 A. Host Range of Quarantine Pests

................................ ..... 10 B. Climate and Host Interactions

................................ ........... 1 1 C. Thre atened and Endangered Species

.............................. 1 3 IV. Environmental Impacts

................................ ........................... 14 A. No Action

................................ ................................ ......... 14 B. Preferred Alternative

................................ ........................ 14 C. Risk Managment

................................ .............................. 17 D. Endangered Species Act

................................ ................. 26 E. Other Considerations

................................ ....................... 26 V. Listing of Agencies Consulted

................................ ................ 27 VI. Reference s

................................ ................................ ............. 27**1** 

## I **. I ntroduction**  **A. Background**  Currently , all plants in growing media imported into the United States must be approved b y AP HI S and must comply with all requirements under Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 319.37

- 8 (7 CFR § 319.37

- 8, 2013). In addition, §319.37

- 5 restricts the importation of tomato plants (Solanum spp.) into the United States unless they are accompanied by a phy tosanitary certificate that contains an additional declaration either that the restricted articles are free of specified quarantine pests or that the restricted articles have been produced in accordance with certain requirements. 7 CFR §319.37

- 5 contains condit ions for the importation of Solanum spp. restricted articles that: 1. are from countries other than Canada; and 2. that are from a country in which Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2, an extremel y virulent pathogen of Solanum spp., is not known to occur

. The regulation specifies that the Solanum spp. must be produced in accordance with a s ys tems approach consisting of several pest mitigation measures, which are discussed in the Risk Management section of this document. The importation of tomatoes from Mexico is currently prohibited due to the lack of required pest mitigations in Mexico to prevent pests associated with tomato plants from infesting the plants and growing media , including Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2

. Should a final rule be published, APHI S would work with Mexico to visit production facilities and sign the bilateral work plan to finalize market access. In addition, a notice publi shed in the Federal Register on April 18, 2013 prohibits the import of tomatoes from Mexico and all other countries , except Canada , to prevent the entry of Tomato Torrado Virus (ToTV) an d Tomato Severe Leaf Curl Virus (ToSL CV). Both ToTV and ToSL CV are destructive plant pathogens that were not known to occur in the United S tates , and are not known to be seed

transmitted. The North American protected

- culture tomato industry (which often employ s the use of greenhouses using h ydroponics ) began in the late 1990s. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants using a solution of water and nutrients, without soil. The market for protected

- culture tomatoes, both mature green and vine ripe, is growing in importance. Meanwhile, the role of field

- grown tomatoes, which once dominated the U.S. market, is shrinking ( Calvin et al. 2013 )

.**2** In 2011, protected

- culture tomatoes made up 40 percent of the U.S. tomato supply , up from less than 10 percent in 2004; they now dominate the retail industry and are becoming more common in food service (Calvin et al. 2013). The transition to protected

- culture tomatoes is likely

to accelerate if growers can meet foodservice demand, particularl y from fast food buyers. Greenhouse tomatoes are grown from plantlets raised from seed. As many as 18 million tomato plantlets are purchased annually by each greenhouse facility, the largest of which are located in Arizona, Texas, Colorado, and coastal southern California . Currently , the domestic supply of these plantlets can onl y be supplemented by imports from Canada. This environmental assessment (EA) was prepared to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) 42 United States Code (U.S.C.) 4321, et seq., as prescribed in implementing regulations adopted b y the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR §§1500

– 1508), USDA (7 CFR part 1b), APHI S (7 CFR part 372), and to satisfy Executive Order (EO) 12114, “Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions.” 

### B. **Purpose and Need**
USDA

–APHI S, Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) is proposing to amend the regulations for the importation of plants and plant products (7 CFR part 319) to include Solanum lycopersicum (L ycopersicum esculentum ) from Mexico to the list of plants that may be imported in approved growing media, subject to specified growing, inspection, and certification requirements. This change would allow the importation into the continental United States of live, commercially produced, greenhouse

- grown, grafted tomato plantle ts Solanum lycopersicum ( Lycopersicum esculentum ) from Mexico , grown in APHI S

- approved growing media from certified seed , for the purposes of commercial growing operations

. This EA anal yz es potential environmental consequences of the implementation of a proposal to amend the regulations governing the importation of plants and plant products into the United States (7 CFR part 319). Currently , the onl y approved source of tom ato seedlings in growing media is Canada. The long distance transport of seedlings to the largest greenhouse production facilities in Arizona, Texas, Colorado, and coastal southern California can often result in additional plant stress and loss

. The size and age of the imported plantlets has a direct impact on the size and quality of the tomatoes they grow. Plant stress**3** and loss may

be reduced with shorter transport time between supplier and greenhouse production facility

. 

## II. **Al ternati**  **ve s** 
Two possible alternatives are considered in this EA: maintaining the current regulation prohibiting the importation of Solanum spp. plantlets (bare rooted and in growing media) from all countries other than Canada (no action alternative) , and changing the current regulation to add Solanum lycopersicum (L ycopersicum esculentum ) from Mexico to the list of plants that may be imported in approved growing media (preferred alternative)

. 

### A. **No Ac**  **tion** The no action alternative would leave 7 CFR part 319 unchanged. Section 319.37

– 8(a) of the regulations requires, with certain exceptions, that plants offered for importation into the United States be free of sand, soil, earth , and other growing medi a . This requirement is intended to help prevent the i ntroduction of plant pests that might be present in unapproved growing media; the exceptions to this requirement take into account factors that mitigate that risk. Those exceptions, which are found in paragraphs (b) through (e) of 7 CFR § 319.37

– 8, consi der either the origin of the plants and growing media or the nature of the growing media and/or the use of a combination of growing conditions, approved media, inspections, and other requirements. Currently , all plants in growing media imported into the United States must be approved b y AP HI S and must comply with all requirements under Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 319.37

- 8 (7CFR § 319.37

- 8, 2013). Currently , under this regulatio n, the entry of Solanum spp. in growing media from all countries except Canada is prohibited. As stated in 7 CFR § 319.37

– 8( e ), the following groups of plants established in approved growing media are currently allowed entry

to the United States:

 Alstroemeria
 Ananas
 Anthurium
 Artificially

dwarfed (penjing) plants from the People’s Republic of China of the following plant species: Buxus sinica,**4** Ehretia microphylla, Podocarpus macrophyllus, Sageretia thea, and Serissa foetida ;  Bromeliad plants of the genera Aechmea, Cryptanthus, Guzmania, Hohenbergia, Neoregelia, Tillandsia, and Vriesea from Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands;
 Begonia
 Gloxinia (=Sinningia )
 Nidularium
 Peperomia
 Dracaena from Costa Rica
 Phalaenopsis spp. from Taiwan
 Poly podiophy ta (=Filicales);
 Rhipsalidopsis spp. from the Netherlands and Denmark,
 Rhododendron from Europe;
 Saintpaulia ;  Schlumbergera spp. from the Netherlands and Denmark

. Under the no action alternative, Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae) from Me xico would not be added to the list of tax a allowed entry into the continental United States established in approved growing media

. 

### B. **Preferred A lternative** 
Th e proposed rule (preferred alternative) would change 7 CFR part 319 and thus allow importation of live, commercially produced, greenhouse

- grown, grafted tomato plantlets Solanum lycopersicum ( Lycopersicum esculentum ) from Mexico, grown in APHI S

- approved growing media from certified seed

. This would involve two production phases at two or more different locations in Mexico. During the pilot phase, the tomato plantlets will be grown in pest exclusionary commercial

- grade greenhouses following the production sy s tem outlined by the national plant protectio n organization (NPPO) of Mex ico, Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Cal idad Agroalimentaria (SENASI CA) ( SAGARPA 2010 , 2012a , b , 2013 )

. Once the pilot phase is concluded and an analy sis confirms the project feasibility , tomato plantlet production will be shifted to one or more yet

- to

- be constructed pest exclusionary

commercial

- grade greenhouses elsewhere in Mexico. The tomato plantlets would be shipped to a location only after passing through a PPQ plant inspection station located at the port of entry in the continental United States . Once consignments are cleared through a plant inspection station, tomato plantlets could be distributed to importing greenhouses in the continental United States

. Tomato**5** plantlets will only

be used for fruit production within the green house and then be destro ye d. T he tomato plantlets would be required to be produced, handled, and imported in accordance with requirements stipulated in compliance agreements, along with those of 7 CFR § 319.37

– 8(e) and § 319.37

- 5(r)(3) . In addition, at the time of importation , a phy tosan itary certificate issued by

the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASI CA) , Mexico’s NPPO, would be required to accompany the tomato plantlets, declaring that all requirements have been met. The preferred alternative includes propagation, rearing, shipping, and importation of live, commerciall y produced, greenhouse

- grown, grafted tomato plantlets Solanum lycopersicum ( Lycopersicum esculentum ) from Mexico, grown in APHI S

- approved growing media from certified seed

. Below are detailed requirements that must be met , as stipulated in a compliance agreement between APHI S and the i mporting greenhouse facility , 7 CFR §319.37

- 5(r)(3) , and § 319.37

– 8(e): 1. The NPPO of Mexico must enter into a bilateral workplan with APHI S setting o ut the conditions for producing and monitoring plant production and enforcement of the requirements of the regulations and ; 2. The grower must enter into a written agreement with the NPPO of Mexico and agree to comply with the provisions of the regulations an d to allow the NPPO access for monitoring inspections. The production site must be registered with and approved b y both APHIS and the Mexican NPPO. Shipments of exported tomato plantlets must be traceable bac k to the production site where they originated; 3. After the initial approval, the production site must be inspected annually by APHI S and/or the NPPO of Mexico; 4. Plants must be grown in a APHI S

- approved growing medium which has not been used previously and is treated as described in USDA ( 2007 ) to ensure freedom from Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2. 5. Growing media and the containers in which the plants are grown must be safeguarded from contact with potentially infested soil or media and must not come in direct contact with any water source such as a hose end or irrigation emitter; 6. Plants must be grown solely in pest exclusionary

greenhouses that meet the following requirements: a. Sanitary

procedures to exclude quarantine pests must alway s be emplo yed, including the cleaning and disinfection of benches, floors and tools;**6** b. Pest management measures, including monitoring for pe sts with yellow or blue sticky traps , must be applied to protect against quarantine pests. While in the greenhouse, plants must be treated with appropriate pesticides as n eeded to maintain a pest

- free condition; 7. The greenhouse must be free from sand and soil; 8. Dicotyledonous weeds must be controlled inside the greenhouse; a. All vents and openings except entry way s must be covered with screens having openings small enough to exc lude arthropod pests including thrips; b. Entry way s must be equipped with automatic closing double doors; 9. Plants must be grown in a greenhouse unit that is used solely for articles grown in compliance with these regulations; 10. Greenhouses must be constructed in such a manner to prevent runoff water from surrounding areas to enter the greenhouse; 11. Greenhouses must be surrounded b y a one meter buffer free of dicotyledonous weeds and sloped so that water drains away from the greenhouse; 12. Plants must be grown solely from certified seeds germinated in the aforementioned pest exclusionary greenhouse; 13. Water must be derived from an APHI S

- approved source and/or be treated b y an APHIS

- approved metho d ( USDA 2007 ) ; water must be tested at least annually and found free free from Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 ; 14. Ebb and flow irrigation is not permitted and drip irrigation sy stems must be equipped with back flow preventers; 15. All equipment that comes in contact with S. lycopersicum plants must be sanitized so that Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 is not transmitted between plants or enter from outside the production site via the equipment; 16. Production site personnel must receive training to recognize and prevent the introduction of Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2; 17. Productio n personnel must adequatel y sanitize clothing and shoes and wash their hands before entering the greenhouse; 18. Plants must be grown on benches supported by legs at least 46 cm above the floor; 19. Plants must be s tored and packaged in areas free from soil, sand , and quarantine pests; 20. Plants must be handled and packed to prevent the introduction of Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 and labeled to identify the production site; 21. Plants must be i nspected in the greenhouse and found free from evidence of quaranti ne pests by APHIS or the NPPO of Mexico no more than 30 day s prior to export;**7** 22. The production site must conduct ongoing testing for Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 using an APHIS

- approved testing protocol (USDA 2007 ) . Records must be kept and made available to APHIS an d the NPPO of Mexico for two growing seasons; 23. Detection of Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 at the production site or in consignments from the production site will result in removal from export eligibility until reinspection determines the site is free from Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 and APHIS is satisfied all problems have been addressed; and, 24. Consignments must be accompanied b y a Phy tosanitary Certificate with an Additional Declaration indicating the requirements of 7 CFR 319.37

- 5(a) [potato cy st nematode], 7 CFR 319.37

- 5(r)(3) [Ralstonia ] and 7 CFR 319.37

- 8 (e) [growing media] have been met

. Conditions of the compliance agreement include: 25. The tomato plantlets must be imported in sealed packaging

. 26. The tomato pl antlets must enter through a Plant Introduction Station (PI S). An APHIS inspector at the PI S will confirm that the shipment is accompanied by a phy tosanitary certificate and inspect the tomato plantlets. If found free of obvious pests, the container will b e resealed and forwarded to the importing greenhouse. 27. Cleared tomato plantlets shall be transported b y the importer to the importing greenhouse under APHIS seal. 28. At the importing greenhouse, all shipping boxes and crates may only be opened, and all repott ing and other actions with respect to the tomato plantlets may onl y be performed, inside the importing greenhouse b y trained personnel. 29. No plants, shipping boxes or crates may be removed from the approved greenhouse or discarded without specific instructi ons from the PPQ inspector. 30. The imported tomato plantlets will be used only for fruit production. No increase of these plants b y cuttings, grafting, suckers, flowers, seeds or air layers will be made; there will be no distribution of the plants or increase

. 31. Prior to importation, the facility manager of the importing greenhouse will provide a pest management plan to APHI S for review and approval. 32. The importing greenhouse shall inform the APHIS State Plant Health Director (SPHD) by sending a writte n notice not less than 24 hours before the tomato plantlets are to arrive. 33. The PPQ inspector shall inspect the importing greenhouse within one week of the arrival of the tomato plantlets and prior to the first fruit harvest.**8** 34. PPQ may

conduct additional periodical inspections during the subsequent production cycle for each lot of tomato plantlets. 35. PPQ shall inspect the greenhouse, the tomato plantlets being grown therein and the surrounding area for any evidence of pests of quarantine significance to the United Stat es. 36. If pests are found, APHIS shall consult with the authorized facility manager to determine the appropriate action to take based on the circumstances and the type of pest detected. 37. If actionable pests are discovered, the level of contamination will be assessed b y PPQ, taking into consideration the segregation and safeguarding of various sections of the facility

. This may result in the need to destroy part or all of the importing greenhouse material. 38. Plants infested with actionable pests shall be incinerated, heated to 170° F for 30 minutes, or otherwise destroyed. Waste material or infested plants shall be safeguarded and sterilized with agreement of the PPQ inspector. However, any finding of insect or insect damage would be preserved until inspector can verify

it.


## III. A **ffected Env ironment**  The affected environment for both the continued import restriction of tomato plantlets in growing media from all countries other than Canada (no action alternative) and the proposed importation of tomato plantlets from Mexico in APHI S

- approved growing media (preferred alter native) is the United States . The facilities of the largest greenhouse tomato producers are currentl y located in Arizona, Texas, Colorado, and coastal southern California; however, under the preferred alternative, the tomato plantlets from Mexico could be shipped to and grown in commercial greenhouses any where within the continental United States. The tomato plantlets considered in this anal ys is are intended for commercial tomato growing. The fruits of the tomato plant develop via pollination. Pollinatio n is a process of fertilization that takes place when pollen granules from the anthers (male parts) of a flower are transferred to the stigma (female parts) of the same or different flower. Generally , greenhouse tomatoes are either pollinated by bumblebee s or mechanical, electric devices. Because of their proficiency (which results in higher fruit yi eld), bumblebees are the preferred method of pollination within the greenhouse tomato industry ( Dogterom et al. 1998 , Cameron et al. 2011 )

. Th erefore, th e anal ys is presented in this document assumes that the preferred method of plant pollination will require the use of bumblebees.**9** In recent years, a number of reports have identified commerciall yproduced bumblebee colonies used for greenhouse pollination as a source of plant pest and disease outbreaks ( Colla et al. 2006 , Otterstatter and Thomson 2008 , Szabo et al. 2012 )

. Inparticular, the spread of Tomato apical stunt viroid (TASVd) in European, African, and Middle Eastern greenhouse tomato crops has been linked with pollination by

bumblebees (Antignus et al. 2007 )

. The bumblebees that pollinate greenhouse tomatoes are also a source of pathogen spillover linked to the decline of other economically

- important pollinators, such as honey bees ( Colla et al. 2006 , Otterstatter and Thomson 2008 ) . Bumblebees are major pollinators of both wil d and agricultural plants in temperate regions, so widespread declines have implications for biodiversity and food production ( Szabo et al. 2012 )

. Upon receiving Mexico’s request to allow importation of Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae) established in approved growing media into the United States, APHI S conducted a pest risk assessment ( PRA ) (USDA

- APHIS 2014 ) to examine the potential plant pest risk. The risk assessment prepared by APHIS examined the plant pest risk associated with the importation of Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae) established i n APHI S

- approved growing media from Mexico into the United States

. The PRA characterizes risks as high, medium, or low, based up on supporting evidence regarding climate

- host interactions, host range, dispersal potential, economic impact, and environment al impact of plant pests

. T he methods used to initiate, conduct, and report the risk assessment are consistent with guidelines provided by the North American Plant Protection Organization and the International Plant Protection Convention administered by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. T he PRA (USDA

- APHIS 2014 ) anal yz es the quarantine pests reasonabl y expected to follow the pathway (i.e., be included in commercial shipments of Solanum lycopersicum L . (Solanaceae) plants from Mexico ) were anal yz ed. A quarantine pest is defined as “a pest of potential economic importance to the area endangered thereby and not yet present there, or present but not widely distributed and being officiall y controlled” (FAO, 2002). The biological hazard of an organism is only

assessed if the organism can be identified to the species ; however , if in the future, pests identified only to higher taxa are intercepted at the port of entry , then reevaluations of their risk may occur. The pests that were determined to have potential to be included in commercial shipments of Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae) (both bare rooted or i n growing media) are listed in T able 1.**10 Table 1.**  **Quarantine P**  **ests that M**  **ay F**  **ollow the P**  **athway on**  **Solanum**

**lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae) from Mexico**  **( USDA**  **- APHIS**  **2014 )** 

**. Type**  **Taxonomy Pest**  Arthropod Diptera: Agromyzidae Liriomyza huidobrensis

Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae Aleurodicus dispersus Bemisia tabaci (including biotypes B and Q) Trialeurodes vaporarium Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae Maconellicoccus hirsutus Paracoccus marginatus Thysanoptera: Thripidae Thrips palmi 

### A **. Host Range of Quarantine Pests** The quarantine pests associated with the importation of Solanum lycopersicum from Mexico and identified in the PRA pose a potential risk to a variety of other plants. This section lists quarantine pests and the respective potential host plants found in the United States. The spiraling white fl y, Aleurodicus dispersus , is a species of small, white aphid that feeds on the sap of host plants. It s wide host range includes many

vegetable, ornamental and fruit crops, as well as numerous trees and shrubs

. The range of agricultural host crops includes banana, coconut, citrus, avocado, breadfruit, mango, macadamia , guava, paw - paw, peppers , bell peppers, poinsettia , soy bean, tomato, frangipani, sweet potato, lettuce, melons, cucumbers, hibiscus, blackberry , raspberry , and rose ( Waterhouse and Norris 1987 )

. The silverleaf whitefl y, Bemisia tabaci , is a species of small, white aphid that feeds on the sap of host plants. The range of agricultural host crops include: bell pepper, cucumbers, lettu ces, poinsettia, and tomatoes. The silverleaf whitefly moves from one host species to another and is estimated as having a host range of around 600 plant species. T he greenhouse or glasshous e whitefl y, Trialeurodes vaporarium , is a species of small, white aphid that feeds on the sap of host plants. The range of agricultural host crops include: eggplants , cucumber s , beans, sweet peppers, tomatoes, poinsettias, and a large number of ornamental s, including species of Fuchias, Gervera, Pelargonium, Solanum and chry santhemums, primulas. The number of host plants for T. vaporarium totals over 800 species ( CABI 2013 )

.**11** The larval stage of the Agrom yz id fly , known as the serpentine leaf miner ( Liriomyza huidobrensis ), damages plants by mining into leaves and petioles. The plant’s ability to make food is often greatly reduce d

. In young plants and seedlings, mining may cause considerable delay in plant development leading to plant loss. The range of agricultural host crops include: eggplants, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, celery , bell peppers, cucumbers, broad beans, fava beans, garlic, hemp, flax, lettuces, melons, onions, sweet peas, garden peas, potatoes, radishes, spinach, and tomatoes. In addition, several ornamental plants are considered hosts, including: chry santhemums, baby ’s breath, carnation, Verbena spp., Primula spp., Amaranthus spp., Aster spp., Dahlia spp., Dianthus spp ., nasturtium sp p., and Zinnia spp. ( Steck 2006 )

. The pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus , is a sap

sucking insect and releases toxic substances causing injury and death to the plant. The range of agricultural host crops include: papaya, apple, soursop, cherry , passion fruit, carambola, avocado, mango, plum, grape, citrus, breadfruit, guava, banana, tomato, cucumber, pumpkin, peppers, okra, dasheen, lettuce, cabbage, beans, and squash. In addition, several ornamental can be host plants, including: hibiscus, bougainvillea, oleander, anthurium, lantana, focus, and heliconia ( EPPO 2005 )

. The papaya meal ybug, Paracoccus marginatus , is a small sap

- sucking insect that releases a toxic substance into the leaves of the host plant , causing injury

and death

. It s agricultural hosts crops include: papaya, hibiscus, avocado, citrus, cotton, t omato, eggplant, peppers, beans, peas, sweet potato, mango, cherry , and pomegranate ( Walker et al. 2003 )

. The thrip s Thrips palmi feeds on many hosts and attacks plants in several families. Among primary hosts are species of

:

 Actinidia chinensis spp. ( A. deliciosa);
 Amaranthus spinosus spp. ( A. tricolor, A. viridis);
 Mangifera indica ;  Ageratum spp . (

A. conyzoides);
 Chrysanthemun spp . ;  Helianthus annuus;
 Lactuca sativa ;  Cucumis spp. ( C. melo, C. sativus);
 Cucurbita spp. (C. moschata, C. pepo ) ;  Allium cepa ;  Arachis hypogaea,;
 Glycine max ;  Phaseolus vulgaris ;  Vigna ungiculat;**12**  Persea americana ;  Gossypium spp;  Abelmoschus esculentus ;  Oryza sativa ;  Sesamum indicum ;  Citrus spp. ( C. medica, C. Sinensis );
 Capsicum annuum;  Nicotiana tabacum ;  Solanum spp. (S. lycopersicum , S. melongena, and S. tuberosum ) (CABI , 2011)
The bacteria, Ralstonia solanacearum race 3, is known on tomato as southern bacterial wilt, on potato as brown rot, and on tobacco as Granville wilt. It causes wilting, stunted growth, and secretion of bacterial ooze from the stem

. 

### B. Climate **- Host Interaction**  Climate limits the potential distribution and survival of pest species. The climactic limitations of the quarantine pests of concern are as f ollows: The spiraling white fl y, A

. dispersus is a strong flier and has the potential for spread . However, outside of tropical and sub

- tropical regions of Florida , it appears unlikel y that it would establish outdoors. The greenhouse or glasshouse white fl y, T

. vaporari orum , is widely distributed throughout North America because of its successful establishment in greenhouses. However, in warmer climates (such as those found in U.S. Plant Hardiness Zones 9

- 11) , the whitefl y can be found outdoors where it may overwinter on wild plants ( CABI 2013 )

. Plant Hardiness Zones 9

- 11 are currently found within portions of California, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, and Flori da. One or more of its potential hosts occur in these zones (USDA 1990 ) 2012c ; ( Magarey

et al. 2008 ) The silverleaf whitefl y, B. tabaci B bioty pe, has been known as a pest of cotton and other tropical or semi

- tropical crops i n the warmer parts of the world. It can be found outdoors in warmer climates (those corresponding to U.S. Plant Hardiness Zones 9

- 11), and in greenhouses throughout North America. In March 2005, the ‘Q’ strain of B. tabaci was identified on poinsettia pl ants that originated from a nursery in California. This is the first time this particular strain has been found in the United States. The Q

- bioty pe is thought to have originated from the Mediterranean region and has been associated with**13** whitefly control problems ( Hodges 2014 )

. The pink hibiscus mealybug, M

. hirsutus , occurs in most topical areas of the world. Within the continental U.S., it is expected to colonize all of Florida and spread north into southern Georgia. These states feature U.S. Plant Hardiness Zones 8

- 11 , currentl y found within portions of California, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, L ouisiana, Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico (USDA 1990 )

. Because pink hibiscus mealy bug attacks so many

crop and ornamental plants, populations could become common on many plant species in the places it is able to establish ( Ho y et al. 2008 )

. The papaya meal ybug, P

. marginatus , has been intercepted in Texas and California. It is expected that it could rapidl y establish throughout Florida and through the Gulf states to California ( Walker et al. 2003 )

. This region includes U.S. Plant Hardiness Zones 8

- 11. Itis possible that certain greenhouse crops could be at risk in areas as far north as Delaware, New Jersey

and Maryland ( Walker et al. 2003 )

. The serpentine leaf miner ( L. huidobrensis ), greenhouse whitefl y, ( T. vaporarium ), and silverleaf whitefl y ( B. tabaci ) are usually

restricted to greenhouse culture s in temperate climates, and are not expected to establish on host plants outside of the greenhouse environment. However, these pest species can be common in greenhouses, houseplants, and summer garden plants throughout the continental United State s ( Speyer 1927 , Brown and Nelson 1988 , EPPO 2001 , Steck 2006 )

. Thrips palmi ( T. palmi) is a thrips that is subtropical to tropical in distribution

. P opulations in temperate climates are able to overwinter in greenhou ses or other artificial situations because it cannot survive subzero temperatures for more than a few days ( Lewis 1997 ) ; ( Capinera 2010 ) ). Based on this distribution, it is estimated that T. palmi could establish in the continental United States in U.S. Plant Hardiness Zones 9

– 11. The bacteria Ralstonia solanace arum race 3 biovar 2 is believed to be native South America. In the United States, R. solanacearum occurs in the southern states, but is not known to be established in North America and Canada. However, should it establish, the U.S. Plant Hardiness Zone s 8

- 11 (USDA 1990 ) , would be most as risk

.**14** 

### C. Threatened and Endangered Species The following table lists threatened and/or endangered plant species that may be impacted by

the establishment of actionable (i.e., quarantine) pests identified by the PRA . These pests may follow the pathway of tomato plantlets from Mexico into the United States

. **Table 2**
**. Quarantine**  **(actionable) p**  **ests that m**  **ay f** **ollow the p**  **athway on**

**tomato plant**  **lets from**  **Me xico**  **into the United States and the**  **associated Threatened and/or Endangered plant species that may be affected by their establishment**  **( USD**  **A -**  **AP HIS 2014**  **)**

**.** Actionable Pest Listed Plant Species Distribution of Listed Species A. dispersus Cucurbita okeechobeensis spp.

okeechobeensis FL Hibiscus dasycalyx TX B. tabaci T. vaporarium L. huidobrensis Allium munzii CA

Cucurbita okeechobeensis spp. okeechobeensis FL Verbena californica CA P. marginatus Hibiscus dasycalyx TX M. hirsutus Cucurbita okeechobeensis spp.

okeechobeensis FL Hibiscus dasycalyx TX T. palmi Allium munzii CA

Cucurbita okeechobeensis spp. okeechobeensis FL Helianthus paradoxus NM, TX Helianthus schweinitzii SC, NC Piperia yadonii CA Spiranthes delitescens AZ Spiranthes parksii TX 

## IV. Env **ironmental Impacts A.**  **No Ac**  **tion** The PRA conducted by PPQ determined that a weed risk assessment was not needed for Solanum lycopersicum from Mexico because the plant is widely

cultivated in the United States. Weed risk assessments do not need to be conducted for plant species that are widel y established (native or naturalized) or cultivated in the Affected Environment, for commodities that are already enterable into the Affected Environment from other countries, or when the plant part(s) cannot easil y propagate on their own or be propagated (USDA

- APHI S 2014 )

. 

### B. **Preferred A lternative**  Greenhouse

- grown tomatoes are normally produced by

specialist propagators and delivered to the grower at 3 to 6 weeks old. Once**15** received b y the grower, the plantlets are planted in the greenhouse at 8,000 to 11,000 plants per acre, and are grown indoors hydroponicall y. Several arthropod pests (

L. huidobrensis, A. disperses, B. tabaci (including biotypes B and Q), T. vaporarium, M. hirsutus, P. marginatus, and T. palmi) were identified as quarantine pests likely to be imported with unmitigated shipments of Solanum lycopersicum from Mexico . To help protect against accidental importation, phy tosanitary measures are required to minimize risk. Wh iteflies Whitefly feeding removes nutrients from the plant which may result in stunting, poor growth, defoliation, reduced yi elds and even death in extreme cases. The extent of damage caused b y feeding is generally directly proportional to the whitefl y population and low populations rarel y have much impact. On certain plants, stunting or abnormal coloration can be caused due to the phy siological stress of the feeding. Plants stressed by

the removal of sap due to heavy whitefl y feeding may require more irrigation. Whiteflies secrete significant quantities of honeydew as they feed. When populations of whiteflies are high, honeydew production can be copious, dripping down leaves onto fruit. Honeydew becomes a serious problem when it is colonized by black, sooty

mo ld fungi, blackening leaf or fruit surfaces. This can render fruit unmarketable and block out sunl ight, inhibiting photosy nthesis. In places where it occurs, A. dispersus is generall y considered as a s erious pest; it may present a risk for ornamentals or ve getable crops grown under glasshouse conditions. Chemical and biological control (release of parasitoids) methods are available, but the pest is reportedl y difficult to control ( EPPO 2000 )

. The silverleaf whitefl y, B. tabaci was estimated to have caused combined losses of 500 million USD to the winter vegetable crops through feeding damage and plant virus transmission ( EPPO 2001 )

. In tomato plants, the B bioty pe of B. tabaci can cause uneven ripening of tomato fruits ( Hodges 2014 )

. In addition, B. tabaci is known to transmit numerous destructive viruses of tomatoes, including the tomato leaf crumple virus, tomato leaf curl begomovirus; both T. vaporariorum and B. tabaci can transmit the tomato torrado torradovirus (USDA

- APHI S 2014 )

. Biological control of T. vaporariorum has been widely used in greenhouses , especially

since the development of insecticide

- resistant whiteflies, and is chiefl y ba sed on the chalcid wasp E. formosa and **1. Insects 16**  parasitic fungi

. The predatory beetle Delphastus pusillus is also very e ffective against T. vaporariorum and B. tabaci ( Mound and Halsey 1978 )

. The “Q” strain of B. tabaci is known to have resistance to py riprox yf en , buprofezin and reduced susceptibility to the neonicotinoid insecticides imidicloprid, acetamiprid , and thimethoxam ( Hodges 2014 ) ; this may pose a challenge to control efforts by commercial producers and, if ne cessary , Agency pest suppression efforts. Leafminers The serpentine leaf miner , L. huidobrensis , damages plants by larvae mining into leaves and petiole s, and may cause considerable delay in plant development leading to plant loss. It has the potential to become a major pest of a wide variety of ornamental or vegetable crops grown under glass and as protected crops. Severel y infested leaves may fall, exposing plant stems to wind action, and flower buds and developing fruit to scald ( Musgrave et al. 1975 )

. The presence of unsightl y larval mines and adult punctures in the leaf of ornamental plants can further reduce crop value ( Musgrave et al. 1975 )

. In young plants and seedlings, mining may

cause considerable delay in plant development leading to plant loss. The introduction of L. huidobrensis would likely initiate control programs in areas of the United States because it is a major p est of numerous economic crops. Outbreaks in crops within the affected environment area would likely trigger increased chemical control programs . Some insecticides, particularl y p yr ethroids (abamectin) and also cy romazine are effective , but leaf miner resistance can sometimes make control difficult ( Parrella et al. 1984 )

. Natural enemies periodicall y suppress leaf m iner populations

. Dacnusa sibirica , Opius pallipes and Diglyphus isaea have been considered for use as natural enemies of the pest in European glasshouses ( Parrella et al. 1982 )

. Mealybugs The damage from both the pink hibiscus mealy bug ( M. hirsutus ) and the papaya meal ybug (

P. marginatus ) included plant stunting, leaf deformation, earl y leaf and fruit drop, a heav y buildup of honeydew, and death. Biological control has been identified as a key component in a management strategy for meal ybug species, including the use of natural enemies

. These include the commerciall y available meal ybug destroyer ( Cryptolaemus montrouzieri ), lady beetles, lacewings, and hover flies, all which are generalist predators that have a potential impact on meal ybug populations. In addition to predators, several p arasitoids may

attack papaya meal ybug. In addition, Anagyrus**17** kamali has been identified as an effective parasitic control of the pink hibiscus mealy

bug ( Ho y et al. 2008 )

. A number of chemical controls are available to control mealy bugs, although none are currently registered specificall y for control of either the papaya or pink hibiscus mealy bug. Active ingredients in registered pesticide formulations include acephate, carbaryl, chlorpy rifos, diazinon, dimethoate, malathion, and white mineral oils. Ty picall y, twice the normal dose is applied when treating for mealy bugs because mealy bugs are protected by

thick waxy , cottony

sacs, and often are concealed inside damaged leaves and buds. Thus, chemical controls are onl y partially effective and require multiple applications. Furthermore, problems with insecticide resistance and non

- target effects on natural enemies make chemical control a less desirable control option to combat the meal ybugs. Thri ps Thrips palmi is subtropical to tropical in distribution, and cannot survive subzero temperatures for more than a few day s. U.S. populations are restricted to American Samoa, southern Florida, Guam, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico (APHI S, 2012 a). Thrips palmi is a serious pest of cucurbits and eggplant. The species is a vector of tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (CABI, 2001), which is difficult to control chemicall y, requiring repeated applications of insecticides to achieve acceptable levels of control (Sakimura et al., 1986). It s introduction would undoubtedly initiate control programs in areas of the United States because it is a major pest of numerous economic crops (e.g., beans, peppers, and tomatoes ). Outbreaks in crops with in the affected environment area would likely trigger increased chemical control programs similar to those now in effect for other caterpillars. H eav y infestations of thrips could cause dieback or death of host plants; however, outbreaks in other horticultural crops and orchids are no t likely to occur due to its restricted host range.

Th e European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization identify tom ato plants for planting and whiteflies B. tabaci and T. vaporariorum as possible pathway risks for the introduction of the Tomato Torrado Virus (ToTV) ( Pospieszny et al. 2007 , Amari et al. 2008 , EPPO 2009 )

. The ToTV virus causes lesions and holes in the stems and leaflets, and deformations of the fruits; this renders the fruits unmarketable. R. solanacearum Race 3 Biovar 2 was first detected in the U.S. on geraniums in 1999, and subsequently eradicated. The bacterium can spread in soil, in which it survives for varying periods of time, and in **2. Viruses** 

**3**
**. Microbes** **18** irrigation (drainage) water. In tropical areas, many weeds have been shown to be alternate hosts and harbour the bacterium, providing a bridge for the pathogen betw een crops ( Wenneker et al. 1999 )

. R. solanacearum constitutes a serious obstacle to the culture of many tomato plants in both tropical and temperate regions. C hemical control may be difficult

. Antibiotics such as streptomycin, ampicillin, tetracycline and penicillin would also offer limited pest control ( Farag et al. 1986 )

. In its recovery plan for R. solanacearum Race 3 Biovar 2, the USDA states that a response to the detection of R. solanacearum would include a quarantine of infested or potentially infested production area s, restricted movement of infested or potential infested articles in commerce, and initiation of control measures such as host removal and destruction (USDA 2010 )

. Host destruction is required along with disinfection, water decontamination, and several ye ars of non - host production in infected fields or associated growing areas before quarantines can be removed.


### C. **Risk Management** Although the affected environment and the environmental consequences under both the no action alternative and the preferred alternative are the same, the risk management to prevent the introduction of pests differs between the two alternatives. The following section discusses the phyt osanitary measures imposed under the two Alternatives: the current regulation prohibiting the importation of Solanum spp. plantlets (bare rooted and in growing media) from all countries other than Canada (no action alternative) ; and changing the current regulation to add Solanum lycopersicum ( Lycopersicum esculentum ) from Mexico to the list of plants that may be imported in approved growing media (preferred alternative). T he phy tosanitary measures of the no action alternative would leave 7 CFR part 319 unchanged. Section 319.37

– 8(a) of the regulations requires, with certain exceptions, that plants offered for importation into the United States be free of sand, soil, earth, and other growing media. This requirement is intended to help prevent the introduction of pl ant pests that might be present in unapproved growing media; the exceptions to this requirement take into account factors that mitigate that risk. This section describes the phy tosanitary measures required if tomato plantlet s in approved growing media are imported into the continental United States from Mexico . Amendment of 7 CFR § 319 would allow importation of tomato plantlets from Mexico in growing media, subject to a sy stems approach. The s ys tems approach would consist of **1. No A cti**  **on**

**2. Preferred Al**  **ternative 19**  measures currentl y specified for tomato plants for planting not imported in growing media (specified in 7 CFR §319.37

- 5(r)(3)) , as well as measures specific to all plants for planting imported into the United S tates in approved growing media (specified in 7 CFR § 319.37

– 8(e) ). Additionally , the plantlets would have to be imported into greenhouses in the United States that have entered into compliance agreements with APHI S regarding the conditions under which the plants must enter and be maintained within the greenhouses. **Sy stems A**  **pproach** To effectivel y prevent the introduction of plant pests associated with plants grown in approved media, a series of important safeguards, (phy tosanitary measures ) must be in place. The risk management program used for plants in media is the sy stems approach

—a defined set of phy tosanitary procedures, at least two of which have an independent effect in mitigating pest risk associated with the movement of commodities . This approach relies on a series of phy tosanitary measures that, individually and cumulatively , reduce the pest risk posed by

pests that may

be associated with plants. All phases associated with plants established in growing media

— before planting, duri ng the growing period, postharvest, during transport, and importation

—are considered. The specifics requirements of the sy stems approach for the importation of tomato plantlets in growing media from Mexico would extend beyond those discussed above to ad dress the importation risk of R. solanacearum race 3 biovar 2. These include:
 p roduction in registered greenhouses ;  p eriodic testing within the greenhouses for R. solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 ;  construction of the greenhouses in a manner which prevents runoff water from entering the greenhouses ;  control for dicotyl endonous weeds ;  sanitization measures for equipment and personnel entering the greenhouse ;  use of approved growing media and water from an approved source, education for personnel regarding the pathway s of transmission of R. solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 ;  handling and packing of the arti cles in a manner to prevent the introduction of R. solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 into the articles ;  labeling of the articles destined for export, and ;  issuance of a phy

tosanitary certificate declaring that the articles have been produced in accordance with the s ys tems approach.**20** The APHI S regulation on plants in media requires multiple phy tosanitary measures designed to reduce the pest risk. The overall sy stems a pproach operates like a s a fail

- safe sy stem in that tiered safeguards are built into the process. That is, if one mitigating measure fails, other safeguards exist to ensure that the risk is progressivel y reduced and managed. The s ys tems approach is designed to apply

all the measures to obtain the maximum risk reduction and to appl y additional safeguards , as required. The steps or measures may

overlap or be redundant to ensure an adequate reduction in pest risk , and that the reduction of risk is maintaine d during the entire process.

**a. Ap**  **proved Plant Sources** 7 CFR 319.37

- 8 requires that plants are grown from seed germinated in the pest exclusionary

greenhouse. SAGARPA ( 2012a) and the PRA (USDA

- APHIS 2014 ) indicate that certified seed will be obtained from several multinational sources but does not specify what pathogens the seed will be certified as free from. SAGARPA ( 2010 ) further states that the seed will be disinfected to remove seed transmitted bacterial pathogens. **b. Ap**  **proved Grow ing Media**  7CFR§319.37

- 5 (r)( 3) requires that growing media must be free of R. solanacearum and must be an APHIS approved growing medium as listed in 7CFR§319.37

- 8 (e)(1). ( SAGARPA 2010 ) indicates that tomato plantlets will be grown in peat and rock wool; both are approved media. The USDA Minimum Sanitation Protocols for Offshore Geranium Cutting Production (USDA 2007 ) further requires that the growing media be sterili zed by steam or fumigation. The use of new, sterilized growing media reduces the risk of introducing Liriomyza pupae and the soilborne pathogen R. solanacearum into the crop ( Bethke 2010 ) . Soil sterilization, including steam and methyl bromide are effective in controlling soil inhabiting pupae of Liriomyza ( Cheek 1999 ) . Soil sterilization will kill immature thrips, such as T. palm i , that are pupating in the soil ( Shipp et al. 1991 )

. In general, using sterile or sterilized growing media reduces the likelihood of crop infestation by soil

- dwelling pest life stages ( Cheek 1999 )

. **c. Ag**  **reements** Mexico’s NPPO, SENASI CA , must enter into a bilateral workplan with APHI S setting out the conditions for producing and monitoring plant production and enforcement of the requirement s of the**21** regulation. Li kewise, the production facility must enter into a compliance agreement with the producing country NPPO. Improper production and handling practices are often the primary means by which pests are introduced and spread in the place of production. The phy tosanitary written agreements and administrative measures included in 7CFR § 319.37

- 8 and 7CFR§ 319.37

- 5 (r)(3) provide additional phy

tosanitary quality control and rigor over other measures, and reduce the possibilities of improper practices being employed. These measures are standard for many export programs and assist in maintaining quality

of the program. **d. Exclusionary** 

**Greenhouse** The tomato plantlets for shipment must be grown in a pest exclusionary

greenhouse using the following phyt osanitary measures: “Grown solel y in a greenhouse in which sanitary procedures are adequate to exclude plant pests and diseases are alway s employed, including cleaning and disinfection of floors, benches, and tools, and the application of measures to protect against any injurious plant diseases, and injurious insect pests, and other plant pests” (7 CFR § 319.37

– 8(e)(2)(ii)). These measures may include trapping, surveying, and scouting to determine if pests are present, and pesticide applications or other control measures to eliminate pests that are discovered. Runoff surface water from from fields or waterways with infected weed or crop hosts can carry Ralstonia (Wenneker et al., 1999). USDA (2007) requires that greenhouses are constructed in a manner to prevent contaminated runoff from entering production areas.

**e. Raised Benches**  The height of the benches on which the tomato plantlets are grown must be at least 46 centimeters above the floor. Raised benches reduce the chance of water being splashed onto benches from the floors that might be contaminated with pests, including R. solanacearum

. **f. Greenhouse pest monitoring and management plan** Sticky traps are an efficient tool for monitoring early infestations of thrips (Brødsgaard, 1989). In addition to monitoring plants for L iriomyza feeding and oviposition damage (stippling) and for the presence of small mines on plants, sticky traps are us ed for detection of leafminer activity . Yellow sticky cards are the best detection method for monitoring populations of adult activity (Bográn, 2005; Weintraub and Horowitz, 1996).**22** A comprehensive pest management plan must be implemented, and must includ e monitoring, inspections for signs of infestation, and targeted pest control as appropriate. Information gathered from scouting is used to select and schedule appropriate control tactics (Bethke, 2010). The pest management plan must be approved b y the NPPO, and if treatments are required, these must be approved and prescribed b y the NPPO. **g. Au**  **tomatic Doors** Automatic closing double doors create a plant free area that workers must pass through reducing the likelihood that pests will enter the growing area ( Dreistadt 2001 )

. They are also used, to a limited extent, to keep windborne pests from being blown into the growing area and provide a phy sical barrier that reduces the exposure of the plants to splash ing b y rain and irrigation water (Agrios, 1997). **h. Screens**  7CFR§ 319.37

- 8 requires all vents and openings must be covered with screens having openings no greater than 0.6 mm (30 mesh). This mesh size is small enough to exclude leafminers ( Bethke 1994 ) . Adult Liriom yz a flies are 1

- 3 mm in length with a wingspan of about the same dimensions ( CABI 2014 ) . Adults are excluded by greenhouse screens with an opening of 0.6 mm or smaller ( Bethke 1994 , Bethke et al. 1994 ) ; ( Bográn 2005 ) . While 0.6 mm mesh will not exclude the other smaller arthropod pests (e.g., aphids, whiteflies, thrips) they may provide some limited discouragement to their entry . Mesh hole size does not necessarily

correspond with degree of exclusion ( Bell and Baker 2000 ) . However, SAGARPA ( 2013 ) states, “The tomato plantlets are grown in the dedicated nursery area that is fitted with screens on all openings. These screens are small enough to exclude the entrance o f Thrips into the growing area, therefore also excluding the larger insects, aphids and whiteflies.” Because of thrips small size, a mesh size of 80 (0.177 mm opening) or smaller is required to restrict their entry

into the greenhouse (Bethke, 1994; Ghidiu and Roberts; Sood, 2010). We are specifying mesh screen to be used in conjunction with a pest management program to ensure that no thrips (or other arthropods) will move with tomato plantlets. **i. Removal of w eeds**  Sanitation including the removal of we eds from inside and outside greenhouses is an important cultural practice for preventing whitefl y infestations within greenhouses (Shipp et al., 1991). Leafminers feed on a large variety of plant species including weeds, keeping**23** greenhouses and areas outs ide the greenhouse free of weeds, which can serve as reservoirs for leafminer populations and exclusion of immigrating adults is valuable as a cultural control (Bethke, 2010). **j**
**. Sanitation**  Sanitation and exclusion are highl y effective in controlling most pests ( Dreistadt 2001 ) . “Strict adherence to good sanitation practices is essential to the management of bacterial diseases” ( Dicklow 2013 )

. SAGARPA ( 2010 ) provides general information indicating that grafting areas will be disinfected regularl y and that grafting benches are equipped with disinfectant for tools. The APHIS Minimum Sanitation Protocols for Offshore Geranium Cutting Production (USDA 2007 ) requires that greenhouse floors be maintained free of debris and weeds and floors must drain properl y to prevent puddling. Plant material (cuttings, trimmings, etc

. ) that falls to the floor should not be retrieved b y greenhouse workers who are in the process of handling production stock plants; it should be removed on a periodic basis (minimum weekl y) and disposed of by other workers or by same workers after harvesting of cuttings i s completed. Floors are to be sanitized at least once annually when greenhouses are cleared of stock production plants or before they are set up for the next growing season. Further

more, the protocol requires surfaces upon which plants are grown should b e disinfested prior to use and constructed so water draining from pots does not make contact with other pots. Greenhouse equipment used to make grafts or cuttings or used for other functions involving contact with plants is to be surface disinfested prior to and between use on each plant or container. Alternatively , a set of knives can be assigned to a specific bench and rotated and disinfected between each plant. Carts and collection baskets are to be sprayed with a surface disinfectant on all surfaces that are likely to come into contact with plants or equipment used in processing plants. Equipment (knives, etc) used to harvest cuttings is to be soaked in surface disinfectant when not in use. Liriomyza larvae remain inside the leaf onto which they hat ched until they pupate. After feeding, mature larvae exit the leaf and drop to the ground to pupate. Pupae can remain viable in the soil or substrate for several months at low temperatures and cause re

- infestation in the following crop. Sanitizing floors , benches or areas underneath benches lowers the potential for these areas to harbor pupae. Regular, rapid removal of plant debris prevents the continuing development of foliar stages of pests such as Lirionzyza spp. on excised leaves ( Cheek 1999 )

.**24 k** 
**. Worker hy**  **giene and training**  SAGARPA ( 2010 ) provides a general description of the wo rker hygeine s ys tem in the production greenhouses. The infrastructure is designed to limit the access and to force the flow of the people through a series of stations and processes for disinfection including a grate to eliminate the debris from shoes; a l aundry to wash uniforms; an area to store personal belongings so they do not enter the greenhouse; dedicated footwear that is disinfected upon entry ; handwashing station; an entry way that can only

be opened by

placing hands in a disinfectatnt bath to reach the release button; a dressing area with dedicated coveralls. This generall y follows the requirements of 7CFR§319.37

- 5 (r)(3) as outlined in (USDA 2007 )

. 7CFR§319.37

- 5 (r)(3) requires that production site personnel receive training to recognize and prevent the introductio n of Ralstonia

. Mandatory

training decreases the likelihood that personnel will participate in activities that might introduce pests into the facility and, in the event of an introduction, will increase the likelihood that they will recognize pest sy

mptoms and take appropriate action. SAGARPA, 2010 states that the production facility in Mexico “has continuous training of supervisors and workers to assure that they receive continuous education and qualification about sanitation protocols and practices...super vision personnel has...basic knowledge on pest identification.”

**l**
**. Clean Water Sources**  The 7CFR§ 319.37

- 5 (r)( 3) requirement for treatment of irrigation water is dependent upon its source and the water storage and delivery sy stem in use. Water treatment is not required for irrigation water collected from deep wells which are properl y s ealed and where the water is used directl y or stored in tanks with no opportunity for contamination of the water supply by native soil or plant material/debris, or from municipal water directly from the municipal water s ys tem. SAGARPA ( 2010 ) states water used in the greenhouse is either spring or well water and is disinfected with chlorine and ultraviolet light. The treatment method used mus t be equivalent to the treatments described in USDA ( 2007 )

. Plants may

not be irrigated using ebb and flow or flood irrigation sy stems as these methods foster spread of R. solanacearum race 3 biovar 2. Irrigation sy stems should be constructed so that emitters are not in contact with growing media and/or are equipped with backflow devices to prevent contamination of the watering sy stem. The last 4’ of**25** hose closest to the bench and hose

- end implements used for hand watering tomato plantlets should never come in c ontact with the floor of production facilities, plant material or growing media. When such contact is made, the hose and watering implement must be treated with a surface disinfectant , such as those listed in USDA ( 2007 )

.
**m .**  **Phy tosanitary Certificate**  A phy tosanitary certificate must be issued. This document must accompany the plants during importation and certif y that the required growing conditions were met.

**n .**  **Inspection** Phy tosanitary inspections are widel y recognized as an important part of a pest management program ( Kahn and Mathur 1999 ) . Many insects, mites and pathogens have visible stages and sy mptoms that are readil y detected upon inspection. Inspection is the foundation of pest exclusion used by

APHIS to prevent pests from entering the United States. Adult Liriomyza females feed on leaf tissues resulting in a stippled or speckled appearance when they puncture the leaf surface with their ovipositors. Females also puncture leaf tissue to lay their eggs. Larvae feed on leaf tissue creating a serpentine leaf

- mine. The mines graduall y increase in size as larvae feed and grow ( Bográn 2005 )

. Stippling and leaf mines are readil y detected b y plant inspec tion. Careful inspection of all plant material before it is brought into the greenhouse and destruction of any infested plants helps to exclude leafminers. The European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) has recommended inspection of plants for planting at least every

month as a means to prevent the spread of Agromyzidae leafminers in exported plants ( CABI 2014 )

. **o .**  **Packing and Storing** S anitation and exclusion are highl y effective in controlling mos t pests ( Dreistadt 2001 )

. “Strict adherence to good sanitation practices is essential to the manag ement of bacterial diseases” ( Dicklow 2013 ) , including R. solanacearum

. **p . Traceability**  Labelling of consignments to allow traceback is required. Traceback is effective at removing problem places of production from the sy stems approach. 7CFR§319. 37

- 5 (r)(3) requires removal of export eligibility of a facility

in the event of the detection of Ralstonia at the**26** in consignments. Traceback enables the identification of the problem facility

. Places of production must be registered to effectivel y maint ain quality

control and traceback. **Conclusions** The PRA considered the likelihood and consequences of introducing the pests listed in Table 1 and indicated that all of the pests received negligible risk ratings for likelihood of introduction (i.e., entry plus establishment) into the endangered area via the import pathway . For pests receiving a Negligible risk rating, pest introduction is considered highl y unlikely to occur given the exact combinati on of events required for succ essful introduction (USDA 2012 ) . In reaching this finding, the PRA considered the effects of all greenhouse specification s described in supporting documents provided by the M exican NPPO ( SAGARPA 2010 , 2013 )

. Those production/greenhouse specifications are listed under the Preferred Alternative in the Alternatives section of this document. The anal ys is provided in this Environmental Assessment is in agreement with the PRA (USDA, 2013) , which determined that the requirements in 7 CFR§ 319.37

- 8, 7CFR§319.37

- 5 (r)(3) , and those described in the Risk Management section of this document under Sy stems Approach will be effective in managing the risk associated with the pests listed in Table 1

. 

### D. **Endangered Species A ct**  Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act ( ESA ) and the ESA’s implementing regulations require Federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and/or the National Marine Fisheries Service to ensure that their actions are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of thre atened or endangered species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat. Based upon program review of the s ys tems approach conditions for importation in the rulemaking, PPQ determined that the action would result in “no eff

ect” to any

proposed or listed endangered or threatened species or their critical habitat in the continental United States , as the imported tomato plantlets will be raised within monitored greenhouses for fruit and destro yed. These plantlets will not be released into the environment, removing any risk of the plantlets in transmitting organisms that could potentially impact federally

protected species

. This determination precludes the need for formal or informal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service. A separate document will further detail this “no effect” determination.**27** 

### E. **Other Considerations Executive Orders**  Executive Order (EO) 12898, "Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and L ow - Income Populations," focuses Federal attention on the environmental and human health conditions of minority and low

- income communities , and promotes community access to public information and public participation in matters relating to human health or the environment. Th is EO requires Federal agencies to conduct their programs, policies, and activities that substantially affect human health or the environment in a manner so as not to exclude persons and populations from participation in or benefitting from such programs. It also enforces existing statutes to prevent minority and low

- income communities from being subjected to disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects. Neither alternative poses disproporti onately

high or adverse human health or environmental effects to any specific minority or low

- income group. EO 13045, “Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks,” acknowledges that children may suffer disproportionately

from environmental health and safety risks because of their developmental stage, greater metabolic activity levels, and behavior patterns as compared to adults. The EO, (to the extent permitted by

law and appropriate, and consistent with the agency ’s mission) requires each Federal agency to consider environmental health risks and safety

risks that may

disproportionately

affect children. Neither alternative is expected to have disproportionately high or adverse human health or environmental effects to children. 

## V. Listing of A**gencies Consulted**
Environmental and Risk Analy sis Services Policy and Program Development Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service U.S. Department of Agriculture 4700 River Road, Unit 149 Riverdale, MD 20737

– 1238 Phy tosanitary Issues Management Plant Protection and Quarantine Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service U.S. Department of Agriculture 4700 River Road, Unit 140**28** Riverdale, MD 20737

– 1228 Regulations, Permits, and Manuals Plant Protection and Quarantine Animal and P lant Health Inspection Service U.S. Department of Agriculture 4700 River Road, Unit 141 Riverdale, MD 20737

– 1228 

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