1

United States Department of Agriculture

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Plant Protection and Quarantine

Importation of Fresh Fruits of Jackfruit (Artocarpus 

heterophyllus), Pineapple (Ananas comosus), and

Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola) with Stems, from 

Malaysia into the Continental United States

Risk Management Document

June 20, 2012

United States Department of Agriculture

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Agency Contact: juan.a.roman@aphis.usda.gov
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I. Executive Summary:

The Government of Malaysia requested permission to export fresh fruits of jackfruit (Artocarpus 

heterophyllus Lam.), pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.), and starfruit (or carambola, 

Averrhoa carambola L.). These commodities have not been exported from Malaysia to the 

United States before, so Malaysia provided detailed information on pests associated with these 

commodities in that country. Malaysia further proposed to treat each fruit with an APHIS 

approved generic irradiation treatment that would mitigate pathway risks from most insect pests. 

Based on the pest information provided by Malaysia and the fact that Malaysia would treat all 

export commodities with an APHIS-approved irradiation treatment, APHIS determined that a 

pest list that would identify all quarantine pests associated with the commodities and likely to 

follow the pathway would be sufficient information to evaluate pathway risks, and that more 

detailed pest risk assessments analyzing likelihood of introduction of each pest were not needed. 

This streamlined approach would also meet one of APHIS’ objectives behind the development of 

a generic irradiation treatment for most plant pests. APHIS’ Center for Plant Health Science and 

Technology (CPHST) compiled a pest list for each of the three commodities based on (1) the 

information provided by Malaysia, (2) the published scientific literature and (3) pest interception 

records of the United States Department of Agriculture (PestID, 2011a). In these pest lists, 

CPHST also identified pests of quarantine significance that could potentially follow the pathway

of each fruit (USDA, 2011a; USDA, 2010b; USDA, 2010c) and recommended measures for

pests not targeted by the irradiation treatment. 

While developing the pest list for jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), CPHST noted that 

synonyms of Artocarpus heterophyllus include A. integrifolius auct. ( not L.f.); A. integrifolia L.

f.; A. integra Merr.; Rademachia integra Thunb. (Morton, 1987), and A. integer auct. (NRCS, 

2008) and that the commodity may include portions of stem up to 5 cm in length attached to the 

fruit. Likewise in the case of pineapple, it was assumed that the fruit would arrive with some or 

all of the crown (leaf) material and that the taxonomy for pineapple includes the following 

synonyms: Ananas ananas (L.) Voss, A. sativus Schult. and Schult. f., Bromelia ananas L., and 

Bromelia comosa L.

Analysis of the pest lists indicated that most of the pests likely to follow the pathway are insect 

pests and would be effectively neutralized1 with the irradiation generic dose of 400 Gy (USDA,

2006). In addition to insect pests, there are several other pests which could also follow the 

commodity pathway. These include one mite, seven fungi and one mollusk. These non-insect 

pests may not effectively be neutralized by irradiation and would require additional measures to 

prevent their introduction into the United States. A commodity-by-commodity analysis of pest 

risks and their mitigations are discussed further.

This risk management document outlines the phytosanitary measures that APHIS will require for 

the importation of the proposed Malaysian commodities, and documents the evidence used by

 

1 A pest is considered neutralized when it is killed, rendered sterile or its further development into becoming an adult 

is stopped.
3

APHIS to conclude that these measures will effectively prevent the introduction of quarantine 

pests. 

II. Commodity-by-Commodity Analysis of Pests and Measures Required for 

their Management

1. JACKFRUIT

A. Introduction

The pest list completed by CPHST for jackfruit identified 24 quarantine pests that could 

potentially follow the pathway of jackfruit, which could include a portion of the stem not to 

exceed 5 cm in length., from Malaysia (USDA, 2011a; Table 1). These include 23 insect pests

and one fungus as follows:

Table 1. Quarantine pests likely to follow the pathway on fresh jackfruit with maximum of 5 cm 

stem from Malaysia

Species Order Family

Insects

Bactrocera albistrigata (de Meijere) Diptera Tephritidae

Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock Diptera Tephritidae

Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett Diptera Tephritidae

Bactrocera frauenfeldi (Schin.) Diptera Tephritidae

Bactrocera papayae Drew & Hancock Diptera Tephritidae

Bactrocera tau Walker Diptera Tephritidae

Bactrocera umbrosa Fabricius Diptera Tephritidae

Cerogria anisocera Wied. Coleoptera Lagriidae

Ceroplastes rubens Maskell Hemiptera Coccidae

Coccotrypes gedeanus (Eggers) Coleoptera Scolytidae

Coccotrypes medius (Eggers) Coleoptera Scolytidae

Coccus formicarii (Green) Hemiptera Coccidae

Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée) Lepidoptera Crambidae

Dysmicoccus neobrevipes Beardsley Hemiptera Pseudococcidae

Exallomochlus hispidus (Morrison) Hemiptera Pseudococcidae

Glyphodes caesalis Walker Lepidoptera Pyralidae

Neosaissetia laos (Takahashi) Hemiptera Coccidae

Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) Hemiptera Pseudococcidae

Planococcus lilacinus Cock Hemiptera Pseudococcidae

Planococcus minor (Maskell) Hemiptera Pseudococcidae

Rastrococcus iceryoides (Green, 1908) Hemiptera Pseudococcidae

Rastrococcus invadens Williams Hemiptera Pseudococcidae

Rastrococcus spinosus Robinson Hemiptera Pseudococcidae
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Pathogens

Phytophthora meadii McRae Oomycetes Pythiales

Since development of the pest list in 2011, PPQ had the opportunity to review the status of 

certain pests associated with imported commodities. Based on that review, in April 2012, PPQ 

concluded that one of the pests listed above, Planococcus minor, no longer met our definition of 

quarantine pests and therefore required no regulatory action (USDA, 2012a, USDA, 2012b).

B. Risk Management Measures 

APHIS proposes to allow the importation of the fresh fruit of jackfruit, which may include a stem 

not to exceed 5 cm in length, from Malaysia into the continental United States under the 

following conditions: 

(a) The fruit must be commercially produced and be part of a commercial consignment as 

defined in 7 CFR Section 319.56-2. 

(b) The fruit must be irradiated with a minimum absorbed dose of 400 Gy and follow the

requirements of 7 CFR parts 305 and 319.

(c) Fruit must originate from an orchard that was treated with a fungicide appropriate to control

the fungus Phytophthora meadii during the growing season, and the fruit must be inspected 

prior to harvest and found free of the fungus Phytophthora meadii, or the fruit must receive a 

post-harvest fungicidal dip appropriate to control the fungus Phytophthora meadii.

(d) Each consignment of fruit must be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificae (PC) with two

Additional Declarations (ADs) as follows:

 If irradiation is applied outside the United States, each consignment of fruit must be 

inspected jointly by APHIS and Malaysia inspectors and accompanied by a PC issued 

by the national plant protection organization (NPPO) of Malaysia certifying that the 

fruit received the required irradiation treatment with 400 Gy as the minimum absorbed 

dose. The PC must also include two ADs stating that (1) "The fruit originated from an 

orchard that was treated with a fungicide appropriate to control the fungus 

Phytophthora meadii during the growing season, and the fruit was inspected prior to 

harvest and was found free of the fungus Phytophthora meadii," or "The fruit received a 

post-harvest fungicidal dip appropriate for the fungus Phytophthora meadii," and (2) 

"The fruit in this consignment was inspected prior to shipment and found free of 

Phytophthora meadii.

 If irradiation is to be applied upon arrival in the United States, each consignment of 

fruit must be inspected by Malaysia inspectors prior to departure and accompanied by a 

PC issued by the NPPO of Malaysia. The PC must also include two ADs stating that 

(1) "The fruit originated from an orchard that was treated with a fungicide appropriate 

to control the fungus Phytophthora meadii during the growing season, and the fruit was 

inspected prior to harvest and was found free of the fungus Phytophthora meadii," or 

"The fruit received a post-harvest fungicidal dip appropriate for the fungus 

Phytophthora meadii," and (2) "The fruit in this consignment was inspected prior to 

shipment and found free of Phytophthora meadii.

(e) Each consignment is subject to inspection at the U.S. ports-of-entry. 
5

C. Evidence for the Effective Removal of Pests of Concern from the Pathway

(i) Insect Pests:

Twenty-three of the twenty-four pests likely to follow the pathway are insect pests. A minimum 

abosorbed dose of 400 Gy has been determined by APHIS regulations (cf. 7 CFR § 305.9) to be 

adequate to neutralize all insect pests excluding adults and pupae in the order Lepidoptera. Of 

the twenty-three insect pests likely to follow the pathway, two belong to the order Lepidoptera. 

These are: Conogethes punctiferalis and Glyphodes caesalis. Since there is no evidence to 

suggest that either of these Lepidopteran pests pupate inside the fruit, and since their adults are 

not expected to remain with the commercial consignment, the generic irradiation treatment is 

therefore a valid treatment for all insect pests on this pest list. Additionally, both Conogethes 

punctiferalis and Glyphodes caesalis larvae can be readily detected by frass on the surface of 

fruit during phytosanitary inspection and certification. 

 

(ii) Fungi:

Commercial production areas where Phytophthora meadii is present and actively causing disease

will require fungicidal field treatments to reduce fungus inocumlum and fruit drop. Zoospores of 

Phytophthora are spread by splashing rain and water or insects. Small water-soaked lesions 

appear on the fruit then enlarge. Rotted fruit mummify on the tree and serve as inoculum sources 

for secondary spread of the fungus (Sangchote, et al., 2003). Copper-based fungicides or 

combinations of copper, metalaxyl, mancozeb and others are reported to provide field control 

(Haq, 2006; Lee and Lum, 2004; Sangchote, et al., 2003) Application of a fungicide during the 

growing season, coupled with finding the fruit free of disease symptoms during pre-harvest 

orchard inspection, or a post-harvest fungicidal dip treatment followed by a pre-departure 

inspection, are considered sufficient to mitigate the risk from P. meadii. This and another similar 

species of Phytophthora, P. tropicalis, are also known to occur in Hawaii, and jackfruit from 

Hawaii are currently allowed into the continental United States with irradiation and fungicidal 

application as described above. There have been no records of pest interceptions from irradiated

jackfruit coming from Hawaii since 2007 when they first became enterable (Pest ID, 2010b).

As part of the U.S. requirements (7CFR 305.9) governing the use of irradiation as a phytosanitary

treatment, APHIS and the NPPO of Malaysia must jointly develop an operational work plan 

(OWP). The work plan shall include details of activities including inspection of articles that 

NPPO must perform before the treatment or departure. Inspection of the fruit and freedom from

pests not targeted by irradiation as declared on the PC will further ensure that all pests of concern 

are removed from the pathway.
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2. PINEAPPLE

A. Introduction

The pest list completed by CPHST for fresh pineapple fruit with some or all of the crown (leaf) 

material from Malaysia identified 22 quarantine pests that could potentially follow the pathway

on fresh pineapple fruit (USDA, 2010b; Table 3). These include 15 insect pests, one mite, five 

fungi and one mollusk as follows:

Table 3. Quarantine pests likely to follow the pathway on fresh pineapple fruit with some or all 

of the crown (leaf) material from Malaysia.

Type Organism Taxonomy

Arthropods Adoretus sinicus Burmeister Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae

Coccus viridis (Green) Hemiptera: Coccidae

Darna trima (Moore) Lepidoptera: Limacodidae

Dysmicoccus neobrevipes Beardsley Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae

Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein) Acari: Tetranychidae

Glycyphana sinuata Wallace Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae

Leptocorisa acuta (Thunberg) Hemiptera: Coreidae

Melanitis leda (L.) Lepidoptera: Satyridae

Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae

Parasa lepida (Cramer) Lepidoptera: Limacodidae

Planococcus minor (Maskell) Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae

Rhabdoscelus obscurus (Boisduval) Coleoptera: Curculionidae

Setothosea asigna (van Eecke) Lepidoptera: Limacodidae

Spodoptera litura (F.) Lepidoptera: Noctuidae

Stephanitis typica (Distant) Hemiptera: Tingidae

Thrips flavus Schrank Thysanoptera: Thripidae

Fungi Gliomastix luzulae (Fuckel) E.W. Mason 

Marasmiellus scandens (Massee) Dennis & D.A. Reid

Ascomycetes 

Basidiomycetes: Agaricales

Marasmius crinis-equi F. Muell. ex Kalchbr. Basidiomycetes: Agaricales

Marasmius palmivorus Sharples Basidiomycetes: Agaricales

Prillieuxina stuhlmannii (Henn.) Arx Ascomycetes

Molluscs Achatina fulica Bowdich Achatinidae

Since development of the pest list in 2010, PPQ had the opportunity to review the status of 

certain pests associated with imported commodities. Based on that review, in April 2012, PPQ 

concluded that two pests listed above, Coccus viridis and Planococcus minor, no longer met 

our definition of quarantine pests and therefore required no regulatory actions (USDA, 2012a, 

USDA, 2012b).
7

B. Risk Management Measures 

APHIS proposes to allow the importation of the fresh pineapple fruit with some or all of the 

crown (leaf) material from Malaysia into the continental United States under the following 

conditions: 

(a) The fruit must be commercially produced and be part of a commercial consignment as 

defined in 7 CFR Section 319.56-2. 

(b) The fruit must be irradiated with a minimum absorbed dose of 400 Gy and follow the

requirements of 7 CFR parts 305 and 319.

(c) The fruit must originate from fields that were treated with a broad spectrum fungicide 

during the growing season, and the fruit must be inspected prior to harvest and found free 

of all the diseases of concern, or the fruit must receive a post-harvest fungicidal dip using 

an appropriate broad spectrum fungicide.

(d) The fruit must receive a spray with high-pressure water or compressed air to remove the 

mite, Eutetranychus orientalis, and the mollusk, Achatina fulica, from its surface.

(e) Each consignment of fruit must be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate (PC) with 

two Additional Declarations (ADs) as follows:

 If irradiation is applied outside the United States, each consignment of fruit must be 

inspected jointly by APHIS and Malaysia inspectors and accompanied by a PC issued 

by the national plant protection organization (NPPO) of Malaysia certifying that the 

fruit received the required irradiation treatment with 400 Gy as the minimum 

absorbed dose. The PC must also include two ADs stating that (1) "The fruit 

originated from fields that were previously treated with a broad-spectrum fungicide 

during the growing season and a pre-harvest inspection of the fields found the fruit 

free of all the diseases of concern,” or “The fruit received a post-harvest fungicidal 

dip using an appropriate broad-spectrum fungicide” and (2) "The fruit in this 

consignment was inspected prior to shipment and found free of all quarantine pests 

not targeted by irradiation; i.e, mites, molluscs and pathogens.” 

 If irradiation is to be applied upon arrival in the United States, each consignment of 

fruit must be inspected by Malaysia inspectors prior to departure and accompanied by

a PC issued by the NPPO of Malaysia. The PC must also include two ADs stating 

that (1) "The fruit originated from fields that were previously treated with a broadspectrum fungicide during the growing season and a pre-harvest inspection of the 

fields found the fruit free of all the diseases of concern,” or “The fruit received a postharvest fungicidal dip using an appropriate broad spectrum fungicide” and (2) "The 

fruit in this consignment was inspected prior to shipment and found free of all 

quarantine pests not targeted by irradiation; i.e., mites, molluscs and pathogens.” 

(f) Each consignment is subject to inspection at the U.S. ports-of-entry. 

C. Evidence for the Effective Removal of Pests of Concern from the Pathway

(i) Insect Pests
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Fifteen of the twenty-two pests likely to follow the pathway are insect pests. A minimum 

abosorbed dose of 400 Gy has been determined by APHIS regulations (cf. 7 CFR § 305.9) to be 

adequate to neutralize all insect pests, excluding adults and pupae in the order Lepidoptera. Of 

the fifteen insect pests likely to follow the pathway, five belong to the order Lepidoptera. These 

are: Darna trima, Melanitis leda, Parasa lepida, Setothosea asigna, and Spodoptera litura. The 

larvae and eggs are the most likely life stages to be found with fruit and are mitigated by a 

400 Gy treatment. Adults would likely be disturbed by handling of the fruit. There is no 

evidence to suggest that any of these five Lepidopteran pests pupate inside the fruit. The generic 

irradiation treatment is therefore a valid treatment for all insect pests. 

(ii) Mites:

Oriental red mite (also known as citrus brown mite), Eutetranychus orientalis, is the only mite 

considered likely to follow the pineapple fruit pathway. This is an external feeder and, because 

of its size (410 x 280 μm), the pest is detectable during inspections with the use of a magnifying 

lens (CABI, 2010). This pest generally feeds on leaves and branches, and causes leaves to 

become chlorotic. Pale yellow streaks develop along the midrib and veins, and some webbing is 

produced. We are requiring that the fruit receive a spray with high-pressure water or compressed 

air, and that the NPPO examine the fruit prior to departure and include an AD in the

Phytosanitary Certificate stating that the consignment was inspected by the Malaysia inspectors

and found free of any mite. 

(iii) Molluscs: 

There is one mollusc, Achatina fulica, which is considered likely to follow the fruit pathway. 

This is a suface pest and, because of its size, can be readily detected during inspection. We are 

requiring that the fruit receive a spray with high-pressure water or compressed air, and that the 

NPPO examine the fruit prior to departure and include an AD in the Phytosanitary Certificate 

stating that the consignment was inspected by the Malaysia inspectors and found free of any

mollusc. We believe that inspection provides adequate mitigation for this pest.

(iv) Fungi: 

Gliomastix luzulae: Although the fungus has been recorded in Malaysia as associated with 

pineapple leaves, it considered of rare occurrence (Williams & Liu, 1976). According to the 

technical document produced for pineapple market access by the Malaysian government in 2004, 

the fungus is considered to be absent from Malaysia. Application of a broad-spectrum fungicide 

during the growing season, coupled with finding the fruit free of disease symptoms during preharvest orchard inspection, or a post-harvest dip treatment with a broad-spectrum fungicide 

followed by a pre-departure inspection, are considered sufficient to mitigate the risk from this 

pest.

Marasmius crinis-equi causes horsehair blight on a number of hosts, with pineapple considered a 

minor host (CABI, 2007; MAAIM, 2004). In general, the disease is more common in unattended 
9

fields where field sanitation practices are poor and infrequent. The likely means of spread of the 

disease is through fallen infected twigs and spores of the fruit bodies. Fructification of the fungus 

occurs during long periods of continuous rain. Fruiting bodies or basidiomata are small with the 

upper surface of pileus being light brown, sessile or borne on short black stalks. Infection is 

external, and black shiny mycelial strands of the pathogen are clearly visible on infected parts of 

plants (CABI, 2007). M. crinis-equi forms an irregular network of black mycelial hair-like 

strands entangling the leaves of the branches. These strands are loose hanging from branches or 

leaves. Leaves that are so entangled are easily detached.

Infection by Marasmius palmivorum is usually characterized by the appearance of fan-shaped 

rhizomorphs of the fungus growing over the affected parts of the plant, including fruits, leaves 

and growing points (CABI, 2007). Disease symptoms are easily visible and can be recognized by

the presence of whitish fan-shaped fungal mats on the affected parts. In the advanced stages, 

fructifications are produced in abundance (CABI, 2007).

Marasmiellus scandens is one of the fungi that causes white thread blight on a number of hosts 

(CABI, 2007; MAAIM, 2004; Lim and Sangchote, 2003). The disease spreads mainly through 

hyphal ramification from leaf to leaf or along branches within a tree, and from tree to tree 

through infected fallen branches from tall shade trees (CABI, 2007; Lim and Sangchote, 2003). 

The fungus forms a network of white mycelial strands that ramify across the leaves, petioles and 

branches. The infected leaves then undergo abscission and are then held together by the fungal 

threads and dense mycelial pads. The pathogen grows on the surface of the leaves and stems, and 

is clearly visible. Infected plant parts are easily avoided (CABI, 2007; DAFF, 2004).

Prillieuxina stuhlmannii (synonym: Asterinella stuhlmannii) has been reported to cause brown 

spots on the leaves of pineapple in Puerto Rico (Stevenson, 1926). The brown spots expand 

rapidly to cover the entire area with black fruiting bodies (Stevenson, 1926).

We are requiring that the NPPO examine the fruit prior to departure and include an AD in the

Phytosanitary Certificate stating that the consignment was inspected by the Malaysia inspectors

and found free of all quarantine pests not targeted by irradiation and described in the operational 

work plan as non-target pests. All fungal pests produce clearly visible symptoms that can be 

detected by inspection. Consequently, our finding is that inspection provides adequate mitigation 

for them.

As part of the U.S. requirements (7 CFR § 305.9) governing the use of irradiation as a 

phytosanitary treatment, APHIS and the NPPO of Malaysia must jointly develop an operational 

work plan (OWP). The work plan shall include details of activities including inspection of 

articles that NPPO must perform before the treatment or departure. Inspection of the fruit for the 

presence of pests, including pupae of Lepidoptera not targeted by irradiation, will further ensure 

that all pests of concern are removed from the pathway.
10

3. STARFRUIT ( CARAMBOLA) 

A. Introduction

The pest list completed by CPHST for starfruit from Malaysia identified 14 quarantine pests that 

could potentially follow the pathway on starfruit (USDA, 2010c; Table 4). These include 13 

insect pests and one fungus (Phoma averrhoae) as follows:

Table 4. Summary of quarantine pests likely to follow the pathway of fresh carambola fruit (also 

known as starfruit) imported from Malaysia into the United States

Type Taxonomy Organism

Arthropods Diptera, Tephritidae Bactrocera carambolae Drew and Hancock

Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillet)

Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel)

Bactrocera occipitales (Bezzi)

Bactrocera papayae Drew & Hancock

Hemiptera, Pseudococcidae Dysmicoccus neobrevipes Beardsley

Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green)

Planococcus lilacinus (Cockerell)

Planococcus minor (Maskell)

Pseudococcus aurantiacus Williams

Lepidoptera, Crambidae Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenẽe)

Lepidoptera, Tortricidae Cryptophlebia encarpa (Meyrick)

Cryptophlebia spp.

Pathogen Fungus Phoma averrhoae Subramon. & V.G. Rao

Since development of the pest list in 2010, PPQ had the opportunity to review the status of 

certain pests associated with imported commodities. Based on that review, in April 2012, PPQ 

concluded that one of the pests listed above, Planococcus minor, no longer met our definition of 

quarantine pests and therefore required no regulatory action (USDA, 2012a, USDA, 2012b).

B. Risk Management Measures 

APHIS proposes to allow the importation of the fresh starfruit (carambola) from Malaysia into 

the continental United States under the following conditions: 

(a) The fruit must be commercially produced and be part of a commercial consignment as 

defined in Section 319.56-2. 

(b) The fruit must be irradiated with a minimum absorbed dose of 400 Gy and follow the

requirements of 7 CFR parts 305 and 319.

(c) Prior to departure from Malaysia, each consignment must be inspected by the NPPO using a 

sampling procedure mutually agreed upon by APHIS and the NPPO. A representative 

sample of fruit must be drawn from each lot, inspected and found free from Phoma 
11

averrhoae. The fruit in the sample shall then be cut open, inspected and found free from the 

pupae of Cryptophlebia spp., including Cryptophlebia encarpa.

(d) A Phytosanitary Certificae (PC) with an Additional Declaration (AD) is required to 

accompany each consignment:

 If irradiation is applied outside the United States, each consignment of fruit must be 

inspected jointly by APHIS and Malaysia inspectors and accompanied by a Phytosanitary

Certificate (PC), issued by the national plant protection organization (NPPO) of Malaysia,

certifying that the fruit received the required irradiation treatment. The PC must also

include an Additional Declaration (AD) stating that the consignment was treated with 

400 Gy as the minimum absorbed dose, and was inspected prior to shipment and found 

free from Phoma averrhoae and the pupae of Cryptophlebia spp.

 If irradiation is to be applied upon arrival in the United States, each consignment of fruit 

must be inspected by Malaysia inspectors prior to departure and accompanied by a PC,

issued by the NPPO of Malaysia, with an AD stating that the consignment was inspected 

by the Malaysia inspectors and found free from Phoma averrhoae and the pupae of 

Cryptophlebia spp.

(e) Each consignment is subject to inspection at the United States ports-of-entry. 

C. Evidence for the Effective Removal of Pests of Concern from the Pathway

(i) Insect Pests

Thirteen of the fourteen pests likely to follow the pathway are insect pests. A minimum absorbed 

dose of 400 Gy has been determined by APHIS regulations (cf. 7 CFR § 305.9) to be adequate to 

neutralize all insect pests, excluding adults and pupae in the order Lepidoptera. Of the thirteen

insect pests likely to follow the pathway, three belong to the order Lepidoptera. These are: 

Conogethes punctiferalis, Cryptophlebia encarpa, and Cryptophlebia spp. The larvae and eggs 

are the most likely life stages to be found with fruit, and are mitigated by a 400 Gy treatment. 

Adults would likely be disturbed by handling of the fruit. 

Although there is no evidence to suggest that either of the two Lepidopteran pests, Conogethes 

punctiferalis or Cryptophlebia encarpa, pupate inside the fruit, there is some evidence to suggest

that larvae of a closely related species of Cryptophlebia, C. peltasica, may occasionally pupate 

inside the fruit (Grové, 1999; de Villiers, 2001). Although irradiation with a generic dose of 400 

Gy is not an approved treatment for pupae of Lepidoptera, some research findings suggest that 

the dose might be sufficient to neutralize the pupae of this pest and thereby mitigate the pathway

risks. Research by Follett and Lower (2000) has shown that a dose as low as 250 Gy was 

sufficient to cause complete sterility among the pupae or the resulting progeny of Cryptophlebia

illepida, which led the authors to believe that the dose would likely have similar effects on other 

species of Cryptophlebia as well. However, in the absence of a comparative study involving 

different species of Cryptophlebia or large-scale confirmatory tests performed on members of the 

genus, a measure of confidence could not be established. Therefore additional measures are 

required to supplement the irradiation treatment. 
12

Members of the genus Cryptophlebia produce visible holes on the fruit skin, leaving brown frass 

on the surface, which are easily detectable during inspection. Biometric sampling, fruit cutting 

and phytosanitary inspections by NPPO are considered adequate to detect the internal pupae. 

This sampling regime may be adjusted to provide 95% confidence for the detection of 3% or less 

infestation rate, as may be agreed upon by APHIS and the NPPO. Other life stages such as eggs 

and larvae are effectively managed by the irradiation dose of 400 Gy (USDA, 2006). 

(ii) Fungus:

Phoma averrhoae can cause significant losses to starfruit (carambola) crops in India, but is 

considered an unimportant pathogen in Malaysia (Sepiah and Cooke, 2003). Visible fungal 

lesions develop slowly in green fruit or may remain latent until fruit begin to ripen. The lesions 

initially are small, dark brown and dry, but as they enlarge they blacken and become sunken. 

Pycnidia form at the center and, in the presence of rain, these pycnidia produce conidiospores. 

The fungus survives on branches, twigs and leaves and is controlled in the field with a 

combination of pruning to increase ventilation and fungicide treatments (Sepiah and Cooke,

2003). 

As part of the United States requirements (7 CFR § 305.9) governing the use of irradiation as a 

phytosanitary treatment, APHIS and the NPPO of Malaysia must jointly develop an operational 

work plan (OWP). The work plan shall include details of activities, including inspection of 

articles that NPPO must perform before the treatment or departure. Inspection of the fruit for the 

presence of pests, including pupae of Lepidoptera not targeted by irradiation, will further ensure 

that all pests of concern are removed from the pathway.

III. Conclusion

The phytosanitary requirements described above include treatment of all fruit from Malaysia with 

irradiation using a minimum absorbed dose of 400 Gy and phytosanitary inspections for pests not 

targeted by the irradiation treatment. Based on the evaluation of effectiveness of these measures 

directed against the pests of concern, APHIS finds that the safeguards of 7 CFR § 319.56 and the 

additional mitigations described herein will result in the effective removal of the pests of concern 

identified by the pest lists for the importation of fresh jackfruit, pineapple and starfruit from 

Malaysia into the continental United States.

IV. Author:

Inder Paul S. Gadh, Ph.D.

Senior Risk Manager – Treatments

Devaiah A. Muruvanda, Ph.D.

Senior Risk Manager – Entomology
13

Edward V. Podleckis, Ph.D.

Senior Risk Analyst - Plant Pathology

V. Literature Cited:

CABI. 2007. Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

CABI. 2010. Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

DAFF. 2004. Final IRA Report: Mangosteen Fruit from Thailand. 

http://www.daff.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/22081/fin_ira_mangosteen.pdf. Last 

accessed 17 July 2010.

de Villiers, E.A. 2001. Cryptophlebia peltastica (Meyrick). Litchi moth. In: A. van den Berg, 

E.A. de Villiers and P.H. Joubert (Eds.) Pests and Beneficial Arthropods of Tropical and 

Non-Citrus Subtropical Crops in South Africa. Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, 

South Africa, Nelspruit. pp. 325– 328.

Follett, P.A. and R. A. Lower. 2000. Irradiation to Ensure Quarantine Security for Cryptophlebia

spp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Sapindaceous Fruits from Hawaii. J. Econ. Entomol. 93(6): 

1848-1854.

Grové, T. 1999. The litchi moth – a literature review. Cryptophlebia peltastica (Meyrick) 

(Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Neltropika Bull. 305: 30-31.

Haq, N. 2006. Jackfruit, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Southampton Centre for Underutilised 

Crops, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.

Lee, B.S. and K.Y. Lum 2004. Phytophthora Diseases in Malaysia. In: A. Drenth and D. I.

Guest, (Ed.) Diversity and Management of Phytophthora in Southeast Asia. ACIAR 

Monograph 114.

Lim, T.K.; and S. Sangchote. 2003. Diseases of mangosteen. In: R.C. Ploetz (Ed.) Diseases of 

tropical fruit crops. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, Oxon, U.K. pp. 365-372.

MAAIM. 2004. Technical Document: Market Access for Pineapple. Ministry of Agriculture and 

Agro-Based Industry Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Morton, J. 1987. Jackfruit. In: Fruits of warm climates, [source or publisher?] Miami, FL. pp. 

58–64.

NRCS. 2008. The PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural 

Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), The National Plant Data Center. 

http://plants.usda.gov.
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Pest ID. 2011a. USDA, APHIS, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Pest Interception Database. 

Last checked November, 2011.

Pest ID. 2010b. USDA, APHIS, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Pest Interception Database. 

Last checked June, 2010.

Sangchote, S., J. G. Wright, and G. I. Johnson. 2003. Diseases of breadfruit, jackfruit, and related 

fruit crops. In: R.C. Ploetz (Ed.) Diseases of tropical fruit crops. CABI Publishing, 

Wallingford, Oxon, U.K. pp. 135-144.

Sepiah, R.C. Ploetz, and A.W. Cooke. 2003. Diseases of Carambola. In: R.C. Ploetz (Ed.) 

Diseases of tropical fruit crops. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, Oxon, U.K. pp. 145-162.

Stevenson, J. A. 1926. Foreign plant diseases: a manual of economic plant diseases which are 

new or not widely distributed in the United States. United States. Office of the secretary; 

United States. Bureau of Plant Industry;Federal Horticultural Board. 

USDA 2006. Treatments for Fruits and Vegetables. January 27, 2006, issue of Federal Register 

71(18): 4451-4464.

USDA. 2011a. Pest List for the importation of Jackfruit, Artocarpus heterophyllus (Lam.), from 

Malaysia into the Continental United States. USDA, APHIS, Plant Protection and 

Quarantine, Center for Plant Health Science and Technology, Raleigh, North Carolina. 32 pp.

USDA. 2010b. Pest List for the importation of Fresh Pineapple, Ananas comosus (L.) Merr., 

from Malaysia to the Continental United States. USDA, APHIS, Plant Protection and 

Quarantine, Center for Plant Health Science and Technology, Raleigh, North Carolina. 28 pp.

USDA. 2010c. Pest List for the Importation of Averrhoa carambola (L.), Starfruit, Fruit with 

Stems from Malaysia into the Continental United States. USDA, APHIS, Plant Protection 

and Quarantine, Center for Plant Health Science and Technology, Raleigh, North Carolina. 

24 pp.

USDA. 2012a. Official Control - The Federally Recognized State Managed Phytosanitary

Program. USDA-APHIS-PPQ Plant Health Programs.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/frsmp/non-reg-pests.shtml

USDA. 2012b. Removal of Coccus viridus and Planococcus minor.USDA-APHIS-PPQ National 

Identification Services. 

http://ppqersharepoint.we.aphis.gov/national/pspi/nis/Support%20Site%20Files/nispolicies4.html

Williams, T.H. and P.S.W. Liu. 1976. A host list of plant diseases in Sabah, Malaysia. 

Commonwealth Mycological Institute Phytopathological Papers No. 19.