Executive Summary

Updates to program requirements for importing Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 host 

plants under the USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework 

February 2024 

APHIS is creating a program update for imports regulated for select agent Ralstonia 

solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 (Rs R3bv2). The update pulls several import protocols into a 

single framework for all Rs R3bv2 host commodities under the Ralstonia Exclusion Program 

(REP). This summary highlights changes and clarifications in the 2024 REP compared to the 

2007 Minimum Sanitation Protocol for Offshore Geranium Cutting Production. In 2005, APHIS 

developed the Minimum Sanitation protocol in response to the 1999 and 2003 introductions of 

Rs R3bv2 on imported geranium cuttings. Rs R3bv2 was listed as a select agent in the USDA 

Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002. The REP may also refer to commodity specific 

sub-programs as the Pelargonium Program or the Tomato Plantlet Program. 

Timeline

As Pelargonium cuttings are the highest volume commodity under this program, APHIS plans to 

roll-out the REP in June 2024, before the next Pelargonium shipping season. APHIS is issuing 

this stakeholder announcement to allow Industry, the National Plant Board, and other 

constituents a 30-day comment period. APHIS will then review the comments and make any 

final changes as needed with an intention to implement the new framework in June 2024. 

Summary of changes or additions: 

• Ralstonia Exclusion Program Updates and Clarifications 

o Clarification of the Operational Work Plan requirement to align with the 2005 

rule (70 FR 61351). OWPs will have the bilateral agreement signatory page and 

any information needed in greater detail than the framework for each NPPO. 

o Combination of other Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 host requirements 

(e.g., tomato plantlets in growing media) under a single framework. 

o Development of an Ralstonia Exclusion Program webpage on the APHIS website. 

The site will include the REP framework, APHIS-approved PCR and water 

testing protocols, and sampling and testing job aids, and will be updated regularly. 

o Clarification of roles and responsibilities of APHIS, NPPOs, the Cooperator, and 

the Producer. 

o Explanation of the facility certification process.

o Clarification that facilities must keep records for at least three years.
o Clarification of Administrative requirements of the NPPO and Producers 

o Clarification of APHIS testing methods for destructive sampling.

• Changes to Rs R3bv2 Protocols 

o Inclusion of sanitation requirements for callused cuttings. 

o Inclusion of new APHIS-approved water testing protocols. 

o Inclusion of requirement for a facility pest management plan.

o Expansion of Scouting, Testing, and Sampling guidance. 

o Expansion of training requirement topics.

o Expansion of processes for detections of Ralstonia solanacaerum in an offshore 

greenhouse, at the PIS, or in the United States.

o Requirement that facilities must test samples following ISPM31 Methods of 

sampling consignments. Facilities must sample a minimum sample size for a 95% 

confidence level at a 5% disease incidence according to lot size based on a 

hypergeometric distribution. 

o Requirement that facilities must test their water source and treated recycled water 

if used, for Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 a minimum of every 6 months 

using an APHIS-approved testing protocol. 

o Addition of ultra filtration as a primary or secondary filtration treatment option 

for open-sourced water or treated irrigation water.

o Addition of benzoic acid as a new APHIS-approved surface disinfectant. 

o Allowance for reuse of plastic potting bags if treated with an approved growing 

media treatment or surface disinfectant.

o Requirement that facilities keep records verifying mother stock plants are free 

from Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2. 

o Requirement that facilities maintain records of the manufacturer name and the 

test’s limit of detection when using tests other than RPA and PCR to test for 

Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2.

USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework

Effective Date: June 2024 
i 

Table of Contents 

Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Overview ..................................................................... ii

Definitions, Acronyms, and Web Addresses ...................................................................................v

1 Regulated Articles ....................................................................................................................1

2 Relevant Authorities and Agreements ......................................................................................1

3 Participants and Responsibilities ..............................................................................................2

4 Program Requirements .............................................................................................................5

5 Production Requirements in the Country of Origin ..................................................................8

6 Monitoring, Testing, and Sampling ........................................................................................20

7 Personnel Training Program ...................................................................................................24

8 Non-compliance and Non-conformance .................................................................................25

Appendixes

APPENDIX 1: Example of Corrective Action Request (CAR) Form

APPENDIX 2: Example of Checklist for Certification Audit- Ralstonia Exclusion Program

APPENDIX 3: List of Approved Disinfectants

APPENDIX 4: Procedures to Follow when Ralstonia solanacearum is Detected in an Offshore 

Greenhouse

APPENDIX 5: Testing Methods for the Detection of Ralstonia solanacearum in Irrigation 

Water at Offshore Rs R3bv2 Host Plant Greenhouse Facilities
ii

Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Overview

Effective Date of this Framework Document [Implementation date]

Countries Involved 1) United States

2) NPPO of participating countries where 

Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2

(Rs R3bv2) is known to occur

Commodity(ies) Pelargonium spp., Solanum spp., and 

alternative hosts for propagation originating 

countries where Rs R3bv2 is known to occur

Type of Program Audit-based Offshore Program; annual audit 

(for Production facilities) or tri-annual audit 

(for Elite facilities) schedule 

Regulated Pests of Concern Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 

Mitigation Measures 1) Systems approach

2) Pest free places of production 

3) Molecular testing

Other Special Considerations 7 CFR, Part 331 Possession, Use, and Transfer 

of Select Agents and Toxins

Date of Next Framework Review On or before five years from effective date 

Date of Last Update 2007

This framework document details the minimum phytosanitary measures required for the USDA 

Ralstonia Exclusion Program (REP). The REP intends to mitigate risks of importing propagative 

plant material that can host select agent Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 (Rs R3bv2) into 

the continental United States from countries where Rs R3bv2 is known to occur. The minimum 

phytosanitary measures include, but are not limited to, protocols for commodity production, 

packing, safeguarding, diagnostic testing, treatment, export certification, and shipping the United 

States. Commodities regulated for this select agent are eligible for import when program 

participants comply with this framework and with an operational work plan (OWP) signed with 

the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the country of origin. OWP agreements 

with each NPPO may describe in greater detail what mitigation measures are needed at specific 

production sites to meet REP program standards. 

The select agent Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 (Rs R3bv2) (7 CFR 331.3) is a 

damaging pathogen of important agricultural commodities such as tomatoes, potatoes, and 

eggplants. In production greenhouses, spread of this pathogen can occur through transplanting 

infected plants, pinching buds off plants without sanitizing, using contaminated tools between 

cuttings, and irrigating with sub-irrigation or ebb-and-flow systems. Growing plants in certified 
iii

greenhouses under a systems approach can effectively mitigate most of the pest risk associated 

with these practices. 

In 2005, APHIS amended the regulations by establishing a certification program for articles of 

Pelargonium spp. and Solanum spp. imported from countries where the bacterium Ralstonia 

solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 (Rs R3bv2) is known to occur (70 FR 61351). Importation of 

Rs R3bv2 host commodities are regulated by APHIS to protect American agriculture from the 

introduction of quarantine plant pathogens (7 CFR 319 Subpart H). APHIS implemented the 

Minimum Sanitation Protocol for Offshore Geranium Cutting Production in response to the 

February 2003 introduction of R. solanacearum R3bv2 via imported geranium cuttings, 

provisionally adding the certification program to the regulations with an April 2004 interim rule. 

Last updated in 2007, the program is intended to help prevent introduction of Rs R3bv2 on 

imports of Pelargonium spp. into the United States. In 2016, the United States approved imports 

of tomato plantlets (Solanum lycopersicon) in APHIS approved growing media from Mexico, 

with minimum phytosanitary measures to prevent introduction of Rs R3bv2 per the 2005 rule. 

The REP is a framework that combines the minimum sanitation protocols to exclude Rs R3bv2 

already implemented for imports of host taxa and lays the groundwork for potential imports of 

other alternative host species. 

APHIS policies for Preclearance and Offshore Programs apply to the REP. Program participants 

must meet all requirements of this program as verified by the NPPO of the participating facility 

and APHIS before exporting program material to the United States. Participants must receive 

written approval from APHIS Preclearance and Offshore Programs for any deviations from the 

REP and any associated OWP prior to implementation.

Participation in the REP is mandatory to export hosts of select agent Ralstonia solanacearum

race 3 biovar 2 (Rs R3bv2) to the United States from countries without Ralstonia solanacearum

pest-free status. To enter the United States, program material must meet the following general 

criteria:

• Producers must grow host material in an APHIS-approved greenhouse that is recertified

yearly by APHIS. 

• Producers must grow host material following the requirements of this framework and the 

bilateral operational workplan agreement between the United States and the NPPO of the 

exporting country. 

• Consignments must meet all permit and import requirements as stated in 7 CFR 319 

Subpart H and described in the Plants for Planting Manual and the APHIS Commodity 

Import Requirements (ACIR) online database. 
iv

For additional information, please refer to the Ralstonia Exclusion Program website [NOT 

CURRENLTY AVAILABLE] on the USDA, APHIS website, review the Frequently Asked 

Questions, or contact the program manager. Contact details are listed on the APHIS program 

website.
v 

Definitions, Acronyms, and Web Addresses

Definitions for phytosanitary terms used may be found in ISPM 5, Glossary of Phytosanitary 

Terms (IPPC, 2015); RSPM 5, NAPPO Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms (Revised) (NAPPO, 

2012); RSPM 24, Integrated Pest Risk Management Measures for the Importation of Plants for 

Planting into NAPPO Member Countries (NAPPO, 2005); and ISO 9000:2015 Quality 

management systems-Fundamentals and vocabulary. 

ACIR: Agricultural Commodity Import Requirements. ACIR provides a single source to search 

for and retrieve entry requirements for imported commodities. ACIR information includes lists 

of APHIS-approved facilities and entities, treatment schedules, inspection procedures, and other 

necessary information to determine admissibility, without the need to access multiple manuals. 

ACIR is found at the following web address: https://acir.aphis.usda.gov. 

Additional Declaration: A statement that provides specific additional information on a 

consignment in relation to regulated pests or regulated articles. Importing countries require this 

statement on phytosanitary certificates. 

APHIS: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. 

APHIS-approved Laboratory: A laboratory whose personnel have been trained by APHIS on 

molecular detection methods for Ralstonia solanacearum. These personnel should be tested on 

their proficiency on molecular methods by participating in the Proficiency Testing Program. The 

lab must also have a valid import permit if diagnostic testing occurs in the United States.

Audit: A systematic examination of the organizational structure, infrastructure, procedures, 

processes, records management, and resources used by the place of production in implementing 

the Ralstonia Exclusion Program. 

Broker: An entity that purchases or takes possession of plants for planting from an approved 

place of production for the purpose of exporting those plants without further growing beyond 

maintaining the plants until export. 

Callused Cutting: An unrooted cutting with callus tissue (a mass of large, thin-walled, 

undifferentiated cells that typically form as a precursor to rooting) (see Unrooted Cutting). 

Certificate: A document (e.g., official correspondence) by which an APHIS auditor affirms a 

production site meets Program requirements.
vi 

Commercial Shipment: Goods that are imported for resale purposes or for profit (e.g., cuttings 

to be grown in a nursery for resale as a whole plant): not for personal use. 

Commingled: Consignments in which different commodities (or commodity types) have been 

mixed within individual sampling units (e.g., boxes). 

Commodity: A type of plant, plant product, or other article being moved for trade or other 

purpose. 

Confirmed Detection: An Rs R3bv2 detection can be confirmed using an APHIS-approved 

testing method for Rs R3bv2 following an initial detection for Ralstonia solanacearum (see 

“detection”)

Consignment (or Shipment): A quantity of plants, plant products or other articles being moved 

from one country to another and covered by a single phytosanitary certificate, when required (a 

consignment may be composed of one or more lots or taxa). 

Cooperator: A person or entity responsible for the Cooperative Service Agreement with APHIS.

Corrective Action Request (CAR): A change request form that documents a non-conformance 

with a product or process in the Ralstonia Exclusion Program and requests the recipient to 

identify and remove the root cause of the non-conformity. A corrective action is meant to address 

the cause of a non-conformity and prevent its recurrence.

Country of Origin: The country where the plants, or plants from the plant products were derived 

or grown — or where the non-plant articles were produced.

Crown: see “Root Crown.” 

Detection: An initial detection of Ralstonia solanacearum or Rs R3bv2 using an APHISapproved testing method. For all detections (i.e., anything other than a clearly negative result), 

the facility must send a sample to an NPPO approved laboratory for Rs R3bv2 confirmatory 

testing using an APHIS-approved method (see “unconfirmed detection”) 

Eligible Plant: A plant that meets the prerequisite phytosanitary and programmatic conditions to 

enter the United States. 

ELISA: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ELISA is a biochemical and serological method 

using enzymatic reactions to detect and quantify the amount of a specific substance, such as viral 

proteins/particles, is in a solution.
vii 

Full Systems Audit: A systematic examination of the organizational structure, procedures, 

processes, and resources used by the facility in implementing the Ralstonia Exclusion Program. 

A full systems audit consists of a review of all components of the Minimum Sanitation Protocol 

for Offshore Geranium Cutting Production. 

Greenhouse: The physical location where plants are grown within, under, or sheltered by 

structures providing a modified growing condition or protection from pests and the outdoor 

environment. These structures may include greenhouses, hoop houses, screen houses, shade 

houses, or other structures that are determined by the NPPO of the exporting country to meet the 

minimum operating requirements of the Ralstonia Exclusion Program. 

Hybrid: The offspring of two plants or animals of different species or varieties, such as the 

Zonal Geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) that comes from a cross of P. inguinans and 

P. zonale).

ISPM 31 Methods of Sampling Consignments: Consult ISPM 31 Methods for sampling 

consignments, Table 1, to determine the number of samples to be collected to have a 95% 

confidence of detecting 5 percent disease incidence. The table is located at the following web 

address: https://www.ippc.int/en/publications/83473/. 

NAPPRA: Not authorized pending pest risk analysis. A category of regulations governing the 

importation of plants for planting, commonly known as the Q37 regulations. 

National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO): The official service established by a 

government to discharge the functions specified by the International Plant Protection 

Convention. 

Non-compliance: Activities or products found to be contrary to, or in violation of, APHIS’ 

import regulatory requirements. 

Non-conformance: Activities or products found to be contrary to, or in violation of, the 

Ralstonia Exclusion Program requirements as described in this document. 

PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction. PCR amplifies a specific segment of DNA. 

Program: The Ralstonia Exclusion Program (referred to as the Program or REP) is the 

implementation of the Minimum Sanitation Protocol Offshore Geranium Cutting Production that 

allows for the export of Pelargonium unrooted cuttings or other Ralstonia host material to the 

United States from APHIS-approved Facilities. This document may also refer to commodityspecific sub-programs, such as the Tomato Plantlets in Growing Media Program. 
viii

Phytosanitary Certificate: A document, including electronic versions, that is related to a 

restricted article not more than 15 days prior to shipment of the restricted article from the country 

in which it was grown and that: (1) Is patterned after the model certificate of the International 

Plant Protection Convention, a multilateral convention on plant protection under the authority of 

the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); (2) Is issued by an official 

of a foreign national plant protection organization in one of the five official languages of the 

FAO; (3) Is addressed to the national plant protection organization of the United States (Animal 

and Plant Health Inspection Service); (4) Describes the shipment; (5) Certifies the place of origin 

for all contents of the shipment; (6) Certifies that the shipment has been inspected or tested 

according to appropriate official procedures and is considered free from quarantine pests of the 

United States; (7) Contains any additional declarations required in the Plants for Planting 

Manual; and (8) Certifies that the shipment conforms with the phytosanitary requirements of the 

United States, and is considered eligible for importation pursuant to the laws and regulations of 

the United States. 

Place of Production (or Facility): Any premises or collection of greenhouses operated as a 

single production or farming unit. Specific to the Ralstonia Exclusion Program, a place of 

production or facility is “a contiguous property that is used to produce vegetative cuttings of 

plants for planting.” 

Plant Pest: Any living stage of any of the following that can directly or indirectly injure, cause 

damage to, or cause disease in any plant or plant product: a protozoan, a nonhuman animal, a 

parasitic plant, a bacterium, a fungus, a virus or viroid, an infectious agent or other pathogen, or 

any article like or allied with any of these articles.

Plant Unit: The smallest unit in the inspection unit (e.g., cutting, plant, stem). 

Plants for Planting: Plants intended to remain planted, be planted, or be replanted. The Plants 

for Planting Manual is located at the following web address: 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/plants_for_planting.

pdf. 

PPCDL: Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory. APHIS’s official diagnostics 

laboratory located in Laurel, Maryland.

Producer: A person or entity responsible for a place of production or production site. 
ix

Production Site: A defined portion of a place of production that is managed separately for 

phytosanitary purposes and utilized to produce a commodity. This may include the entire place 

of production or portions of it. Examples of portions of places of production are a defined 

orchard, grove, field, greenhouse, screenhouse, or premises. 

qPCR: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, or quantitative real time PCR. 

Quarantine Pest: A plant pest or noxious weed that is of potential economic importance to the 

United States and not yet present in the United States or present but not widely distributed and 

being officially controlled. 

RPA: Recombinase polymerase amplification.

Regulated Plant Pest Table: The list of U.S. Regulated Plant Pests is found on the APHIS 

website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/importinformation/rppl/RPPL-Table. 

Root Crown: A root crown, also known as the root collar or root neck, is that part of a root 

system from which a stem arises. The area of the root crown is usually located around or at the 

soil level and can be vaguely or clearly apparent. Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 cells 

tend to concentrate in the stem near the root crown of infested plants. 

Rs R3bv2: Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2. For more information about Ralstonia, 

including signs and symptoms, please refer to the APHIS Plant Pest and Disease Programs 

Ralstonia website at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/plant-pest-anddisease-programs/pests-and-diseases. 

Select Agent: A biological agent or toxin that has been determined to have the potential to pose 

a severe threat to public health and safety, to animal and plant health, or to animal or plant 

products. Select Agents are regulated by the Federal Select Agent program.

Suspension: An action taken where the facility is not allowed to ship material under the 

Ralstonia Exclusion Program. A participating Program facility can be suspended if found in 

violation of any condition of the Program and is unable to implement corrective actions in a 

timely manner and maintain the required phytosanitary conditions of entry. The facility will be 

removed from the list of approved Program facilities.
x 

Unrooted Cutting: A section of a plant that is used for propagation without roots. Some 

unrooted cutting may have callus tissue (a mass of large, thin-walled, undifferentiated cells that 

typically form as a precursor to rooting, see Callused cuttings). However, for the REP, unrooted 

cuttings are free of callus tissue, while cuttings with callus are specifically called “callused 

cuttings”. 
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 1 of 28

1 Regulated Articles

1.1 Regulated Pests

1.1.1 Select Agent Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 (Rs R3bv2) as 

designated in 7 CFR 331.3. 

1.2 Regulated Commodities

1.2.1 Host commodities for propagation originating from a country where 

Rs R3bv2 is known to occur unless they originate from an established Rs R3bv2 

pest free area. Host commodities include: 

1.2.1.1 Pelargonium spp. for propagation 

1.2.1.2 Solanum spp. for propagation 

2 Relevant Authorities and Agreements

2.1 Regulations 

2.1.1 Phytosanitary conditions for the import of Program commodities from 

each country are set forth in the United States Code of Federal Regulations 

(CFR), Title 7: Agriculture, Part 319 – Foreign Quarantine Notices, Subpart H – 

Plants for Planting (7 CFR 319.37) and in the Agricultural Commodity Import 

Requirement (ACIR) Online Database.

2.1.2 Articles accompanied by unmanufactured wood articles, or packaging 

materials, including wood packaging material, are subject to the International 

Plant Protection Convention’s International Standards for Phytosanitary 

Measures (ISPM 15) and APHIS’ regulations under 7 CFR, Part 319, Subpart I - 

Logs, Lumber, and other Unmanufactured Wood Products, and Subpart N - 

Packaging Materials. These articles may be subject to port of entry compliance 

verification.

2.1.3 Articles and conveyances are subject to inspection requirements as 

described in 7 CFR Part 330 - Federal Plant Pest Regulations; General; Plant 

Pests; Soil, Stone, And Quarry Products; Garbage and Part 352 - Plant 

Quarantine Safeguard Regulations. 

2.1.4 Articles are subject to port of entry document verification, and may be 

subject to other monitoring, physical inspection, or other actions at U.S ports of 

entry as deemed necessary by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. 

Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S Fish and Wildlife Services, and 

other pertinent Federal regulatory agencies. 
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 2 of 28

2.1.5 Unless otherwise stated, articles must enter through Department of 

Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorized 

ports located in proximity to Plant Protection and Quarantine (APHIS) Plant 

Inspection Stations where articles are subject to document verification and 

physical inspection per APHIS and CBP policies. 

2.1.6 Articles suspected or confirmed to have Select Agent Ralstonia 

solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 are subject to the requirements of 7 CFR, Part 331 

Possession, Use, and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins. These and other 

applicable U.S. Regulations may be accessed at http://www.ecfr.gov. 

2.2 Bilateral Agreements 

2.2.1 Commodities in the Program are subject to the standards of this 

framework and with a bilateral operational work plan (OWP) agreed to by the 

National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the country of origin and the 

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection 

Service (APHIS).

3 Participants and Responsibilities

3.1 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection 

Service (APHIS)

3.1.1 APHIS will sign a bilateral agreement for the Program with the exporting 

NPPO.

3.1.2 APHIS will provide technical and operational guidance to ensure 

phytosanitary security and Program integrity. 

3.1.3 APHIS will conduct the initial full-systems facility audit and subsequent, 

mandatory, annual recertification audits of the registered greenhouse production 

sites with the NPPO.

3.1.4 APHIS will issue an Import Permit and provide guidance to the 

Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection 

(CBP) to facilitate the authorized movement of the shipments from the port of 

entry to the importing greenhouse. 

3.1.5 APHIS reserves the right to change and amend this Program framework

and will communicate changes to participants prior to establishing new 

requirements.
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 3 of 28

3.1.6 APHIS-Plant Inspection Stations (PISs) will provide final clearance of the 

consignments at the ports of entry in the United States. Shipments must enter at 

a port of entry with a PIS. 

3.1.7 The PIS clearance process may include review and approval of import 

documents, verification of consignment contents, inspection of conveyance, 

phytosanitary inspection, and molecular diagnostic testing of program 

commodities. Consignments will remain on hold while port inspectors complete 

the clearance process. 

3.1.8 The PIS is responsible for releasing the consignments into U.S. commerce. 

3.2 National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the Exporting Country. 

The NPPO Must: 

3.2.1 Sign a bilateral agreement for the Program with APHIS.

3.2.2 Administer the Program and supervise approved facilities and cooperators 

under this Program. 

3.2.3 Review, approve, certify, and register production facilities participating in 

the Program and assign each facility a registration code or number. 

3.2.4 Provide to APHIS the list of registered facilities that may participate in the 

Program, 30 days prior to the start of each primary export season or when 

requested after an APHIS Stakeholder audit invitation notice. 

3.2.5 Only issue phytosanitary certificates for Program material originating 

from places of production that appear on the APHIS-Approved Facility list for 

the Program in the ACIR online database. 

3.2.6 Monitor Program activities to ensure conformance to this framework and 

related bilateral agreements. (NPPO authorized personnel can complete this 

task.) 

3.2.7 Conduct an audit at each participating facility at least once per calendar

year to verify conformance to the Program. The NPPO may conduct an audit 

concurrently with the APHIS recertification audit.

3.2.8 Review, monitor or conduct plant sample and water testing activities of 

each participating facility a minimum of once per month during the growing and 

shipping season to verify conformance to the Program. (NPPO authorized 

personnel may complete this task.) 
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 4 of 28

3.2.9 Inspect Rs R3bv2 host commodities in the production greenhouse no more 

than 30 days prior to export when issuing phytosanitary certificates. The NPPO 

must only certify plants found free from evidence of quarantine pests and 

disease.

3.2.10 Inspect Rs R3bv2 host commodities scouting and testing records prior to 

export certification at a minimum of every 30 days during the growing and 

export season. The NPPO must only certify plants found free from evidence of 

quarantine pests and disease.

3.2.11Notify APHIS via official communication of any Producer requests for 

changes or deviation from the protocol before implementation. (Examples 

include treatments, disinfectants, initiating the use of recycled water).

3.2.12 Inform APHIS immediately of any Ralstonia solanacaerum detections. 

3.2.13 Immediately suspend export certification for Program material from 

registered places of production or production sites associated with any 

confirmed Rs R3bv2 detection as outlined in Appendix 4. 

3.2.14Retain required records for three years and make them available to APHIS 

upon request. 

3.3 Cooperators 

3.3.1 Cooperators include a person or entity responsible for the Cooperative 

Service Agreement with APHIS.

3.3.2 Per APHIS’ regulations §319.37-22 the cooperator will reimburse APHIS 

for the cost of conducting Program audits or site visits. The cooperator will sign 

a Cooperative Service Agreement and APHIS will establish a trust fund account 

to receive funds. 

3.3.3 Cooperators must retain records related to the Program for three years and 

make them available to APHIS and the NPPO upon request. 

3.4 Producers 

3.4.1 Producers include a person or entity responsible for a place of production 

or production site. 

3.4.2 Producers must follow the Program requirements of this Program and any 

bilateral operational work plan associated with the exported host commodity 

from the exporting country. 
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 5 of 28

3.4.3 Producers must cooperate with the NPPO of the exporting country in their 

administration of the Program. 

3.4.4 Producers must sign a compliance agreement with the NPPO of the 

exporting country, which enforces the bilateral agreement between APHIS and 

the NPPO for the Program. 

3.4.5 Producers must allow APHIS and the NPPO of the exporting country 

access to the facilities used for the production, processing, and export of 

Program material and allow access to all records and documents relating to the 

operations of the Program. 

3.4.6 Producers must submit an official request to APHIS through their NPPO 

to obtain written approval for any deviations from this protocol prior to 

implementation. Examples may include changes to treatments, disinfectants or 

initiating the use of recycled water.

3.4.7 Producers shall inform the NPPO immediately of any Ralstonia 

solanacaerum detections. 

3.4.8 Producers will bear the costs of APHIS personnel supplying support and

oversight to the Program by contributing their cooperator’s trust fund. 

3.4.9 Producers must retain records related to the Program for three years and 

make them available to APHIS and the NPPO upon request. 

4 Program Requirements

4.1 Import Requirements 

4.1.1 Imports of REP material must meet all the permit and import requirements 

stated in 7 CFR 319.37, the Plants for Planting Manual, and the APHIS 

Commodity Import Requirements (ACIR) online database. 

4.1.2 Producers must not comingle (i.e. include in the same box or container) 

REP material with non-REP material. 

4.1.3 Producers may participate in both the REP and the Offshore Greenhouse 

Certification Program (OGCP). However, shipments of OGCP eligible plants 

will become ineligible for the program if mingled with (i.e. included in the same 

shipment) with REP material. 

4.1.4 The phytosanitary certificate must follow the requirements stated in 

Chapter 2 of the Plants for Planting Manual and ACIR; it must include 

NPPO-assigned facility code and any additional requirements noted in ACIR. 
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 6 of 28

4.2 Registered Places of Production 

4.2.1 A place of production may be either a production facility or an elite 

facility and must be approved by the exporting NPPO. 

4.2.2 A production facility produces Rs R3bv2 host commodities for the 

purpose of commercial production and export to the United States. APHIS must 

certify production facilities once a year.

4.2.3 An elite facility produces Rs R3bv2 host commodities for export to the 

United States for non-commercial purposes, such as trials or research. APHIS 

must certify elite facilities every third year unless there are changes in 

production and export practices, or non-conformities or non-compliance warrant 

more frequent audits. 

4.2.4 An elite facility must request reclassification to a production facility 

before sending any commercial shipments to the United States.

4.3 Requirements for Approved Facilities

4.3.1 Process for APHIS-certification of NPPO-approved facilities

4.3.1.1 APHIS must certify all offshore facilities and publish their 

facility information on the ACIR online database Approved Facility 

list before they can export Program material to the United States. 

Certified facility information must include the facility name, physical 

location, contact information, and the NPPO-assigned facility code. 

4.3.1.2 The NPPO of the exporting country must verify that the 

place of production meets the requirements of the Program and agree 

to maintain oversight of the facility under the Program by signing a 

bilateral agreement with APHIS.

4.3.1.3 A facility must submit an official request to APHIS through 

their NPPO to participate in the Program and to request certification 

or recertification.

4.3.1.4 To maintain participation in the Program, APHIS must 

recertify facilities once a year for production facilities or every three 

years for elite facilities. 

4.3.1.5 Minimum standards for certification and recertification are 

in outlined in this document and may include additional standards in 

the NPPO-APHIS bilateral agreement. Refer to Appendix 2 for an 
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 7 of 28

example of an audit checklist used during a certification or 

recertification audit. 

4.3.1.6 The facility must be associated with a Cooperator to 

participate in the Program.

4.3.1.7 The facility must work with a Cooperator to reimburse 

APHIS for the cost of conducting Program audits or site visits. The 

cooperator will sign a Cooperative Service Agreement with APHIS, 

and APHIS will establish a Trust Fund account to collect 

reimbursements.

4.3.1.8 APHIS will provide participants with a budget estimate for 

full reimbursement of costs associated with oversight activities, 

including the inspector’s salary, benefits, and travel. 

4.3.1.9 will deposit funds for the visits into a trust fund established 

with APHIS prior to facility audit and certification activities. Funds 

should be deposited into the trust fund account a minimum of two 

weeks prior to the auditor’s expected travel date.

4.3.2 Initial Certification

4.3.2.1 Participating facilities must be in a country where the 

NPPO of the exporting country has signed a bilateral agreement with 

APHIS for the Program. 

4.3.2.2 When requesting participation on the facility’s behalf, the 

NPPO must verify the facility meets the requirements of the Program, 

provide that information to APHIS, and request APHIS conduct an 

initial certification audit.

4.3.2.3 To verify the facility meets Program requirements, the 

NPPO of the exporting country must ensure that:

4.3.2.3.1 Producers test host plant nursery stock for Ralstonia

solanacearum following guidance in Section 6. All test 

results must be sent to APHIS prior to the initial 

certification audit.

4.3.2.3.2 Producers test water sources at least every 6 months 

for Ralstonia solanacearum prior to the initial certification 

audit (refer to Appendix 5). All test results must be sent to 

APHIS prior to the initial certification audit.
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 8 of 28

4.3.2.3.3 Producers treat growing media in accordance with 

Program requirements. Growing media treatment records 

for the current growing season must be sent to APHIS prior 

to the initial certification audit.

4.3.3 Requirement to use the APHIS’s Core Message Set

4.3.3.1 Facilities participating in the program must submit the 

required import information, producer name and the NPPO-assigned 

facility code using the APHIS’s core message set in all consignments 

from the certified facility. For questions about the APHIS core 

message set, please contact ACE.ITDS@usda.gov. 

5 Production Requirements in the Country of Origin 

5.1 Plant Production Process for Pelargonium Cuttings 

5.1.1 All propagation must begin with plant material that has been tested and 

found free of Rs R3bv2. 

5.1.2 Production practices for hosts of Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 

other than Pelargonium spp. must verify that seed, grafted stock and nucleus, 

increase and production stock are certified and tested to verify freedom from 

Rs R3bv2. 

5.2 Vegetative Cutting Production Process 

5.2.1 Relevant Terms

5.2.1.1 Certified Seed: Seed certified to be free of Rs R3bv2 by an 

accredited certification body.

5.2.1.2 Mother Stock: The propagative source material used to 

populate the Nucleus Block. Mother stock comes from pathogen 

elimination tissue culture or is grown from certified seed to produce 

pathogen free propagative plant material. Mother stock must be tested 

and found free from Rs R3bv2 prior to shipment to the facility (refer 

to 4.1.1 and 6.2.2).

5.2.1.3 Nucleus Block: The first generation (G1) refers to the 

tissue culture or original nuclear plants that have been tested and 

found free of pathogens of concern. Nucleus stock plant blocks are 

subject to periodic renewal.
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5.2.1.4 Increase Block: Generation two (G2) or generation three 

(G3-second increase block) is plant material propagated from G1 or 

G2, respectively, in separate, defined growing zones or increase 

blocks. 

5.2.1.5 Production Block: Generation three (G3) or four (G4)

plant material is propagated from G2 or G3, respectively, in dedicated 

structures or production zones that are separate from increase blocks. 

Production block plant material is destined for delivery to the 

nursery’s customer.

5.2.1.6 Callus Production: Unrooted cuttings harvested for callus 

rooted cuttings are propagated from Generation three (G3) or four 

(G4) plant material in dedicated structures or production zones. 

Callused cuttings are unrooted cuttings grown for seven to 16 days 

after harvest to allow scar tissue formation at the stem cutting base to 

prepare the plant for root development. Callused cuttings exported to 

the United States must not include roots. 

5.2.2 Mandatory Production Requirements

5.2.2.1 Plant production must follow a unidirectional flow of plants 

for planting which starts with nucleus stock, then increase, then 

production. 

5.2.2.2 Producers can use production stock to create mother stock 

if plants undergo the same pathogen elimination and testing process 

used to develop mother stock. Facilities must provide documentation 

confirming the pathogen elimination process and testing process, if 

using production stock to create mother stock. 

5.2.2.3 To safeguard against cross-contamination, Program plant 

material must be grown in a dedicated growing area with physical 

barriers from non-Program plant material. Rs R3bv2 plant taxa 

susceptible to Rs R3bv2 must not be grown in the same greenhouse 

compartment with any other plant genus that is restricted from 

importation into the United States.

5.2.2.4 Facilities must restrict access to nucleus, increase blocks 

and production blocks to personnel following required preventive 

hygiene measures.

5.3 Plant Production Process for Solanum lycopersicon
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5.3.1 Process is described in the Operational Work Plan for the Export of 

Tomato Plantlets (Solanum lycopersicon) in APHIS-Approved Growing Media 

from Mexico. 

5.4 Place of Production Infrastructure 

5.4.1 Producers must grow and pack all host plant material grown for export to 

the United States in a pest exclusionary structure registered with the NPPO of 

the exporting country. 

5.4.2 Producers should observe the environment surrounding the property and 

mitigate possible sources of Rs B3bv2 where possible. For example, slopes of 

local terrain that may allow run-off into the pest-exclusionary area or presence 

of alternative plant hosts for the pathogen. 

5.4.3 A registered place of production (i.e., facility) is a greenhouse or 

collection of greenhouses operated as a single production or farming unit. 

APHIS regulates places of production. 

5.4.4 A registered production site consists of a specific greenhouse within a 

place of production. There can be one or more production sites within a place of 

production. 

5.4.5 The NPPO will regulate production sites in accordance with this protocol. 

Programmatic actions by APHIS following non-conformance or noncompliance found at U.S. ports of entry or in the United States associated with a 

production site will apply to the place of production (i.e., facility). 

5.4.6 Greenhouse and Product Grading Area Infrastructure

5.4.6.1 Program material production should occur in a commercialgrade greenhouse. 

5.4.6.2 Producers must ensure Program material remains contained 

within a pest exclusionary structure until loaded for export. 

5.4.6.3 Required screens and other physical barriers must prevent 

entry of pests into the structure with a designated screen mesh size of 

no more than 3mm x 6mm to address regional pests of quarantine 

concern.

5.4.6.4 Greenhouse construction must prevent seasonal rain or 

flood waters from entering the greenhouse and from contacting plant 

production surfaces and plants. 
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5.4.6.5 A buffer zone composed of gravel or crushed rock on top 

of double layer weed cloth, or of concrete must surround the outer 

perimeter of the greenhouses; the buffer zone layer should be a 

minimum of 2 inches deep. This buffer zone must be at least one 

meter wide, free of plants, grass, weeds, and exposed soil. Surfaces in 

the buffer zone must have canals or have a grade on all sides so that 

water drains away from the greenhouse.

5.4.6.6 There must be no exposed soil or dirt in greenhouses or 

grading areas. Facility floors and walkways must be concrete or 

crushed rock or gravel on top of a double layer weed cloth. Producers 

must replace gravel/crushed rock that has become contaminated with 

soil or plant debris and repair or replace weed cloth that has tears, 

worn spots or edges that expose the ground. Floors must drain 

properly to prevent puddles of water. 

5.4.6.7 Equipment surfaces that regularly encounter stock plants 

(e.g., ends of hoses or watering wands) must be surface disinfected 

before each use and may not touch the floor (refer to Appendix 3).

5.4.6.8 Stock plants must be rooted and grown in APHIS-approved 

growing media (refer to Table 7-1 in the APHIS Plants for Planting 

Manual or ACIR).

5.4.6.9 The bottom of benches for growing stock plants must be 

raised at least 46 cm above the floor surface to prevent contamination 

from splashing water. 

5.4.6.10 Entry to the greenhouse must be through a vestibule with 

closing doors to deter the entry of pests. The vestibule must have two 

separate doors (screens or solid material) that form a distinct enclosed 

environment separating the outdoors from the inside of the 

greenhouse. One door to the vestibule must close before the second 

one is open. The vestibule must be directly next to or provide direct 

access to the sanitation station — an area equipped with wash 

station(s), foot bath(s), and protective clothing (e.g., aprons, lab coats, 

gloves). 

5.4.6.11 Facility personnel must regularly scout the facility itself for 

exposed soil, containment breeches, and other environmental 

concerns. Examples include drainage issues, hoses hung under 
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 12 of 28

irrigation gutters or on the floor, holes in screens, and other signs of 

compromised phytosanitary measures. 

5.4.7 Packinghouse and Cold Room Infrastructure

5.4.7.1 Packing area must be clean and disinfected before use.

5.4.7.2 Packing and loading must take place inside a pest 

exclusionary structure during daylight hours. 

5.4.7.3 Physical barriers must prevent entry of pests or hitchhiker 

insects into the packing area. Examples include a double door system, 

air curtains, screens with a minimum mesh size of 1.2 mm x 1.2 mm 

or transparent plastic strips that hang vertically on the doors. There 

must be no gaps between the wall and floor and between the walls 

and the ceiling. 

5.4.7.4 All packing and shipping containers must be free of debris, 

soil, weeds, and pests. 

5.4.7.5 Packing material must meet import requirements under 

Section 2-23 “Packing and Approved Packing Material” in the APHIS 

Plants for Planting Manual. 

5.4.7.6 If Producers find live plant pests during packing, the 

packing must cease until a phytosanitary corrective action (e.g., 

treatment, re-conditioning of plant material) is implemented that 

guarantees pest control, and that action must be properly documented. 

Finding of a live plant pest should also trigger an assessment of the 

pest exclusionary structure for the packing facility and for the 

production block that sourced the plants to ensure structural integrity 

has not been compromised. This assessment should be documented. 

5.5 Sanitation Standards 

5.5.1 All facility personnel must wear protective clothing and follow the 

sanitation practices described in this Program to mitigate the risk of introducing 

regulated pests into production sites. The facility must strictly enforce sanitation 

practices in greenhouses, cold rooms, and grading facilities. Refer to 

Appendix 3 for a list of APHIS-approved disinfectants for surface, skin, and 

clothing. 
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 13 of 28

5.5.2 The facility must ensure vehicles only enter the facility after their tires are 

cleaned and disinfected. The facility may choose to prohibit them from entering 

entirely.

5.5.3 No food is permitted in or near the greenhouses, cold rooms, or grading 

facilities.

5.5.4 Wash Stations

5.5.4.1 Facilities must have wash stations in greenhouses for use 

by each person entering the greenhouse. All personnel must wash 

exposed body parts that may encounter plant material with soap or 

disinfectant prior to entering the greenhouse. 

5.5.4.2 Personnel must disinfect or change any latex or vinyl 

gloves they use between each use, and between each greenhouse. 

5.5.5 Footwear 

5.5.5.1 Facilities must provide a sanitation area for each person 

entering the greenhouse to ensure their footwear is clean prior to 

entering. Facilities must provide footbaths to disinfect footwear as 

well as tools to brush or rinse footwear free of soil and debris or 

provide footwear to be worn specifically within production zones. 

The bottom surface of the footbath shall be rough in texture to 

facilitate dislodging any debris from the bottom of footwear. This 

may be accomplished by placement of a mat inside the footbath. 

5.5.5.2 The volume of disinfectant used in footbaths must be 

adequate to submerge the soles and lower portions of footwear such 

that they remain wet for the minimum amount of time identified on 

the disinfectant manufacturer label to be effective against Ralstonia 

solanacearum. Facilities must change the footbath disinfectant a 

minimum of twice daily and remove any debris prior to replacement 

of the disinfectant. 

5.5.5.3 The facility must maintain a record log at each footbath of 

disinfectant type and concentration used, and the date, time, and 

signature of the personnel who were responsible for changing the 

footbath(s). 

5.5.5.4 Producers must retain footbath records for three years and 

make them available to APHIS and the NPPO upon request.
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 14 of 28

5.5.6 Protective Clothing

5.5.6.1 All personnel entering greenhouses must wear protective 

clothing to prevent employee clothing worn outside the production 

sites contacting Rs R3bv2 host plants.

5.5.6.2 The facility must provide greenhouse-specific sets of 

protective clothing. 

5.5.6.3 Personnel must only put on protective clothing after leaving 

the sanitation station but prior to entering plant production sites.

5.5.6.4 If personnel wear protective clothing between greenhouses 

within a facility, they must cover the protective clothing with an 

additional layer of protective clothing. 

5.5.6.5 The facility must store protective clothing in a way that 

avoids contact with the floor, and ensures the clothing is free of 

debris, potting media, soil, or plant material. 

5.5.6.6 The facility must replace or wash protective clothing 

weekly. The second set of protective clothing must be stored 

separately from protective clothing worn within greenhouses prior to 

washing. 

5.5.6.7 Personnel Hygiene 

5.5.6.8 All personnel must follow the hygiene and sanitation 

standards in Section 5. 

5.5.6.9 While in the greenhouse facility during production, 

personnel must regularly disinfect their hands and forearms or gloves 

by dipping or spraying with disinfectant after each definable 

production unit (e.g., every 10 plants, pots, or cuttings) and between 

plant varieties.

5.5.7 Tools and Equipment 

5.5.7.1 Facilities must disinfect carts and other such equipment 

each day or between activity changes with an APHIS-approved 

disinfectant (refer to Appendix 3). 

5.5.7.2 Facilities must disinfect all knives, scalpels, scissors, 

cutting collection containers, and other equipment that touch plants 
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after each definable production unit (e.g., every 10 plants, pots, or 

100 cuttings or bag) and between plant varieties and benches. 

5.5.7.3 Facilities must disinfect hose ends that have been in contact 

with greenhouse floors or other potentially hazardous surfaces prior 

to reuse.

5.5.7.4 The volume of disinfectant used to surface disinfect tools 

should be adequate to submerge the entire blade or portions of tools 

that contact the plants. Disinfect for the minimum time identified on 

the manufacturer label to be effective against Ralstonia 

solanacearum. 

5.5.8 Handling of Cuttings and Traceability 

5.5.8.1 The facility must demonstrate trace forward and traceback 

capability to a specified level (i.e., row or bench) at the production 

site. Waterproof labels must accompany each bag of cuttings with 

data to trace the cuttings from the production site to the first U.S.

customer.

5.5.8.2 The facility must harvest cuttings directly into new plastic 

bags or into plastic containers that can be disinfected between each 

use. A use is defined as a harvested bag or definable production unit. 

5.5.8.3 When transferring cuttings to grading or quality control 

facilities, bags or containers of cuttings must not touch any material 

that could expose them to U.S. regulated pests and disease. 

5.5.9 Greenhouse Floors 

5.5.9.1 Greenhouse floors and walkways must be cleaned at least 

weekly to remove debris and weeds. Greenhouse personnel handling 

stock plants should not retrieve plant parts that fall to the floor (e.g.,

cuttings, trimmings). Other workers (or same workers after pruning 

plants or harvesting of cuttings) should remove and dispose of the 

collected debris daily. 

5.5.9.2 Facilities must sanitize greenhouse floors at least annually

before each new Rs R3bv2 host plant production cycle begins. Floors 

must drain properly to prevent standing water and meet all other 

Program requirements. 
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 16 of 28

5.5.9.3 Producers must retain greenhouse cleaning records for 

three years and make them available to APHIS and the NPPO upon 

request.

5.5.10Growing Media 

5.5.10.1 All Program material must be grown in APHIS-approved 

growing media (refer to Table 7-1 in the APHIS Plants for Planting 

Manual).

5.5.10.2 Growing media used for Program material must be stored 

in a manner that prevents contact with the ground, soil, or turf 

surfaces.

5.5.10.3 Growing media may be either new or reused. New and 

reused growing media must treated before each use and between 

plantings by any of the following APHIS-approved methods: 

5.5.10.3.1 Steam pasteurization

5.5.10.3.1.1 Media must reach and 

uniformly hold a minimum temperature 

of 80o Celsius for two hours or 120 

minutes.

5.5.10.3.1.2 A minimum of 10 sensors 

must be used to monitor temperature 

reading during treatment. 

5.5.10.3.1.3 All sensors must reach a 

minimum of 80o Celsius before the twohour (120-minute) treatment begins. If 

any sensor drops below the minimum 

temperature during treatment, extend the 

treatment for the equivalent number of 

minutes or segments when all sensors 

were not maintaining a minimum of 80o 

Celsius. 

5.5.10.3.1.4 Sensors must be placed one 

foot below the surface. At the bottom, 

sensors must be kept in four corners at 

three to -six inches above the bottom. 
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 17 of 28

5.5.10.3.1.5 Sensors must be evenly 

spaced on left, right, and center. 

5.5.10.3.1.6 Sensors must be tested and 

calibrated before use.

5.5.10.3.1.7 Facilities must keep records 

of the time, date, temperature, and 

duration of treatments. Records must 

show the time the lowest temperature 

sensor reaches 80o

 Celsius until 120 

minutes has been completed. 

Temperature readings must be recorded 

at regular intervals between 10 and 30 

minutes.

5.5.10.4 Producers must retain growing media treatment records for 

three years and make them available to APHIS and the NPPO upon 

request.

5.5.10.4.1 Fumigation

5.5.10.4.1.1 If methyl bromide is used, the 

fumigation rate is 3 grams per liter of 

media for 72 hours at 21o Celsius or 

above. 

5.5.10.4.1.2 If metam sodium 3% is used, 

the concentration must be 50 ml per 

five-liter pot or bag, kept covered for 72 

hours. 

5.5.10.4.1.3 Facilities must record the 

time, date, temperature, fumigant 

concentration, and duration of treatment. 

5.5.10.4.1.4 Producers must retain 

fumigation treatment records for three 

years and make them available to APHIS 

and the NPPO upon request. 

5.5.11Plant Containers
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5.5.11.1 Plant containers for all Program material must be 

disinfected prior to use and between callus batches or plantings. 

5.5.11.2 Plant containers may be any of the following: 

5.5.11.2.1 New plastic bags or pots. 

5.5.11.2.2 Recycled plastic pots that have been surface 

disinfected with an APHIS-approved disinfectant 

(Appendix 3). 

5.5.11.2.3 Recycled plastic bags that have been 

sterilized along with reused growing media following 

requirements in section 5.5.11. 

5.5.12Irrigation

5.5.12.1 All irrigation water must be free of Rs R3bv2. The water 

source, storage method, and irrigation system may require water 

treatment for Rs R3bv2. 

5.5.12.1.1 Potable municipal water or water collected 

from sealed deep wells does not require treatment if the 

water is used immediately or is stored in tanks that 

cannot be contaminated by soil or plant material/debris.

5.5.12.1.2 Water from unsealed wells, rainwater 

collection systems, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, or any 

other type of open body of water, as well as recycled or 

recirculated water, requires treatment for Rs R3bv2 

using an APHIS-approved treatment method (refer to

5.5.13.7). 

5.5.12.2 Facilities must not irrigate plants using ebb and flow, 

overhead, or flood irrigation systems. 

5.5.12.3 Irrigation systems must prevent emitters from contacting 

growing media or must include emitter backflow devices to prevent 

contamination of the watering system. 

5.5.12.4 Facilities must hang watering hoses on a hook to prevent 

contact with the floor, greenhouse benches, or other potential 

contaminated surfaces. The last four feet or 1.2 meters of watering

hoses as well as any other hand-watering tools must be treated with a 
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 19 of 28

surface disinfectant (refer to Appendix 3) if they touch the floor, plant 

material, or growing media. 

5.5.12.5 Facilities must keep records of routine maintenance, any 

maintenance issues, and breaches that occur in any part of the 

irrigation system. Records must include the date, exact location, 

remedial measures taken, and tests performed to ensure the irrigation 

system remains free of pathogens. 

5.5.12.6 To treat water, facilities must have a minimum of two 

independent water treatment systems: a primary system and a 

secondary back up system. 

5.5.12.7 Each water treatment system must consist of both a 

filtration system and a purification system.

5.5.12.7.1 Filtration systems must be either reed-bed 

filtration, slow sand filtration, or ultra-filtration. 

5.5.12.7.2 Purification systems must be one of the 

following and must be monitored at regular intervals to 

ensure the system is functioning as required: 

5.5.12.7.2.1 Ozonation (0.4 ppm residual 

ozone for a minimum of four minutes). 

5.5.12.7.2.2 Ultraviolet irradiation: 

300J/m2 of UV light at 254 nm with at 

least 50% light transmission.

5.5.12.7.2.3 Peroxygen products: a 

minimum residual level of four mg per 

liter of peracetic acid for two minutes by 

injecting irrigation water during 

pumping at 15-35 m3

 per hour with a 

commercial formulation of 50-100 

ml/m3 of peracetic acid. 

5.5.12.7.2.4 Chlorine dioxide: Dosage of 

0.1 mg per liter of residual chlorine 

dioxide sustained for a two-minute 

minimum reaction time. This may be 

achieved by injecting irrigation water 
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 20 of 28

with 5 mg per liter using a chlorine 

dioxide generator. 

5.5.12.7.2.5 Ultra filtration: ultra filtration 

based on particle size.

5.5.12.8 Facilities must maintain records verifying purification 

methods listed in Section 5.5 are operating within desired parameters 

(i.e., chlorine injections levels within required dosage, UV intensity 

maintained at required level).

5.5.12.9 Producers must retain irrigation and water purification 

maintenance records for three years and make them available to 

APHIS and the NPPO upon request. 

6 Monitoring, Testing, and Sampling 

6.1 Pest and Pathogen Monitoring 

6.1.1 Each facility must have a written pest management plan that covers 

Program standards as well as the following elements: 

6.1.1.1 Identification of a designated facility pest manager.

6.1.1.2 Monthly structural inspection procedures to ensure 

compliance with minimum facility standards (e.g., integrity of insect 

screening).

6.1.1.3 Procedures for the inspection for incoming plant material 

before the plant material enters the production site. 

6.1.1.4 Pest monitoring and control program procedures

appropriate for the Program commodity and country of origin and to 

mitigate against the introduction of pathogen-carrying insects, 

mollusks, pathogens, and any other pest of concern. 

6.1.1.5 Procedures for plant scouting, removal, and disposal of 

infested or infected plants. For known pests and pathogens, schedule 

scouting according to predicted emergence dates and or key life cycle 

events. Schedule scouting at intervals that are frequent enough to 

prevent or manage outbreaks. Indicate percentage of plants inspected 

per greenhouse. All culled plants should be tested for Rs R3bv2 (refer 

to Section 4.1).
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 21 of 28

6.1.1.6 Traceability mechanisms to facilitate targeting, port of 

entry clearance, traceback and trace forward in the event of 

noncompliance. 

6.1.1.7 Procedures for the shipping inspection for outgoing plant 

material.

6.1.1.8 Description of the procedures, documentation, and 

corrective actions if a non-regulated pest or a regulated pest is 

detected during the inspection of incoming plant material, during 

plant production, or in the shipping inspection, grading, or packaging 

of cuttings. Include the procedure to identify and report pests. 

6.1.1.9 Procedures to control approved personnel and authorized 

visitor access to the facility. Facilities must maintain lists of approved 

personnel. 

6.1.1.10 Procedures for document control. The facility must 

maintain records of pest monitoring and management activities for 

three years and make them available to APHIS and the NPPO upon 

request. 

6.2 Plant Testing

6.2.1 Ralstonia solanacearum Testing

6.2.1.1 APHIS-approved types of diagnostic testing for Ralstonia 

solanacearum are subject to change based on new information as it 

becomes available.

6.2.1.2 Personnel conducting the tests should be trained in the 

method being used and training records should be maintained by the 

facility.

6.2.1.3 APHIS-approved testing techniques for routine sampling 

(see 6.2.4) are PCR, qPCR, RPA, ELISA and lateral flow or strip 

serological test kits designed to detect R. solanacearum or Rs R3bv2. 

Facilities must maintain records of the name of the manufacturer, 

expiration date, and analytical sensitivity for tests other than PCR, 

qPCR or RPA. 

6.2.1.4 APHIS-approved testing for symptomatic plant samples 

(see 6.2.3.2) is PCR, qPCR, or RPA. 
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 22 of 28

6.2.1.5 The testing procedure, as well as the storage of reagents 

and kit components, should follow the manufacturer’s instructions 

provided with each test kit. However, tissue samples must be taken 

from the lowest part of the stem that is above the soil even if the 

manufacturers’ instructions state that leaves are acceptable.

6.2.1.6 When plant testing detects Ralstonia solanacearum, 

Rs R3bv2, or is not clearly negative, send the sample to an NPPOapproved laboratory for confirmatory testing.

6.2.1.7 The facility must maintain records of disease testing results 

for three years and make them available to APHIS or the NPPO upon 

request. 

6.2.1.8 Testing must be conducted weekly, with samples collected 

in accordance with ISPM 31 Methods of sampling consignments

(refer to Table 6-1). All symptomatic culls must be tested in addition 

to plants selected for weekly sampling. Personnel conducting testing 

should not include symptomatic culls in the weekly plant sample 

numbers collected for monitoring. 

Table 6-1. Minimum Sample Sizes for Testing by Lot Size

Number of individual

plants (lot size)

Number of plants to

randomly sample

1,000 57

2,000 58

3,000 58

4,000 58

5,000 59

6,000+ 59

200,000+ 59

Minimum sample sizes for disease detection at a 95% confidence level in different 

population sizes (i.e., lot sizes) given a 5% disease incidence for the population. 

Sampling sizes were calculated using a hypergeometric distribution. Source: ISPM No. 31 

(2008) Methodologies for sampling of consignments. 

6.2.1.9 Minimum sample size numbers are subject to change as 

new information regarding Ralstonia detection become available.
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 23 of 28

6.2.2 Mother Stock Testing 

6.2.2.1 All plant material used for Program material production 

must be found free of Ralstonia solanacearum prior to introduction 

into an APHIS-approved place of production. 

6.2.2.2 APHIS-approved testing for mother stock plant samples is 

PCR, qPCR, or RPA. 

6.2.2.3 Places of production must maintain records verifying 

mother stock (G1 or earlier) plants are free from Rs R3bv2. Places of 

production should maintain documentation verifying imported mother 

stock, grafted stock or seed was tested and found free from Rs R3bv2 

prior to shipment to the facility.

6.2.3 Scouting and Testing of Symptomatic Plants 

6.2.3.1 Places of production must scout plants weekly for signs of 

wilt.

6.2.3.2 Places of production must test all suspect or symptomatic 

plants using PCR in addition to the representative sample tested in 

4.1.4. Plant samples must be from whole plants at the lowest part of 

the plant above the soil (also known as the “root crown”). 

Symptomatic plants should be destructively sampled. 

6.2.3.3 All plants that are discarded for any reason (except when 

all plants in a greenhouse are destroyed at the end of the production 

season) must be tested for Ralstonia solanacearum prior to 

destruction. All testing results must be shared with the NPPO and 

made available to APHIS upon request. 

6.2.4 Routine Sampling 

6.2.4.1 Places of production must test a representative sample of 

plants for Ralstonia solanacearum or Rs R3bv2 weekly during the 

growing season (refer to Table 6-1, section 6.2.1.8).

6.2.4.2 APHIS or the NPPO of the exporting country may require 

NPPO officials to supervise or execute the weekly sampling and 

testing.

6.2.4.3 The weekly representative sample must:
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 24 of 28

6.2.4.3.1 Be a stratified random sample of plants from 

across all greenhouses in the place of production (see 

ISPM 32, section 3.1.3.3 Stratified sampling). 

Producers must do this representative sample in 

addition to any suspect or symptomatic plants found 

during routine scouting (see 6.1.1.5). 

6.2.4.3.2 Include sufficient plant samples to provide a 

95% confidence in detecting a 5% disease incidence 

within the production facility. The maximum number of 

samples that will need to be collected and tested per 

week for any lot size is 59 plants, per ISPM 31 Methods 

for sampling consignments (see Table 6-1, section 

6.2.1.8).

6.2.4.3.3 Be composed of plant stem tissue collected 

from the lowest part of the plant just above the soil line, 

often referred to as the root crown. Rs R3bv2 infections 

concentrate in the lowest part of the stem making leaf 

and partial stem samples ineffective for testing of nonsymptomatic plants. 

6.3 Water Testing

6.3.1 The water source and treated irrigation water must be tested every six 

months and prior to the beginning of each new plant production cycle using the 

APHIS-approved testing protocols to ensure freedom from Ralstonia 

solanacearum. (Refer to Appendix 5).

6.3.2 Facilities shall inform the NPPO of the exporting country immediately of 

any Ralstonia solanacearum or Rs R3bv2 detection while performing Program 

activities.

7 Personnel Training Program 

7.1 Training Process 

7.1.1 At least annually, personnel must take training provided by the Producer 

in proper practices required to prevent Rs R3bv2 and other regulated pests from 

entering the facility and becoming established. 

7.1.2 The facility should limit access to production sites to personnel certified 

by the training. 
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 25 of 28

7.1.3 The Producer must designate a training manager who is responsible for 

training all personnel in the following: 

7.1.3.1 Proper greenhouse and packinghouse practices. 

7.1.3.2 Recognizing signs and symptoms of Rs R3bv2 infection. 

7.1.3.3 Understanding how Rs R3bv2 can spread from insufficient 

sanitation and production practices inside the facility. 

7.1.3.4 Understanding how Rs R3bv2 can spread from plants 

outside the facility commonly found in workers’ yards or environs. 

7.1.3.5 Required sanitary and hygiene practices to prevent pest and 

disease transmission. 

7.1.3.6 As applicable, proper sample collection and testing to meet 

mandatory routine testing requirements. 

7.1.4 The training manager must keep records of formal training events, training 

dates, personnel attendance, and a list of personnel certified by the training. 

8 Non-compliance and Non-conformance

8.1 Non-compliance

8.1.1 Any Rs or Rs R3bv2 detection at a U.S. port of entry from any

consignment originating from a participating facility will result in the following 

immediate actions:

8.1.1.1 APHIS will issue an Emergency Action Notification 

(EAN). 

8.1.1.2 Shipment will be reexported or destroyed. 

8.1.1.3 The facility must stop shipment on the export of Rs R3bv2 

host plants from the production site (i.e., greenhouse) associated with 

the detection while awaiting confirmatory test results for Rs R3bv2 

from an NPPO-approved laboratory. 

8.1.1.4 Facility will be suspended following an Rs R3bv2 

confirmation report from an NPPO-approved laboratory. 

8.1.1.5 APHIS will inform the NPPO and Producer of the 

detection, providing barcode information for the affected variety(ies) 

to enable traceback to the originating greenhouse. 
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 26 of 28

8.1.1.6 The NPPO and Producer must investigate the originating 

greenhouse, including a review of growing practices within the area 

and increased scouting, sampling, and testing of plant material within 

the greenhouse’s water source.

8.1.1.7 APHIS will require trace forward information for the 

variety(ies) in the composite sample associated with the detection. 

8.1.1.8 APHIS may increase PIS testing of shipments from the 

associated facility until the investigation is complete.

8.1.1.9 Before reinstatement of a suspended facility, APHIS will 

communicate with the NPPO of the exporting country and offshore 

facility to discuss and agree on mitigation actions to reduce the risk of 

future Rs or Rs R3bv2 detections.

8.1.2 Any Rs or Rs R3bv2 detection associated with a participating facility 

found after consignments enter U.S. commerce will result in the following 

immediate actions:

8.1.2.1 The U.S. Producer notifies the State Department of 

Agriculture or APHIS they have detected Rs or Rs R3bv2. 

8.1.2.2 APHIS will follow the New Pest Response Guidelines and 

notify State counterparts the results of confirmatory testing. 

8.1.2.3 APHIS notifies the Offshore Producer by email of an Rs or 

Rs R3bv2 detection in the United States and provides traceback 

information and any results from confirmatory testing when available. 

8.1.2.4 APHIS notifies the NPPO through official communication 

after determining the place of production and country of origin of 

associated plants. 

8.1.2.5 APHIS will require trace forward information for the 

variety(ies) associated with the detection. 

8.1.2.6 The associated offshore facility will be suspended

following receipt of a Rs R3bv2 confirmed detection report from an 

NPPO-approved lab. 

8.1.2.7 The NPPO and Producer will investigate the originating 

greenhouse, including a review of growing practices within the area 
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 27 of 28

and increased scouting, sampling, and testing of plant material within 

and the greenhouse’s water source. 

8.1.2.8 Before reinstatement of a suspended facility, APHIS will 

communicate with the NPPO of the exporting country and offshore 

facility to discuss and agree on mitigation actions to reduce the risk of 

future pest interceptions. 

8.2 Non-conformance

8.2.1 Offshore facilities that do not conform with the Program’s framework may 

not be certified/re-certified to participate in the Program. Examples of nonconformance include, but are not limited to, using an incorrect growing media 

treatment method or rate, insufficient sampling and testing Rs R3bv2 host plants 

or water sources, and inadequate or non-existent buffer zones. All nonconformities must be resolved and verified prior to any certification or 

recertification visit. 

8.2.2 If Ralstonia solanacearum or Rs R3bv2 is detected at an offshore facility: 

8.2.2.1 The facility must stop shipment on the export of Rs R3bv2 

host plants from the production site (i.e., greenhouse) associated with 

the detection while awaiting confirmatory test results for Rs R3bv2 

from an NPPO-approved laboratory. 

8.2.2.2 Facility will be suspended following an Rs R3bv2 

confirmation report from an NPPO-approved laboratory. 

8.2.2.3 Before reinstatement, APHIS will communicate with the 

NPPO of the exporting country and offshore facility to discuss and 

agree on mitigation actions to reduce the risk of future pest 

interceptions. 

8.2.2.4 A detection in the export season following a recertification 

will result in immediate suspension from the Program for the rest of 

the shipping season until the next mandatory annual recertification 

audit. 

8.2.2.5 Two detections within five years of a recertification results 

in suspension of the Place of Production in the Program until further 

notice.

8.2.2.6 Refer to Appendix 4 for detailed procedures following an 

Rs R3bv2 detection in an offshore place of production prior to export. 
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Page 28 of 28

8.3 Oversight and Suspension 

8.3.1 APHIS program Oversight and Suspension reserves the right to suspend 

the facility from the Program (i.e., stop shipment of all exports to the United 

States) based on non-compliance or non-conformance failures.
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Appendix 1 Page | 1 

APPENDIX 1:EXAMPLE OF CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUEST (CAR)

FORM

CAR Number: _______________________

Program: Facility Name:

Audit Type: Facility Code/Number:

Audit Date: Address:

Country:

Auditor: Facility Representative:

Name: Name:

Phone: Phone:

Email: Email:

Step 1: DESCRIPTION of NON-CONFORMANCE AND OBSERVATIONS

Non-conformance Type: □ Critical □ Major □ Minor

Description:

Reference to Operational Work Plan/Framework:

Date of CAR:

APHIS Signature: Date:

NPPO Signature: Date:

Facility Representative Signature: Date:
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Appendix 1 Page | 2 

STEP 2: DESCRIPTION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION

Please submit proposal for corrective action within 7 business days of this form.

Immediate Corrective Action Description:

Proposed Completion Date:

Long-Term Corrective Action Description:

Proposed Completion Date:

Facility Representative Signature:

Date Submitted:

NPPO Signature: 

Date Reviewed:

APHIS Signature:

Date Received:
USDA-APHIS Ralstonia Exclusion Program Framework Appendix 1 Page | 3 

STEP 3: VERIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION

Note: APHIS will not certify/approve the facility until all corrective actions are closed.

Immediate Corrective Action:

Corrective Action Documentation: □ Acceptable □ Not Acceptable □ N/A

Corrective Action is Acceptable: □ Yes □ No

Follow-up Visit Required: □ Yes □ No

Comments:

Long-Term Corrective Action:

Corrective Action Documentation: □ Acceptable □ Not Acceptable □ N/A

Corrective Action is Acceptable: □ Yes □ No

Follow-up Visit Required: □ Yes □ No

Comments:

CAR Closed: □ Yes □ No

APHIS Signature:

Date Closed:
Appendix 2 Page | 1 

APPENDIX 2:EXAMPLE OF CHECKLIST FOR CERTIFICATION 

AUDIT- RALSTONIA EXCLUSION PROGRAM

1. FACILITY INFORMATION

Facility Name Date of 

Inspection 

Country

Name & Address of Company (as shown on Phytosanitary Certificate used for CBP Consignment Clearance)

Is facility listed in the online ACIR list at the time of this 

audit?

Finance Officer Email (at parent company headquarters)

Physical Address of Inspected Site

GPS Coordinates of Inspected Site 

Certified Facility Code

Facility Manager Name: 

Email: Phone: 

Trust Fund Manager (at 

company) Name:

Email: Phone:

Total Facility Area

(all crops) Pelargonium Area

Copy of facility map with total 

number of employees and 

layout of facility/greenhouses 

provided?

Pelargonium No. of Greenhouses 

Total No. of Greenhouses

(all crops) No. Pelargonium at Facility

Total No. of Plants at Facility 

(all crops) Greenhouses audited today (GH #) 

Total No. of employees

(peak season)

Greenhouses audited during last 

inspection (GH #)

U.S. Importer(s)

Exporting Pelargonium cuttings to the following countries:
Appendix 2 Page | 2 

Dates of shipping season 

Dates of peak season 

What day(s) does the facility harvest/prepare cuttings for shipment? 

 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

What day(s) of operation does the facility ship material to the US? 

 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

Where does the facility source their nuclear stock/seed? (Provide facility name and physical address) 

Primary means of shipment Land Air Sea 

2. PLACE OF PRODUCTION INFRASTRUCTURE

Entry to the main facility is secure and excludes any external source of Ralstonia 

solanacearum from entering the facility?

Trucks entering the facility have tires cleaned and disinfected before entry into the 

production site OR are excluded from the production site?

Disinfected Excluded

All Pelargonium are located within an enclosed greenhouse during all stages of growth?

There is complete separation between greenhouses?

Employees work exclusively in a block greenhouse during a single workday?

Plants are grown in a greenhouse unit that is used solely for Pelargonium grown in 

conformance to USDA standards?

3. GREENHOUSE BUFFER ZONE

Sanitation Buffer zone free of grass, weeds, dicotyledonous plants, and exposed 

soil?

Size There is at least a one-meter buffer zone around the entire greenhouse?

Slope

Buffer zone is sloped away from the greenhouse or has canals to prevent 

water from entering the greenhouse? 

Greenhouse construction is designed to prevent seasonal rain or flood 

waters from entering the greenhouse? 

Composition

Gravel Crushed Rock Concrete Weed Cloth 

Other:

4. GREENHOUSE CONSTRUCTION

Material

Top Glass Polycarbonate Polyethylene 

Other:

Sides Glass Polycarbonate Polyethylene Screen 

Other:

Describe condition or screen size (optional)
Appendix 2 Page | 3 

All vents and openings in greenhouse are covered with screening to 

prevent the entry of quarantine pests?

5. ENTRY AND SANITATION STATION

Entry

Single entrance into the greenhouse?

Direct access to vestibule with wash station?

Vestibule area with closing double-door system?

Entry to production site restricted to authorized personnel?

Personal items stored before entry to greenhouse?

Footbath

There is a footbath with rough bottom surface prior to entering the 

greenhouse? 

Disinfectant/ 

concentration: 

Volume covers soles and lower portions of footwear?

Disinfectant is changed at least twice daily?

If no, explain:

Time and date of disinfectant change is recorded/logged?

Wash/

Disinfection 

Stations

There is a sink or disinfection station for handwashing prior to entering 

the production site? 

Disinfectant/ 

concentration:

Sink drains immediately to outside of production site?

Water source for 

sink: (Y or N next 

to selection)

Sealed Well Municipal Other: 

Treatment:

Workers wear latex or vinyl gloves? 

Dressing 

Area

There is a protective clothing dressing area outside the production site?

Protective clothing stored to prevent contact with the floor?

Protective 

Clothing

Protective clothing worn by all personnel on entry to production site?

Types 

(circle)

Washable lab coats Washable or disposable aprons

Washable or disposable aprons over lab coats 

Other:
Appendix 2 Page | 4 

Protective clothing dedicated to each greenhouse and removed before 

exiting?

If lab coats are worn between greenhouses, are they covered with or 

exchanged for an apron at each greenhouse?

If no, explain:

Clothing is maintained free of debris, potting media, soil, or plant 

material?

Protective clothing washed in detergent weekly or replaced weekly in the 

case of disposable aprons? Washed Replaced Disinfected

Other:

6. GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION SITE

Floors and 

Walkways

Floors Gravel Crushed stone Concrete Other:

Walkways Gravel Crushed stone Concrete Other:

Is exposed soil present on floors or walkways?

If yes, describe:

Debris-free? Weed-free? 

Free of longstanding puddles of water? 

If no, describe: 

Floors and walkways are cleaned at least weekly. (i.e., swept, washed, 

brushed)

Describe:

 

If floors and walkways are cleaned daily, is debris removed after or 

during harvesting or pruning?

Floors and walkways sanitized at least annually? How Often?

Disinfectant/ 

concentration: 

Production 

Surfaces

Plants elevated at least 46cm above greenhouse floor? How high?

Can water from the floor come in contact (e.g., splashing, watering) with 

plants or benches?

All hard surfaces (e.g., floors and benches) were sanitized prior to use?

Disinfectant/ 

concentration:

Production surface design and composition ensures drainage?
Appendix 2 Page | 5 

Can irrigation water make pot to pot contact?

Irrigation 

System

Ebb and flow irrigation system present?

Evidence of flood or sub-irrigation system?

Emitters are separate from media in pots? 

Emitters equipped with backflow devices or raised above media?

Does the facility use overhead watering? If yes, describe:

Hose ends (last 1.2 meters) and irrigation nozzles are off greenhouse 

floor or production surface?

If contact is made, hose and watering equipment treated with surface 

disinfectant?

Disinfectant/ 

concentration:

Personal 

Hygiene

Are hands or gloves and forearms disinfected by dipping or spraying with 

approved disinfectant?

Disinfectant/ 

concentration: 

Hands or gloves are disinfected every tray of Pelargonium cuttings or 

definable production unit?

Production Unit 

Food excluded from greenhouse?

Tools and 

Equipment

Carts and collection baskets sprayed with disinfectant after each bag?

Disinfectant/ 

concentration:

Tools for harvesting or processing Pelargonium cuttings (e.g., knives) 

soaked in disinfectant prior to use?

Tools for harvesting (e.g., knives) soaked in disinfectant definable 

production unit?

Production Unit 

Tools for harvesting or processing Pelargonium cuttings (e.g., knives) 

rotated between each stock plant or stock plant container/tray?

If No, answer questions below:

Are tools permanently assigned to a specific bench and appropriately 

rotated and disinfected between plants on that bench?

Are tools appropriately rotated and disinfected between plants in a 

definable production unit?

Production Unit 

What is the total number of knives stored in a container used for 

harvesting?
Appendix 2 Page | 6 

Disinfectant volume adequate to submerge entire blade and portions of 

tools that contact plants? 

Bags/

Containers

Only new plastic bags or disinfected plastic containers are used for 

collection of harvested plants?

Plastic containers are disinfected before being reused?

Disinfectant/ 

concentration:

 

Cuttings

Cuttings placed in plastic bags labeled with non-water-soluble ink? 

Labels accompany each bag/container of cuttings?

Label system allows trace forward through rooting stations or directly 

from farm to first wholesale customer?

Label system allow traceback to the production site where they 

originated?

Cutting containers do not contact soil or other material harboring 

Ralstonia when transferred to grading facilities or cold room?

Grading/

Quality 

Control/

Packing 

facility

Grading / Quality control (circle one) is conducted during harvest at the 

bench?

a.) Is Grading / Quality control (circle one) conducted in the 

greenhouse at an inspection table?

b.) Is Grading / Quality control (circle one) conducted in a separate 

room? 

Grading/Quality control facilities satisfy same conditions as greenhouses with 

respect to:

Wash Stations Hand Washing Footbath

Protective 

Clothing Personal Hygiene Tools 

Handling of 

production stock Floors Production Surfaces

Water Treatment Training Personnel

Table/counter surfaces surface disinfected between bags or containers of 

cuttings processed.

7. GROWING MEDIA

Type

Growing medium is APHIS-approved (e.g., Scoria, Volcanic rock, 

coconut fiber potting mix, describe composition)?

Describe:

If no, describe: 

Safeguarding Is media and/or pots stored on soil/dirt or turf surfaces?
Appendix 2 Page | 7 

Sterilization

Is media sterilized?

Method of treatment (Enter Yes or No for relevant treatments)

Steam: two hours after all ten sensors reach 80 ̊C

Fumigation: Methyl Bromide (3g/liter for 72h @ ≥70 ̊F)

Fumigation: Metam Sodium (e.g., Vapam, 3% (equivalent to 50 ml per 

bag covered for 72 hours)

Is media fumigated on a non-porous surface?

Time, temperature, and duration of treatment at all sensors is 

recorded/logged for growing media treatment? (records maintained for 

three years)

Containers

Select One: Plastic pots Plastic bags 

Are pots/bags new each year?

If no, describe below:

8. WATER TREATMENT

Source

Municipal Deep, Sealed Well

Other:

If “other,” describe and indicate treatment:

If water is stored, is storage such that there is no opportunity for water to 

be contaminated by soil or plant material/debris? 

Facility uses a reed-bed filtration and/or slow sand filtration system?

Filtration system used in combination with one of the following: (Yes or No)

Ozonation (0.4 ppm residual ozone for ≥4 minutes.)

Ultraviolet irradiation (300J/m2 UV @ 254 nm, ≥ 50% 

transmission)

Peroxygen products (residual level ≥ 4mg / liter per acetic acid for 

2 min.) (Achieved at injection 15-35m3/hour with concentration of 

50-100ml/m3 of peracetic acid.)

Chlorine dioxide (residual level ≥ 0.1 mg / liter chlorine dioxide 

for ≥ 2 min.) (Achieved with 5mg/L injection in irrigation water 

with CO2 generator.)

Ultra Filtration (per particle size.)
Appendix 2 Page | 8 

Independent backup water treatment system in place in case primary 

system fails?

Is there a log of any routine inspection, breaches, or maintenance issues in 

the irrigation system kept on site?

Water source is tested at least twice a year to ensure freedom from 

Ralstonia solanacearum?

Log of testing kept on site?

Detailed description of water treatment (use additional pages if necessary):

9. PEST SURVEY AND DETECTION

Testing 

Methods

What testing methods, if any, are used (e.g., ELISA, PCR, approved lateral flow and 

strip serological test kits, microscopy):

Describe:

Tests conducted at approved/certified: 

In-house laboratory: NPPO 

laboratory:

Third party laboratory: Other: 

Tests conducted by, or under the supervision of, the plant protection 

organization of the country of origin or their designee?

Records available for inspection (a minimum of three years)?

Sampling

Are samples collected at a rate consistent with IPPC ISPM 31?

Describe sampling program:

Sampling done prior to first shipment and weekly throughout shipping 

season?

Approved lateral flow and strip serological test conducted correctly?

Which plant tissue is tested for R. solanacearum?

All suspect wilted plants must be sampled with root crown tissue. Pathogen concentrates 

in the lower stem. Testing leaves and partial stem samples is not acceptable.

Plants scouted regularly for signs of wilt and tested as necessary?

Test performed prior to destruction of discarded plants (except when all 

plants destroyed at end of season).
Appendix 2 Page | 9 

Tests conducted by, or performed under the supervision of, plant 

protection organization of the country of origin or their designee?

Records available for inspection? (maintained a minimum of three years)

Production stages sampled: 

Nuclear/Foundatio

n stock (G1) Sampling Rate: 

Increase block (G2 

or G3) Sampling Rate:

Production block 

(G4) Sampling Rate: 

10. TRAINING

Employee 

Training

Number of Employees during peak season?

There is a training program covering proper greenhouse procedures and 

how R. solanacearum spreads?

Description of training:

How often is training provided? (Yes or No)

 Annual Monthly Quarterly Weekly Bi-weekly

Describe:

A list of trained personnel is maintained? (maintained a minimum of 

three years)

List the last date of training conducted:

Access to greenhouses is limited to trained and certified individuals?

Facility maintains record of training of personnel and certifications?

1. SUMMARY, CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUESTS and FOLLOW-UP
Appendix 2 Page | 10 

Observations 

and

Summary

(Attach 

additional 

pages, if 

necessary)

Corrective 

Actions

and

Follow-up

Please list deficiencies noted, recommendations for resolution, corrective actions, and agreement on 

follow up (complete Corrective Action Request (CAR)), if available:

I have reviewed and agreed with the above and will immediately resolve outstanding issues 

detected:

APHIS Inspector: Signature: Email: Date:

NPPO Inspector: Signature: Email: Date:
Appendix 2 Page | 11 

Facility Representative: Signature: Email: Date:
Appendix 3 Page | 1

APPENDIX 3:LIST OF APPROVED DISINFECTANTS

Table A3-1: Examples of APHIS-approved Surface Disinfectants.

1 Any product used for 

disinfection should be approved by the NPPO, labeled for use by the proper authority in the 

country where the facility is located, and must be efficacious against regulated pests. (Last 

Updated August 2022).

Trade Name EPA Reg. No. Active 

Ingredients Use Sites

ANTHIUM DIOXCIDE 5% 

AQUEOUS STABILIZED 

CHLORINE DIOXIDE

9150-2 Chlorine dioxide Boot wash/shoe wash

BIO-FRESH CD 9804-3-65516 Chlorine Greenhouses, hard nonporous surfaces2

COIL & DUCT SPRAY 9804-3-46463 Chlorine Greenhouses, hard nonporous surfaces

ECOTREAT 9804-3-7909 Chlorine Greenhouses, hard nonporous surfaces

ENVIROCON 9804-3 Chlorine dioxide Greenhouses, hard nonporous surfaces

TOTALINE COIL & DUCT 

SPRAY 9804-3-40536 Chlorine Greenhouses, hard nonporous surfaces

ProKure V 87508-3-89334 Sodium chlorite Greenhouses, hard nonporous surfaces

Virkon 39967-137

Potassium peroxymonosulfate and 

sodium chloride

Greenhouses, hard nonporous surfaces, 

vehicles

Zero Tol 70299-1 Hydrogen dioxide 

Greenhouse structures, benches, pots, 

watering systems, evaporative coolers, 

storage rooms, ventilation equipment, 

floors, and other equipment

AFCO 4330 4959-16-833 Iodine Greenhouses, hard nonporous surfaces

BIOSENTRY IODINE 

DISINFECTANT 65020-4 Nonylphenoxypoly

ethoxyethanol Greenhouses, hard nonporous surfaces

1 Disclaimer: Mention of companies or commercial products does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the 

U.S. Department of Agriculture over others not mentioned. USDA neither guarantees nor warrants the standard of 

any product mentioned. Product names are mentioned solely to report factually on available data and to provide 

specific information.

2 Hard nonporous surface examples: flower buckets, floors, walls, coolers, benches, and counter tops.
Appendix 3 Page | 2 

Trade Name EPA Reg. No. Active 

Ingredients Use Sites

CSAN 2339 IDOPHOR 

SANITIZER 4959-16-67829 Iodine Greenhouses, hard nonporous surfaces

OAKITE TRISANITE 4959-16-1020 Iodine Greenhouses, hard nonporous surfaces

SANI DINE 4959-15-64328 Iodine Greenhouses, hard nonporous surfaces, 

shoe/boot wash

WESCODYNE 4959-16-1043 Iodine Greenhouses, hard nonporous surfaces

WEST AGRO ZZZ 

DISINFECTANT 4959-16 Iodine Greenhouses, hard nonporous surfaces

ZEP-I-DINE 4959-16-1270 Iodine Greenhouses, hard nonporous surfaces

Lonza Formulation S-18 6836-77 Quat. Ammonium

Farm, Poultry, Swine, and Mushroom 

Premise Sanitation Veterinary 

Practice/Animal Care/Animal Laboratory 

Disinfection

MAQUAT 128-MT 10324-112 Quat. Ammonium

Outer clothing, field harvesting 

equipment, walls/floors of coolers, flower 

buckets, and greenhouse packing areas

MAQUAT 615-HD 10324-72 Quat. Ammonium Greenhouses, hard nonporous surfaces

MAQUAT 64 MN 10324-113 Quat. ammonium

Florist shops, wholesale florist, shippers, 

greenhouse packing areas, flower 

buckets, floors/walls of coolers, benches, 

and counter tops

Physan 20 55364-5 Quat. Ammonium

Greenhouses, hard surfaces, lawn and turf 

grass, seedlings, cut flowers, decorative 

fountains, pools, birdbaths, and plants

Menno-Florades

Not EPAapproved. Must 

be approved by 

the NPPO.

Benzoic Acid Greenhouses, harvesting equipment

Table A3-2 Example of an APHIS-approved Odor Remover. (Last Updated August 2022). 

Trade Name EPA Reg. No. Active 

Ingredients Use Sites

ProKure G 87508-2-89334 Sodium chlorite Mold and mildew odor remover
Appendix 3 Page | 3

A3.1. List of active ingredients for skin disinfectants recommended by the Centers for Disease 

Control. 

A3.1.1. Any product used for disinfection should be approved by the NPPO, labeled for 

use by the proper authority in the country where the facility is located, and must 

be efficacious against plant pathogens. (Last updated 2007).

A3.1.1.1. Alcohols (>60% ethanol)

A3.1.1.2. Chlorhexidine (0.5%-4% depending on preparation)

A3.1.1.3. Chloroxylenol (0.3%-3.75%)

A3.1.1.4. Iodine and Iodophors (7.5%-10% povidone-iodine)

A3.1.1.5. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

Table A3-3 Examples of specific products labeled for use on skin or clothing in the United 

States. Any product used for disinfection should be approved by the NPPO, labeled for use by 

the proper authority in the country where the facility is located, and must be efficacious against 

plant pathogens. (Last updated 2007).

Product Company

GX-1027 Antimicrobial Soap Galloway Chemical

Hibiclens; Hibistat AstraZeneca

Canker Guard Flo Tech. Inc.

Csan 154 QT Soap Bell Chem Corporation

EcoCare 250, EcoCare 260, EcoCare 350, 

EcoCare 360

Ecolab

AgriCure; Pure & Clean Antibacterial 

Handwash with Germsafe

International Laboratory Technology Corp.

FS Antimicrobial Hand Cleaner; FS E-2 

Sanitizing Hand Soap; Acclaim Antibacterial 

Liquid Hand Soap

ZEP Manufacturing Co.

C-Soap Genesis Technologies
Appendix 4 Page | 1 

APPENDIX 4:PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW WHEN RALSTONIA 

SOLANACEARUM IS DETECTED IN AN OFFSHORE GREENHOUSE

APHIS will adhere to the following standard operating procedures when Ralstonia solanacearum

(Rs) or Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 (Rs R3bv2) is detected at the offshore place of 

production either from symptomatic plants or during routine testing. 

For all detections (i.e., anything other than a clearly negative result), the facility must send a 

sample to an NPPO-approved laboratory for Rs R3bv2 confirmatory testing using an APHISapproved method. 

APHIS reserves the right to modify the protocol and guidelines at any time. APHIS will notify 

the NPPO of the exporting country and Producer of any changes to the protocol. 

A4.1. The Producer: 

A4.1.1. Must notify the NPPO and APHIS of an Rs or Rs R3bv2 detection within three 

working days. Notice to the NPPO must include records from the growing season 

from which the infected plants originated. 

A4.1.2. Must stop shipment on the export of Rs R3bv2 host plants from the production 

site (i.e., greenhouse) while awaiting confirmatory test results for Rs R3bv2 from 

an NPPO-approved laboratory. 

A4.1.3. Is immediately suspended from the Program until further notice from APHIS 

following a confirmed Rs R3bv2 detection report from the NPPO-approved 

laboratory. 

A4.1.4. Must immediately do the following after a confirmed Rs R3bv2 detection: 

A4.1.4.1. Stop shipping all Program material to the United States until further 

notice.

A4.1.4.2. Contact APHIS by email or phone within 24 hours and provide variety and 

greenhouse location information for the tested plant material at the place of 

production (i.e., facility). 

A4.1.4.3. Notify APHIS of any shipments in transit to the United States. 

A4.1.4.3.1. All in-transit shipments will be tested for Rs R3bv2 upon arrival at 

the PIS. The shipment may be allowed entry if there are no Rs R3bv2 

detections.

A4.1.4.4. Supply APHIS consignment data for all shipments from the production 

facility with a confirmed Rs R3bv2 detection to the United States, unless 

otherwise directed. The data should include: 
Appendix 4 Page | 2 

A4.1.4.4.1. traceback information and history of plant movements within each 

place of production and production site; 

A4.1.4.4.2. the shipping date; 

A4.1.4.4.3. consignee name and address; 

A4.1.4.4.4. ultimate consignee name and address if different than consignee 

address; 

A4.1.4.4.5. number of plants for each plant type; 

A4.1.4.4.6. and shipment identification information (i.e., air waybill, bill of 

lading). 

A4.1.5. Must not destroy any Rs R3bv2 host plant material at the place of production 

other than for the use of diagnostic sampling and testing, unless approved by 

APHIS.

A4.1.6. Must conduct an internal audit to determine the source and extent of the Rs R3bv2 

infection at the place of production if cuttings have been exported to the United 

States during the growing season. 

A4.1.7. Must deliver the audit findings report to the NPPO. The audit findings report shall 

include: 

A4.1.7.1. Source or cause of infection. 

A4.1.7.2. Extent of infection through traceback investigation at the place of 

production. 

A4.1.7.3. Deviations from established Program requirements or other gaps 

identified, which may have contributed to the detection of Rs R3bv2. 

A4.1.7.4. Corrective actions identified by the Producer as part of the internal audit 

and planned short-term or long-term solutions.

A4.1.8. Must allow APHIS to participate in the audit and inspections as part of the 

investigation and recertification of the facility, as needed. The place of production 

will fund APHIS’ audit through their Cooperative Service Agreement and Trust 

Fund. 

A4.2. The NPPO:

A4.2.1. Must stop shipment on the export of all Rs R3bv2 host plant consignments from 

the place of production while awaiting the confirmatory results for Rs R3bv2 

from an NPPO-approved laboratory. 

A4.2.2. Must notify APHIS of a confirmed Rs R3bv2 detection report from the 

NPPO-approved laboratory, including the associated facility and varieties: 

A4.2.2.1. immediately if there are shipments in transit from the associated facility, 

or 

A4.2.2.2. within three working days if there are no shipments in transit. 
Appendix 4 Page | 3 

A4.2.3. Must issue an immediate stop on the export of all Rs R3bv2 host plant 

consignments from the place of production upon receipt of a confirmed detection 

of Rs R3bv2 from the NPPO-approved laboratory. 

A4.2.4. Must collect and submit additional samples, in coordination with the producer, to 

APHIS or other approved NPPO laboratory for Rs R3bv2 confirmatory testing. 

A4.2.5. Must evaluate the results of the Producer’s internal traceback investigation. 

A4.2.6. Must conduct independent traceback investigation to identify source and extent of 

infection and provide results to APHIS. 

A4.2.7. May collect independent samples for testing for confirmatory results during the 

investigation. 

A4.2.8. May monitor the destruction of infected plants per APHIS’ request.

A4.2.9. Must provide APHIS with facility records from the growing season from which 

the infected plants originated. 

A4.3. APHIS:

A4.3.1. Will place a “stop shipment” order on the export of Rs R3bv2 host plants from the 

production site (i.e., greenhouse) while awaiting confirmatory test results for 

Rs R3bv2 from an NPPO-approved laboratory. 

A4.3.2. May quarantine the entire place of production if not confident that the infestation 

is confined to the production site. 

A4.3.3. Will suspend the place of production and remove them from the list of approved 

facilities in ACIR upon receipt a confirmed Rs R3bv2 detection report from the 

NPPO-approved laboratory. 

A4.3.4. Will request the NPPO of the exporting country hold destruction of plants at the 

associated place of production until APHIS can review the results of the NPPO 

and Producer internal investigation.

A4.3.5. Will conduct trace forwards on all consignments that entered the United States 

from the associated place of production during the relevant growing season based 

on consignment data provided by the Producer.

A4.3.6. Must audit the place of production to remove the facility suspension and add them 

back to the list of approved facility. APHIS may also audit the place of production 

during the investigation. The place of production will fund APHIS’ audit through 

Cooperative Service Agreement and Trust Funds. 

A4.3.7. Will review the investigative reports provided by the NPPO of the exporting 

country and will use the report in conjunction with the recertification audit to 

determine its recertification decision. 

A4.3.8. Will formally notify the NPPO when the place of production may resume export 

of Rs R3bv2 host material to the United States. 

A4.3.9. Will enforce consequences of additional Rs R3bv2 detections:
Appendix 4 Page | 4 

A4.3.9.1. Additional Rs detections at originating from the place of production may 

result in another investigation with more stringent scouting, sampling, and testing 

requirements.

A4.3.9.2. A confirmed Rs R3bv2 detection in subsequent shipments or in the place 

of production will result in immediate suspension from the REP for the rest of the 

shipping season and until recertification. (Refer to Section 8 for additional 

guidance.) 

A4.3.9.3. Two confirmed Rs R3bv2 detections in shipments or in the place of 

production within five years will result in suspension of the Place of Production 

until further notice. 
Appendix 7 Page | 1 

APPENDIX 5:TESTING METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF 

RALSTONIA SOLANACEARUM IN IRRIGATION WATER AT OFFSHORE 

RS R3BV2 HOST PLANT GREENHOUSE FACILITIES

Participating facilities must test their water source, treated irrigation water, and recycled water 

after treatment for Ralstonia solanacearum at a minimum of every six months. Water samples 

must be sent to an NPPO-approved laboratory. Facilities must use one of the following APHISapproved methods below to test for Ralstonia solanacearum in water:

• A culture-based approach combined with molecular identification, or 

• A filtration-based method coupled with molecular detection. 

Testing irrigation runoff water for Ralstonia solanacearum is not required. If facilities wish to

test runoff water for the presence of Ralstonia solanacearum in their production stock, APHIS 

recommends testing via the following method: heterotrophic bacteria (heterotrophic plate count,* 

see A5.2).

A5.1. Detection Methods for Ralstonia solanacearum in Treated Irrigation Water 

A5.1.1. For the collection of treated irrigation water to detect Ralstonia solanacearum, 

water in holding tanks must be collected using sterile tubes or bottles. 

A5.1.2. The volume of water collected is dependent on the downstream testing method to 

be used (refer to below).

A5.1.3. Duplicate samples must be taken. Samples should be transported in cool, dark 

conditions (4–10°C) and tested within 24 hours. 

A5.1.4. The facilities may choose one of the following methods to test for Ralstonia 

solanacearum in water: 

A5.1.4.1. A culture-based approach combined with molecular identification tests 

(EPPO Bulletin 48, 2018) 

A5.1.4.1.1. Facilities may follow the EPPO Bulletin 48 Standard for testing 

water. Concentrate collected water samples using one of the following 

methods: 

A5.1.4.1.1.1. Centrifugation of 30–50 mL sub-samples and resuspension 

of the pellet.

A5.1.4.1.1.2. Membrane filtration (1 L through a maximum pore size of 

0.45 μm) followed by washing. 

A5.1.4.1.1.3. Perform dilution plating of the concentrated samples on a 

semi-selective SMSA/Sequeira medium. Test for typical colonies using 

real-time PCR or conventional PCR (as specified in the bulletin).
Appendix 7 Page | 2 

A5.1.4.2. A filtration-based method coupled with molecular detection (PPCDL, 

2021) 

A5.1.4.2.1. Facilities may follow the APHIS PPCDL protocol for testing 

water. The Work Instruction for this protocol is found on the APHIS program

website. The protocol may be updated at any time. Facilities are responsible 

for using the most updated version of the water testing protocol found on the 

APHIS website.

A5.1.4.2.2. This method uses a filter funnel system to concentrate Ralstonia 

solanacearum from a 275ml water sample and is coupled with a molecularbased detection (real-time PCR assay). The limit of detection of the entire 

protocol is 1×101 CFU/ml.

A5.2. Recommendation for Testing Ralstonia solanacearum in Run-off Water for Facilities that 

Recycle Water

A5.2.1. Facilities may choose to recycle irrigated runoff water in efforts to reduce 

resources and fertilizer entering the local environment. 

A5.2.2. Run-off water treatment efficacy testing is an effective alternative to testing

specifically for Ralstonia solanacearum. However:

A5.2.2.1. This recommendation does not apply if there are reasons to suspect that 

there is a source of contamination at the greenhouse level. Facilities must report 

Rs R3bv2 detections to the NPPO.

A5.2.2.2. While recommended for monitoring purposes, runoff water treatment 

testing is not included in the Program requirements for biannual water testing.

A5.2.3. To test run-off water treatment efficacy, APHIS recommends testing the treated 

water for heterotrophic bacteria (heterotrophic plate count*). The reduction in

heterotrophic bacteria is an indirect indicator of pathogen removal (if the 

pathogen is present) for effectiveness of the water treatment process.

A5.2.4. The possible presence of inhibitory substances, such as chlorine, must be 

considered when testing the treated water. Chemicals such as chlorine may affect 

heterotrophic plate counts and lead to inaccurate results. Inhibitory substances 

must be neutralized prior to testing. 

Note: Treated run-off water that will be used for irrigation must be tested as described in Section 

6.3. 

*3M Petrifilm is an available product for this test, but APHIS does not endorse this or other 

brands.