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Risks, peat moss (quarantine implications)

March 2012. A question from the Seychelles about the use of peat in bags of potatoes for export. What are the quarantine implications:

There were some interesting answers:

• A member thought that it might possibly contain scale insects in the family Ortheziidae
• DAFF, New Zeland mention recent interceptions of nematodes (Cephalobus sp. and Paraphelenchus sp.) in peat/peat moss surrounding bulbs
• Peat moss should not be used unless it is taken at least 1 m below soil level, and inspected to make sure that it does not contain soil as a contaminant

The Australian conditions can be found here:

www.aqis.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_casecontent.asp

For New Zeland see: www.biosecurity.govt.nz/imports/non-organic/standards/bmg-std-sowtr.htm#5

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