Seed Processing

Genebank staff need to be aware of the phytosanitary regulations governing trans-boundary germplasm movement. Germplasm seeds are valuable and should be packed carefully for dispatch. Packing should ensure safety of the seeds and prevent contamination by insects or pathogens during transit. 100 Handbooks for Genebanks No. 8 phytosanitary measures to regulate the entry of plants, plant parts and their products. It is therefore essential to meet the national requirements of the importing country when moving seeds across international boundaries. What are phytosanitary measures? A phytosanitary measure is any legislation, regulation or ( Seed Processing, Seed Cleaning, Stone separator, Combo Cleaner, Grading Machine, Gravity Separator  )

procedure aimed at preventing the introduction or spread of quarantine pests, or limiting the economic impact of regulated non-quarantine pests. These measures are established by the importing country following a pest risk analysis according to international standards. Official documentation required for seed export includes a phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection organization or officially authorized institute of the exporting country, certifying that the shipment meets the phytosanitary regulations of the importing country. Phytosanitary certificates help to ensure that commodities are free of injurious plant pests following inspection in the country of origin by a member of that country’s national plant protection organization. The certifying country usually charges a fee for each certificate. When preparing for seed distribution, observe the following guidelines: • Check the final destination and the latest phytosanitary import ( Seed Processing, Seed Cleaning, Stone separator, Combo Cleaner, Grading Machine, Gravity Separator  )

requirements for the importing country (in many countries, regulations are changed frequently, so this needs to be completed before each shipment—see also ‘post-entry quarantine’ in Chapter 2). • Ensure that the national plant protection organization in the exporting country supplies the appropriate documentation, such as an official phytosanitary certificate, that complies with the requirements of the importing country. • Determine the procedures for obtaining a phytosanitary certificate in the country of export. • Knowledge of the appropriate certifying authorities will ensure success at all stages. Procedure for seed export 1. Prepare a list of accessions that are needed to fulfil the request. 2. Draw the seeds from the genebank as described for in-country distribution. 3. Apply for a phytosanitary certificate, available with the national plant protection organization or designated ( Seed Processing, Seed Cleaning, Stone separator, Combo Cleaner, Grading Machine, Gravity Separator  )

institute. 4. Send the application to the appropriate phytosanitary authority and arrange the necessary treatments and inspections for the issuance of a phytosanitary certificate. 5. Obtain additional declarations for special treatments as required by the importing country. Phytosanitary information for many countries may be found on the official website of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) at www.ippc.int. National IPPC contact persons should be contacted when: • determining the phytosanitary requirements for importation of seed; or • applying for phytosanitary certification for seed export. 101 Manual of Seed Handling 6. When the samples are ready for dispatch, prepare a cover letter and final list of accessions along with passport data, characterization data and other information as described in step 3 above. Any accessions detained at quarantine should be removed from the final list. 7. Ship the seeds to the consignee13 along with the phytosanitary certificate, any other declarations needed, the MTA and the cover letter. 8. Comply with any additional requirements such as obtaining a plant import permit or CITES permit for endangered species (see Annex I) before shipping the seeds. 9. Record the shipment details in the ( Seed Processing, Seed Cleaning, Stone separator, Combo Cleaner, Grading Machine, Gravity Separator  )

distribution data file and update the seed inventory by deducting the weight or number of seeds supplied. If mandatory treatments are prescribed as a phytosanitary measure, or endorsements are required, they should be provided by a government authority exactly as requested. For example, fumigation may be requested, samples may need to be dipped in an insecticide or fungicide, or a hot-water treatment may be required by the importing country. The treatments should be detailed on the phytosanitary certificate along with any other endorsements requested by the importing country. If no treatments are requested, none should be administered since these treatments can mask ( Seed Processing, Seed Cleaning, Stone separator, Combo Cleaner, Grading Machine, Gravity Separator  )

symptoms of seedborne pathogens and interfere with laboratory tests. Pre-treatment prior to entry against the importing country’s specifications could seriously jeopardize the shipment. Where germplasm samples are to be sent to more than one country, it is necessary to obtain a phytosanitary certificate for each destination.