BAKU, Azerbaijan, Dec. 8
By Klavdiya Romakayeva - Trend:
Russia and Uzbekistan agreed to organize negotiations between scientists to discuss methods for detecting viruses and pests in plants and developing the most effective methods for their detection, The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) told Trend.
The service noted that, to date, the import of all plant products from the Fergana region of Uzbekistan is prohibited in Russia. Earlier, the Rosselkhoznadzor imposed a ban on the import of tomatoes and peppers due to the detection of the tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).
A khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium Ev.), a dangerous quarantine object for Russia and the EAEU member states, was identified during the quarantine phytosanitary control of a batch of dried apricots that came from the Fergana region of Uzbekistan. The pest was identified at the larval stage in the amount of two pieces per one koligram of production, which indicates a serious infection of the batch.
The Rosselkhoznadzor held negotiations with the Uzbek side on December 7, during which it indicated its concern about the current situation and reported on the measures taken.
A source in the Rosselkhoznadzor said that the khapra beetle is a polyphagous pest of stocks. Its spread on the territory of the country can cause serious damage to the crop of plant, including grain, products, which subsequently can affect the export potential of Russia.
"At the moment, we expect from the Uzbek side the results of the investigation of all cases of detection of quarantine objects notified by the Rosselkhoznadzor, information on the measures taken, as well as laboratory techniques used to identify viruses and pests," Rosselkhoznadzor said.
According to the information, the department of Uzbekistan will send to the Rosselkhoznadzor protocols of inspections of warehouses where controlled goods were stored, in which the khapra beetle was found.
As for the inclusion of viruses of brown wrinkling of tomato fruits, spotted wilting of tomatoes and pepino mosaic in the Unified List of Quarantine Objects, the Rosselkhoznadzor noted that the service had applied to the EEC (Eurasian Economic Commission) on this matter.
“At the same time, until the viruses are included in this list, a temporary quarantine phytosanitary measure of the Rosselkhoznadzor will be in force - the requirement to ensure the absence of viruses in the seeds, seedlings and fruits of tomato and pepper coming to Russia from all exporting countries. This measure was introduced on July 27 this year,” the service concluded.
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