The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries is urging Jamaicans and visitors to the island to take every precaution when transporting foodstuff and other possessions lest plant pests are inadvertently brought into the country.

“The fact is that globalisation has increased the movement of people and cargo across international borders. Millions of tonnes of freight are imported through our seaports and airports annually, thereby presenting numerous pathways via which invasive pests can be introduced into the island, whether by authorised consignments of fresh fruits, vegetables and plants or unauthorised trade of host material in airline passengers’ baggage, mail or via hitchhikers on vessels,” the ministry said in a statement.

According to the ministry, there are 116 different pests present on Jamaica’s Regulated Pest List which, if introduced into the island, pose a economically significant threat to crops, forestry, the environment, and have negative impact on the unique biodiversity and food security.

The top three priority pests from the regulated pest list are the Mediterranean fruit fly; Tropical Disease Race 4; and Powdery Scab of potato.

Mediterranean fruit fly — Hosts include over 260 different fruits, flowers, vegetables and nuts. Thin-skinned, ripe, succulent fruits are preferred. Host preferences vary in different regions. The major hosts are bell pepper, citrus, coffee, fig, apple, stone fruit, guava, and cocoa. Other hosts include cashew, papaya, plum, and cinnamon.

Tropical Disease Race 4 — All local varieties of banana and plantain are susceptible to this disease. It causes premature yellowing of the oldest leaves, with the plant eventually collapsing and dying.

Powdery Scab of Potato — affects Irish Potato, sweet pepper and tomato.

If established, these pests have the potential to jeopardise Jamaica’s food security, cause excessive economic losses due to loss of export market and the cost of long-term control, the agricuture ministry said.

“If you have seen any of these symptoms and suspect that you have any of these regulated pests on your premises please contact the Plant Quarantine/Produce Inspection Branch of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries at 977-0637 or 977-6401or via email at ppq@micaf.gov.jm,” the ministry urged.

The ministry cauntioned that if one intends to carry plants and plant parts into the island, a plant import permit prior to import should be applied for at www.moatrade.gov.jm or contact the Plant Quarantine/Produce Inspection Branch for assistance.