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Gardening

Don't bring plant pests home

(6 Posts)
PamelaJ1 Thu 04-Jul-19 13:25:06

Just watch Nothing to Declare to see what people try and take into Aus.
We need the same sort of vigilance at our airports and other entry points.

Florence123 Thu 04-Jul-19 10:55:22

EllanVannin
You are right of course but slightly missing the point.
Plant pathogens affect only plants and we have lost some of our beloved trees such as the Elm and Ash. Xylella can affect our oak trees and it could affect our garden centres and our plant industry so it is very important to get the word out. Defra are pleading with the public not to bring plants in from abroad, they take this very seriously.

Florence123 Thu 04-Jul-19 10:49:41

You are not bossy it is all about awareness raising and emphasising the need for biosecurity. Keep up the good work!

EllanVannin Wed 03-Jul-19 20:18:18

Humans bring in more diseases from flight travel than plants do.
Look how ordinary illnesses have mutated as well as other weird and wonderful strains of flu that some immune systems can't cope with.

Washerwoman Wed 03-Jul-19 20:03:48

Totally agree.I was given some stachys byzantium by a family friend a couple of years ago.I planted it out and it has really taken off.Only this year, when he admired how well it was doing, did he tell me it was brought back from Croatia when they were on holiday.I was horrified.I assumed it was divided from his garden.He said he often brought back cuttings.I know he watches Gardeners World.So I asked had he not seen Monty Don exhorting gardeners not to be tempted to bring plants in.I probably sounded bossy, but I care.

Florence123 Wed 03-Jul-19 12:04:26

Gardeners and travellers heading off on their holidays need to resist the temptation to return to the UK with any plant material. this is essential if we are to protect our own plants and trees for future generations.
Two current threats to UK's plants are Xylella fastidiosa (decimated olives groves in Italy costing 390 million euros) and Rosa rosette virus damaging roses in USA, Canada and India