Plants in hand baggage could introduce pests and diseases to the country, claims the RHS
The RHS and Defra are asking holidaymakers not to buy souvenir plants abroad, saying they could introduce new pests and diseases to the UK.
Millions of plants enter the country legally, bought by tourists. This has led to fears that problem insects and bacterium like Xylella fastidiosa could find their way into our gardens.
Before we go any further, most plants are not banned. There are some restrictions. Check out my post Can you bring plants into the UK from abroad?
A survey by the RHS reveals that more than half (57 per cent) of respondents plan to travel abroad in the next year. Nearly one in ten (nine per cent) consider bringing a plant back with them, equivalent to 2.5 million people.
Importing plants is already subject to some restrictions. These vary depending on the country of travel and plant type. The RHS and Defra urge people to buy plants in the UK instead.
Souvenir plants – Fuchsia gall mite problems
Fuchsia gall mite, rife in the South East, has been attributed to an enthusiast illegally importing cuttings from South America. There are more than 1,000 pests/diseases on the plant health risk register. Xylella is a bacterium which affects more than 350 species. These include lavender, hebe and rosemary. It has been found in Italy, France and Spain.
When it comes to existing restrictions at borders, respondents said:
- UK customs (68 per cent) should be responsible for making people aware
- UK government and governmental departments (59 per cent)
- Travel gateways such as airports, ports, coach and train terminals (51 per cent)
- Travel operators (50 per cent).
As announced in the Tree Health Resilience Strategy, Defra launched the ‘Don’t Risk It’ campaign to raise awareness of the risks of bringing back cut flowers, fruit, vegetables and plant material from holiday destinations.
Leave plants where they are
Sue Biggs, ex-director general of the RHS, said: “For many people, wandering the olive groves of Italy and lavender fields of France are as much a part of the holiday experience as the cities and beaches.
“We’re asking people to leave these beautiful plants where they are for future visitors to enjoy and not to bring them back home with them. This is vital if we are going to win the fight to protect our gardens against the growing threat of pests and diseases.”
Defra chief plant health officer, Nicola Spence, said: “Our inspectors now make more interceptions of harmful organisms than any other EU member state, but we can’t eliminate all risks and we all have a part to play in protecting our plants and trees.
“Through our ‘Don’t Risk It’ campaign, we’ll be asking everyone to enjoy the exotic plants and flowers they see on their holidays – but only bring them back to the UK in their memories and pictures.’’
For more information about pests and diseases and what can be done to strengthen the UK’s biosecurity, visit www.rhs.org.uk.
Read more about tender plants.
