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Don’t bring plant diseases back from holiday

One of the plant stalls, Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal, Madeira
One of the plant stalls, Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal, Madeira

RHS and Dame Helen Mirren’s campaign to halt Xylella

It’s holiday time and for gardeners, the temptation to bring home exotics and seeds from abroad is strong but you could bring deadly plant diseases into the UK.

If you want to know about what you can and can’t bring back to the UK, see my post here.

The RHS wants holidaymakers not to bring back plants. A disease called Xylella fastidiosa is rife in Europe, especially in Italy. More than 11 million olive trees have already fallen victim to it.

The disease can infect more than 500 different plant species. These include garden favourites such as lavender, oleander, rosemary and flowering cherry. If found in the UK, all host plants within 100m would be destroyed. There would be restrictions on the movement of specified plants within a 5km radius for up to five years.

deadly plant diseases
At-risk… olives

Plant diseases – Destruction in Puglia

Dame Helen Mirren has added her voice to the campaign. She said: “I have witnessed first-hand the destruction that Xylella causes in Puglia, Italy – devastating (almost overnight) countless centuries-old olive trees in the businesses and communities that have long relied on them.

“Preventing Xylella’s spread is a priority. It is something that UK holidaymakers can support by simply avoiding bringing plants back from abroad that may be harbouring the bacterium.

“Our gardens and green spaces are vital for people and the planet. A failure to act could mean the landscapes that define us could be irreversibly changed. We desperately need more scientific research and support to ensure we can protect the historic Italian landscape and our British gardens and natural habitats for the future.” 

Gerard Clover, Head of Plant Health at the RHS, added: “While importing plants in personal baggage is already subject to some restrictions we are calling on holidaymakers not to bring plants back from abroad. Instead, purchase them in the UK.

deadly plant diseases
Fuchsia gall mite. Picture; RHS/Andrew Halstead

Plant diseases – Private importations of pests

“Several pests and diseases are already thought to have made their way into our gardens through private importations. These include fuchsia gall mite, and we simply cannot afford for Xylella to follow.”

The initiative follows Defra’s ‘Don’t Risk It’ campaign. This raises awareness of the risks of bringing back plants, cut flowers, fruit and vegetables from holiday destinations.

If you love a certain plant or tree and want to enjoy it in your own garden, buy directly from a UK garden centre or supplier. Source plants responsibly – they will have the necessary checks for pests and diseases.

For more about Xylella and affected plants, see my post here.

Don’t bring plant diseases back from holiday updated 2022

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