APHIS Reopens Comment Period on Protocols for Deregulating Fields Previously Infested with Pale Cyst Nematode

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reopened the comment period on the protocols for deregulating fields previously infested with pale cyst nematode (PCN). We are reopening the comment period for 30 days to ensure that all persons have the opportunity to comment on the protocols.

PCN—a major pest of potato crops—was discovered in Idaho in 2006. In 2017, APHIS issued an interim rule in 2007 that established a quarantine and restricted the interstate movement of potatoes and other regulated articles from the quarantined areas. The interim rule included a 3-year biosurvey protocol that would allow a previously infested field to be removed from quarantine. In 2009, APHIS published a final rule that included the 3-year biosurvey but did not preclude the use of other protocols for determining when an infested field could be removed from quarantine. APHIS also stated it would continue to solicit stakeholder input as it developed the field removal protocol.

The comment period has been reopened and comments will be accepted through July 26, 2019. Members of the public can submit comments at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2018-0041.