APHIS Implements Molecular Testing at Plant Inspection Stations in New Jersey and Georgia

Starting February 18, 2014, APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine will begin evaluating the use of molecular diagnostics at the plant inspection stations in Linden, New Jersey and Atlanta, Georgia. The diagnostic system, CANARY (Cellular Analysis and Notification of Antigen Risk and Yield) is a B cell-based technology that rapidly identifies low levels of pathogens. Only Pelargonium spp. cuttings that do not arrive from APHIS-approved facilities will be tested for Ralstonia solanacearum.

In addition to normal inspection procedures, PPQ will test one inspectional unit of Pelargonium spp. from non-approved APHIS facilities per day on regular time using the CANARY technology. Importers may expect delays in the clearance process. If a positive sample is detected, then the inspectional unit will be placed on hold until the pathogen can be confirmed as Ralstonia solanacearum R3B2 by the Beltsville, Maryland laboratory.

For more information, please call or write:

Marla Cazier-Mosley, National Operations Director
APHIS-PPQ Field Operations
Telephone: 970-494-7562
E-mail: Marla.J.Cazier-Mosley@aphis.usda.gov