Plant Quarantine | Agriculture Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

The term "quarantine" has its origins in the Latin word "quarantina," which translates to "40 days." It was initially a system applied to ships arriving from countries with Vibrio cholerae infections. In India, the Destructive Insects and Pests Act (DIP Act) was established in 1914 to govern quarantine procedures. During this time, the ship's crew and passengers were required to remain onboard for a specific period to allow for infection detection. Health authorities aimed to ensure that the quarantine duration was sufficient.

This term was later extended to encompass preventive measures for eradicating pests and diseases affecting crops and garden produce, moving from its origins in human disease control to the realm of animal and plant diseases.

Governments, both federal and state, have introduced phytosanitary regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful pests and pathogens. Quarantine measures for the protection of plants and plant products were initiated by governments around the turn of the century. This came in response to devastating pest and disease outbreaks that occurred in various parts of the world. These quarantine regulations are now enforced in 125 countries. Exotic pests like Icerya scale insects, San Jose scale insects, potato golden cyst nematodes, and giant African slugs have been introduced into our country, causing significant damage. Infections, in particular, often result in extensive tissue damage, which can then heal and propagate without hindrance.

Importance of plant quarantine

The arrival and establishment of a single foreign insect or disease in a new environment can lead to substantial and lasting damage at the national level. In some cases, the government may need to allocate millions of rupees to effectively manage and control these invasive pests and diseases.

Objectives of plant quarantine

• Novel pathogen strains have been created to manage the proliferation of damaging diseases and pests.
• The implementation of the DIP Act of 1914 and the Plant Quarantine (Import Control to India) Order of 2003 allows for the regulation of imported agricultural goods to prevent the introduction of foreign pests and diseases that could harm India's plant and animal life.
• In compliance with the 1951 International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), plants and plant materials intended for export are monitored to ensure that trade remains free from pests.

Agencies involved in plant quarantine 

The Ministry of Agriculture's Plant Protection, Storage, and Quarantine Bureau is the main authority tasked with enforcing the quarantine regulations outlined in the DIP Act. This bureau is responsible for overseeing the import and export of seeds and seedlings used for commercial purposes, especially those originating from ethnic minority groups.

Inspection procedure in quarantine stations

Visual inspection, X-ray inspection, cleaning inspection, sedimentation inspection, culture inspection, growth inspection, and serological inspection follow these methods:
(a) ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)
(b) DIBA (dot immunobinding assay)
(c) ISEM (Immune Adsorption Electron Microscope)
(d) Latex Agglutination Test, Nucleic Acid Hybridization and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Recovery of infected substances 

When pests, pathogens, or weeds are detected in the imported saplings during quarantine, the staff is obligated to take measures to disinfect and decontaminate the material, making it safe for use in the country. Various methods are employed for salvaging the material, including hot water treatment, X-ray and radiography, fumigation, chemical treatment, and isolated cultivation of chemically treated seeds. These procedures are carried out promptly to prevent any undue delay in utilizing the imported material.

Guidelines for plant quarantine

• A country is considered free of significant pathogens thanks to its effective phytosanitary services. Therefore, when it comes to receiving plant materials from another country, the guidance and treatment will be based on data from that selected country, which is free from major pathogens.
• When untreated seeds are received, there is a potential for seed-borne pathogens to be present, prompting seed pathologists to examine the seeds from the exporting country for pests and diseases to ensure they are healthy and free from such issues.
• It's important to note that having less planting material reduces the risk of infection spread, but it also makes it more challenging to detect and treat any issues. In addition, other precautions, such as the materials used for internal quarantine, are insufficient.
• The responsibility for plant and planting material quarantine processing falls under three agencies:
  • National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in New Delhi.
  • Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun.
  • Botanical Survey of India (BSI) in Calcutta.

Ongoing activities under the scheme

• Quarantine measures and laboratory tests are implemented to ensure that plants and plant materials are free from foreign pests.
• A total of 150 personnel are authorized by the central, state, and union territory governments to carry out phytosanitary certification, which involves issuing phytosanitary certificates (PSC).
• The agency is responsible for conducting post-import certification of quarantine facilities and inspecting imported crops, all aimed at enhancing access to the global market for Indian agricultural products from a phytosanitary perspective.
• The objective is to facilitate safe international trade in agricultural products by supporting producers and exporters with a technically proficient and trustworthy phytosanitary certification system that aligns with the requirements of trading partners.
• Funds are allocated to a designated inspection agency to cover travel expenses, and the issuing government's PC authorities receive support to acquire the necessary equipment for export inspection and certification.

Conclusion 

Health authorities aimed to ensure that the duration of confinement was sufficient. The term "quarantine" is interchangeable with detention and related procedures. Both federal and state governments have established phytosanitary regulations to thwart the infiltration and proliferation of harmful pests and pathogens. The introduction of novel species, including pests and diseases, into the ecosystem can impact human welfare. The Plant Quarantine (PQ) procedure plays a crucial role in eradicating pest infestations. The present execution of quarantine measures is strongly emphasized for pest control and to uphold plant productivity.