APHIS Seeks Comments on the Revised Draft Pest Risk Analysis for Deregulation of Chrysanthemum White Rust and the Importation of Chrysanthemum Plants for Planting

We are advising the public that we are reopening the comment period for the deregulation of chrysanthemum white rust and the importation of chrysanthemum plants for planting.  

 

In April 2023, APHIS proposed in a notice to change the status of chrysanthemum white rust (Puccinia horiana, Henn., CWR) to a non-quarantine pest, both in domestic circumstances within the United States and when detected on imported plants for planting. The notice also proposed revising import requirements for cuttings and in vitro plantlets of Chrysanthemum spp. and synonymous genera.

 

APHIS rewrote the import requirements for chrysanthemum plants for planting based on comments received during the public comment period for the initial notice. These changes were substantive, so we are publishing a revised initial notice for another 30-day public comment period.

 

APHIS also published a related proposed rule for chrysanthemum cut flowers in the Federal Register. Go to www.regulations.gov and enter APHIS-2019-0024 in the search field to view it. The changes proposed in the notice for chrysanthemum plants for planting do not impact the changes proposed in the rule for cut flowers.

 

At the conclusion of this second public comment period, APHIS anticipates publishing the final notice for plants for planting and final rule for cut flowers and greenery to deregulate CWR in tandem.

 

The revised draft pest risk analysis to support the deregulation of CWR and importation of chrysanthemum plants for planting will be available for review and comment until June 26, 2025. To view the assessment or submit comments, go to www.regulations.gov and enter APHIS-2021-0081in the search field.