APHIS Approves California FRSMP Petition for Burrowing Nematode (Radopholus similis)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) approved the Federally Recognized State Managed Phytosanitary (FRSMP, pronounced “free-stamp”) program petition from California for Radopholus similis, also known as the burrowing nematode. This is APHIS’ third State-managed phytosanitary program recognized in California and the first FRSMP program for this pest.

APHIS established the FRSMP program to promote greater consistency in actions taken against certain plant pests, whether those pests arrive at U.S. ports of entry or are moving interstate. By better harmonizing import and interstate requirements, APHIS strengthens its ability to advocate for safe, fair, and reciprocal treatment of U.S. exports by our trading partners.

For additional information about the FRSMP program go to the APHIS Federally Recognized State Managed Phytosanitary Program web page.

Under International Plant Protection Convention Standards, Radopholus similis is considered to be a pest that is present only in some areas of the United States. APHIS recognizes California’s official control program. APHIS recognition will justify actions ordered by APHIS officials to mitigate the risk when a pest covered under a FRSMP program is moving in foreign commerce and intercepted at a U.S port of entry.