Objective: Students should be able to explain the importance of plant quarantine.

The Importance of Plant Quarantine

Alien pests and alien diseases are pests and diseases that do not occur naturally
in a country. Their introduction into a country can cause widespread damage.
With an increase in world trade, much agricultural produce is now exported
and imported. In most countries, strict regulations ensure that only the highest-
quality pest-free produce is exported and that all imported goods are inspected.

The introduction of alien pest species, such as weeds and insects, can cause havoc
to agricultural production in island territories such as the Caribbean. There may
be no natural predators for the pests, so they could spread rapidly and damage
crops. Imported plant material can carry viruses and it would be dangerous if such
material was to be used for plant breeding.
To avoid these problems, plant quarantine centres have been established by the
Ministry of Agriculture at airports and ports and employ qualified personnel
to inspect agricultural products. Each territory in the Caribbean has its own
regulations and operates its own quarantine centres.