The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) announced recently they’ve received reports of “unsolicited” seeds being delivered to residents across the state through the United States Postal Service (USPS).
The seeds reported were identified as tomato and onion seeds and tested negative for harmful compounds. The practice is known as agricultural smuggling. It is the illegal import or export of agricultural products, including plants, animals, food and related goods, without proper authorization or in violation of regulations.
“We urge all residents to be on the lookout for similar packages. These seeds may be invasive to Alabama plants or be harmful to livestock,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. “Our staff is working diligently to keep Alabama’s citizens and agriculture safe.”
The first unsolicited seeds appeared in mailboxes across the United States in 2020. Samples were analyzed for identification and tested for unknown compounds, noxious weed seed and invasive species. No dangerous compounds or noxious weeds were detected.
David Russell, an assistant Alabama Extension professor who specializes in invasive plant management, said these seeds could be plant species that would be invasive to Alabama.
“Alabama’s climate is suitable for a wide range of plant species to establish and grow,” Russell said. “Seed from unsolicited sources like this should never be planted, because some could have invasive potential like cogongrass, kudzu or Chinese privet that aggressively spread.”
Kassie Conner, an Alabama Extension plant pathologist, said the packages could harbor harmful diseases and other plant pathogens.
“Plant pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes, can be transmitted through seed,” Conner said. “They can be inside the seed, on the outside of the seed or be present in the seed lot without obvious damage.”
Report unsolicited seeds received to your county Alabama Cooperative Extension System office.
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