Subject

This directive describes the Swede Midge Certification Program (SMCP). This program outlines the requirements necessary to export and move in domestic trade, host plants of Swede Midge from regulated areas.

NOTE: This directive only covers propagative material produced in approved facilities and does not cover the movement of used equipment. Please see D-02-06: Phytosanitary Requirements to Prevent the Entry and Spread of Swede Midge (Contarinia nasturtii), for further information.

This policy has been updated to clarify certain sections that were unclear and to eliminate repetitions in the wording. No changes have been made to the requirements.

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Table of Contents

• Review
• Endorsement
• Amendment Record
• Distribution
• Introduction
• Scope
• References
• Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms
• 1.0 General Requirements
  • 1.1 Legislative Authority
  • 1.2 Fees
  • 1.3 Regulated Pests
  • 1.4 Regulated Commodities
  • 1.5 Regulated Areas
  • 1.6 Commodities Exempt
• 2.0 Conditions for Movement of Regulated Plants from Regulated Areas to Non-Regulated Areas including Export to the United States and Movement in Domestic Trade
  • 2.1 Exports
  • 2.2 Domestic Movement
• 3.0 General Requirements of the SMCP
  • 3.1 Application for Participation
  • 3.2 Costs
  • 3.3 Pest control manager
  • 3.4 Pest Management Plan
    • 3.4.1 Seed Bed Preparation
    • 3.4.2 Greenhouse Flooring
    • 3.4.3 Pest Exclusion
    • 3.4.4 Transplant Monitoring
    • 3.4.5 Staff Training
    • 3.4.6 Other Required Cultural Controls
    • 3.4.7 Document Control and Record keeping
  • 3.5 Brokers/Shippers/Wholesalers
    • 3.5.1 Brokers In Regulated Areas
    • 3.5.2 Brokers In Non-Regulated Areas
  • 3.6 Initial Quality Evaluation
  • 3.7 CFIA Monitoring
  • 3.8 Non-Compliance
    • 3.8.1 Non-compliance With Respect to the SMCP
       
• 4.0 Appendices
• Appendix 1: Swede Midge Biology
• Appendix 2: Reported Hosts of Swede Midge
• Appendix 3: List of Regulated Countries and Regulated Areas Within Canada For Swede Midge
• Appendix 4: Application for Export Designation in the Swede Midge Certification Program
• Appendix 5: Intensive Inspection Procedures and Rates for Regulated Commodities
• Appendix 6: Application Form to Order Swede Midge Export Certification Labels And the Domestic Movement Certification Stamp
• Appendix 7: Application for Participation in the Pre-Shipment Approval Program
• Appendix 8: Sample layout of Export Label and Domestic Movement Stamp
• Appendix 9: Export Label Document

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Review

This directive will be reviewed every five years unless otherwise needed. The next review date for this directive is July 9, 2013. The contact for this directive is Joanne Rousson. For further information or clarification, please contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Endorsement

Approved by:

Director
Plant Health Division

Amendment Record

Amendments to this directive will be dated and distributed as outlined in the distribution list below.

Distribution

1. Directive mail list (Regions, PHRA, USDA)
2. Provincial Government, Industry (via Regions)
3. National Industry Organizations (determined by Author)
4. Internet

Introduction

In 1996, damage symptoms typical of the swede midge were observed by producers in broccoli crops east of Toronto, Ontario. When no insect larvae were found in relation with these symptoms the damage was mistakenly diagnosed as a nutrient deficiency. The CFIA was first made aware of the presence of swede midge in 2000 by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Following publication of University of Guelph survey results in 2001, a Pest Risk Assessment was conducted by the CFIA and swede midge was determined to be a quarantine pest in Canada. According to recent information on the pest and its current distribution in North America, the status of the insect is currently under review.

Swede midge is of European origin and is widespread in European Union (EU) countries. The midge is a poor flyer and thus the rate of natural spread is relatively slow. The pest can spread with vegetable transplants and with the soil associated with host material. Damage is caused as the larvae feed on the developing vegetative and generative material, destroying the florets in broccoli and cauliflower and causing damage called a "blind" centre. The pest also causes distorted growth including "cabbage topping" or the death of the main shoot and the development of a number of secondary shoots. The Pest Risk Assessment has indicated that harvested produce of affected species is NOT a high risk pathway. Transplants, however, are considered a high risk pathway for this pest and thus this program was developed to provide criteria for the establishment of swede midge-free places of production.

Scope

This directive establishes the requirements for trade in host plants of swede midge, including domestic movement and export trade to the United States. The SMCP is described, including participant requirements and CFIA monitoring. Attachments to the directive describe the biology of the swede midge, regulated areas for SM and techniques for detection of swede midge.

References

References ISPM No. 5. Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms (updated annually)

Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms

Definitions for terms used in the present document can be found in the Plant Health Glossary of Terms.

1.0 General Requirements

1.1 Legislative Authority

Plant Protection Act, S.C. 1990, c. 22
Plant Protection Regulations, SOR/95-212
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice, Canada Gazette, Part I (05/13/2000)

1.2 Fees

The CFIA is charging fees in accordance with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice. For information regarding fees associated with imported product, please contact the Import Service Centres (ISC) at the following phone numbers: Eastern ISC 1-877-493-0468; Central ISC 1-800-835-4486; Western ISC 1-888-732-6222. Anyone requiring other information regarding fees may contact any local CFIA office or visit us at our Fees Notice website.

1.3 Regulated Pests

Swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii)

1.4 Regulated Commodities

All plants for propagation of host species, except seed, but including seedlings and transplants and finished plants. Soil associated with the plants for propagation. A detailed list of reported host species of swede midge regulated by this directive is included in Appendix 2.

1.5 Regulated Areas

Areas infested with swede midge.

Appendix 3 contains a detailed list of regulated countries and regulated areas within Canada for swede midge. This list will be updated as the need arises.

1.6 Commodities Exempt

Vegetable produce (plants for consumption or processing) of regulated species

Seed of regulated species.

2.0 Conditions for Movement of Regulated Plants from Regulated Areas to Non-Regulated Areas including Export to the United States and Movement in Domestic Trade

All material regulated under the SMCP must meet the requirements of D-02-06: Phytosanitary Requirements to Prevent the Entry and Spread of Swede Midge (Contarinia nasturtii).

Unique Identification

Each designated facility and broker/shipper under this program will be assigned a registration number. This number, as well as a serial number (in the case of the label), appears on the export certification labels and domestic movement stamp issued by the CFIA. The registration number and serial number make each label and stamp unique and permit trace back to the particular approved facility from which the transplants were produced and the date on which the transplants were harvested. An example of the Domestic Movement Stamp and Export Certification label are shown in Appendix 8.

Shipping Documents

The approved facility must ensure that a Domestic Movement Stamp or Export Certification Label is affixed to the invoice that is provided to the shipper. The shipper must ensure that all regulated transplants in the shipment originate from approved facilities and that a stamp or label is affixed to the shipping document provided by each facility.

Program Participation

Participation is mandatory for facilities producing regulated commodities in regulated areas for movement to non-regulated areas. Facilities producing regulated commodities located in non-regulated areas are free to participate in the SMCP or may ship material under the Canadian Greenhouse Certification Program (CGCP) or under regular phytosanitary certification. Facilities outside the regulated area may participate in the program provided that they meet all the conditions of SMCP with the exception of sections 3.4.2 and 3.4.3.

2.1 Exports

Regulated commodities from regulated areas must originate from an approved facility under the SMCP and be accompanied by a certificate in the form of a label called an " Export Certification Label" (Appendix 8) for export to the US.

The " Export Certification Label" (Appendix 8) must be permanently affixed on a copy of the commercial invoice or label document (Appendix 9). This Label Document must be submitted to the USDA at the port of entry and replaces the Phytosanitary Certificate normally required for the entry of the plants to the U.S. The Label Document (Appendix 9) must state "ATTENTION USDA PPQ" at the top of the sheet.

The approved facility must exercise strict control over the use of Export Certification Labels. Under no circumstances should labels which have not yet been affixed to an invoice be given to anyone other than a person authorized by and employed by the approved facility. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in an immediate suspension from the SMCP. Any voided labels must be accounted for.

2.2 Domestic Movement

Regulated commodities from regulated areas of Canada for movement in domestic trade to non-regulated areas must originate from an approved facility under the SMCP and be accompanied by paperwork stamped with the Domestic Movement Stamp (Appendix 8).

For movement of regulated commodities to areas of Canada not regulated for Swede Midge, the approved facility or approved shipper or broker must stamp shipping documents with the "Domestic Movement Stamp". The stamp informs shippers and buyers that the material is eligible for movement from regulated to non-regulated areas including movement to the US.

The designated facility must keep strict control of the stamp. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in immediate suspension from the SMCP.

3.0 General Requirements of the SMCP

The SMCP is based on designation of production facilities or of shippers/brokers and implementation of a quality system to produce swede midge regulated commodities that include crop management, inspection of transplants, monitoring of transplant production facilities, pest control measures, control measures and record keeping.

All plants within the shipment must be listed by common or scientific name, the number of each species must be recorded on the shipping documents.

When a county is regulated, all transplant production facilities in that county must meet the requirements of the full SMCP including sections 3.4.2 and 3.4.3 on time scale established by the local CFIA program officer in order to continue shipping to non-regulated areas in Canada. In anticipation of eventual spread of Swede Midge participation in the SMCP is encouraged outside the regulated areas.

3.1 Application for Participation

An application form must be completed and signed by the pest control manager indicating comprehension and capability to comply with the terms and conditions of the SMCP. The application must be accompanied by a Pest Management Plan (see section 3.4) (where applicable). At the time of application the plan must either be implemented or be capable of being implemented. A copy of the application form is attached as Appendix 4. The completed form must be submitted to the local office of CFIA. Based on the results of the review of the Pest Management Plan and the Initial Systems Evaluation for Approval, the CFIA program officer may approve the applicant for participation in the program by signing the application and providing the facility with a unique registration number.

To facilitate traceback, record-keeping and identification, each approved facility or shipper/broker will be assigned a unique registration number preceded by a two-letter code for the province. Lists of the designated production facilities and their registration numbers will be maintained by the CFIA. This list of numbers will be generated and maintained on the internal CFIA website and communicated to the applicant.

3.2 Costs

The approved facility or shipper/broker is responsible for all costs associated with obtaining Movement Certification Stamps and Export Certification Labels although they remain the property of the CFIA. The CFIA provides the specifications for the labels and stamps. An order form (Appendix 6) must be completed by the approved facility and forwarded to the appropriate CFIA Area Horticultural Specialist. A CFIA program officer will authorize the printing of the labels or production of a stamp and communicate the serial numbers to be used for the printing the labels or stamp.

NOTE: CFIA charges appropriate fees for surveillance and systems inspections.

3.3 Pest control manager

The pest control manager (CM) must have a thorough understanding of the SMCP and swede midge biology and life cycle. The CM must demonstrate the capability to carry out the requirements described in this directive and must be committed to ensuring compliance with the SMCP by managing the pest management plan and record retention program in the greenhouse. The CM must ensure that employees conducting pest management or eradication activities have expertise in performing those tasks and are adequately trained.

3.4 Pest Management Plan

Participants in the SMCP must file a Pest Management Plan at the time of application.

All pest management plans must include the following elements: pest monitoring; seed bed sterilization; pest exclusion; transplant inspection; staff training; staff responsibilities including assignment of duties related to the SMCP; control measures; and record keeping. Documentation of the pest management plan must be presented for review by CFIA. At the time of shipment, plants must meet the phytosanitary standards specified therein.

Production facilities designated under the SMCP must have a designated CM who is responsible for implementing a Pest Management Plan that will assure consistent compliance with the phytosanitary standards for swede midge. The Pest Management Plan must take into consideration the biology and life cycle of this pest. Appendices 1, Swede Midge Biology and 2, Host Plants of Swede Midge, provide detailed information on the swede midge's biology and life cycle. A map or plan of the greenhouse must be provided. If only part of the greenhouse is used for regulated transplant production, the area in question must be clearly demarcated on the map and described in writing. If the range/area of regulated transplant production changes, a new map must be provided as well as a new application for the program with appropriate amendments.

3.4.1 Seed Bed Preparation

Greenhouse beds must be steam sterilized at 70°C for a minimum 30 minutes and to a depth of 15 cm, or to the max depth of the bed if less than 15 cm, prior to planting. Heat transfer is most effective when soil is moist, rather than wet or dry. Temperature must be measured at points farthest from the source of steam and verified by the CM.

If transplants are grown in flats, the flats must be new or must be sterilized or disinfected at the above temperatures. In addition, benches must be pressure washed and disinfected at the end of each production cycle with a disinfectant recommended by provincial extension staff.

Only new or steam sterilized potting mixture may be used.

3.4.2 Greenhouse Flooring

To be eligible for participation in the program the greenhouse must follow one of the following options:

• The floor of the greenhouse must be constructed of concrete; OR
• If constructed of soil, the floor of the greenhouse must be covered by an intact layer of polypropylene, plastic (slits may be put in areas of water accumulation), landscape fabric (24 x 11 or 24 x 9 thread per inch construction) other material approved in writing by the CFIA; OR
• If constructed of soil, the floor of the greenhouse must be steam sterilized at 70°C for a minimum 30 minutes and to a depth of 15 cm., or be treated in another fashion approved of in writing by the CFIA; OR
• In greenhouses in regulated areas that have not previously participated in the SMCP a forced emergence may be used as an alternative to the above flooring treatments. Under this option, before the growing period begins in spring, and in the absence of all host material, including weeds, a forced emergence of SM must be carried out. The greenhouse air temperature must be maintained above 22°C and at a relative humidity of 75 % for for 21 days. The greenhouse floor must be watered during this period to a rate of 2 cm a week. Soil temperatures must be recorded on a daily basis at a number of points within the greenhouse. Temperatures must be taken next to greenhouse walls and doors in the following pattern. A diagonal pattern of measurements from corner to corner in the greenhouse must be taken at 5 cm, 20 cm, 120 cm, 4 m from each of the two corners in question.

Other options may be approved by the CFIA on a case-by-case basis.

3.4.3 Pest Exclusion

The conditions of this section must be met between May 1 and September 30 of each year. A pest free period exists between Sept 30 and May 1 during which time SM adults are not active due to environmental conditions. All other aspects of this directive must be met during this pest free period, ie throughout production of regulated plants. Please note that the pest free period does not apply to the Fraser Valley or Vancouver Island, BC, because there is no pest free period.

All designated production facilities under the program must have the following physical features:

• Self-closing man-doors, i.e., those used for day-to-day entry and exit to the greenhouse;
• Controlled entry and exits, i.e., the Pest Management Plan must include steps to minimize access to the facility;
• External vents, exhausts and intakes that prevent the entry of SM, i.e., 35 mesh screen (0.4 mm gap size) and other measures approved in writing by the CFIA;
• Side vents and openings must be screened with 35 mesh screen. Roof vents more than 3.0 meters off the ground do not require screening;
• Holes, seams and penetrations of walls, ceilings and floor must be sealed with plastic caulk or equivalent materials;
• The door must not remain open during loading. Doors should only be open for brief periods to allow for entry or exit of vehicles;
• During periods when loading doors are open during loading the greenhouse must have one of the following options in place to reduce the possibility of swede midge entrance to the facility:
  • Four (4) box fans must be in operation around the opening with two above the opening and two at the base blowing outwards throughout the time the door is open. The resulting overall air flow through the door opening must be outward; OR
  • An air curtain device must be installed above the door and keep a constant and sufficient current of air moving across the opening of the door while it is open; OR
  • A plastic strip "freezer door" must be in place across the door opening; OR
  • Any other effective measure approved in writing by the CFIA.
• SM females do not fly well below 20°C. Thus loading should be done during the coolest part of the day. This measure will be significant in spring and late summer. If possible loading should be scheduled for this time;
• If only a portion of the greenhouse or greenhouses of the designated facility is in production of regulated transplants, the area of regulated transplant production must meet all the above conditions and be separated by wall(s) and door(s) that meet the pest exclusion requirements.

Appropriate measures must be taken to ensure that the plants to be exported are packaged and stored in a manner to preclude contamination by swede midge and other quarantine pests and remain practically free of other injurious pests.

3.4.4 Transplant Monitoring

3.4.4.1 Monitoring of Transplants in Production

All commercially grown host plants of swede midge (Appendix 2), including plants destined for domestic buyers, must be visually inspected for signs of swede midge damage. This must be done once per week and throughout all parts of the production.

In addition to the above weekly inspection, each facility must conduct one intensive sampling inspection as outlined in Appendix 5 of each mature crop prior to shipping.

During any of these inspections, the CFIA must be notified immediately when swede midge or any damage associated with swede midge is found. If the staff requires assistance in identifying suspicious damage or insects they must also contact the CFIA immediately.

Any plants showing signs of damage or larval swede midge must be removed from the tray in its entirety including roots and attached growing media and placed in a plastic bag. The bag must be sealed, labelled with the date and source and sent to CFIA or its designee for confirmation. Ensure that samples are kept cool (but not frozen) until they are received by CFIA.

3.4.4.2 Incoming Transplants

Material entering the facility must originate from either a non-regulated area or another approved facility and be accompanied by the appropriate paperwork. Any incoming transplants must be inspected by the CM or designate for signs of swede midge damage at time of entry into the facility. Swede midges tend to feed in the growing tips and terminal buds of plants, causing abnormal growth. Websites listed in Swede Midge Biology are described in Appendix 1 (including for photographs and descriptions).

Any plants showing signs of damage or larval swede midge must be removed from the tray in its entirety including roots and attached growing media and placed in a plastic bag. The bag must be sealed, labelled with the date and source and sent to CFIA or its designee for confirmation. Ensure that samples are kept cool (but not frozen) until they are received by CFIA.

3.4.4.3 Transplant Monitoring Non-compliance and Records

If pests or signs of damage are found on incoming material, control measures must be taken immediately.

Culls must be disposed of in a way approved by the CFIA.

3.4.5 Staff Training

The CM must have a training program in place to familiarize all staff working the greenhouse to identify signs and symptoms of swede midge infestation and reporting practices. In addition, staff must be familiar with all other aspects of the SMCP and must know the appropriate reporting and corrective actions.

3.4.6 Other Required Cultural Controls

• A buffer zone of 30 m must be maintained around the perimeter of the facility that excludes weeds and host species (Appendix 2);
• All regulated species produced on the premises/farm must be monitored for swede midge and appropriate control actions taken;
• Field grown host crops within 30 m to 150 m of the facility must be disced down within five (5) days of harvest and seeded to a non-host cover crop to limit pest and weed reservoirs;
• Field grown crops of host species within 30 m to 150 m of the production facility must be planted no more than once every three years;
• Culled regulated plants, plant parts, transplants and produce must be disposed of via, burning, composting under tarp or deep burial at a depth greater than 45 cm (provided this meets the requirements of other regulatory jurisdictions such as provincial environment agencies, etc.) within five (5) days;
• The facility must not accept culled host plant material from off-farm sources;
• The floor of the Greenhouse must be maintained weed free during production.

3.4.7 Document Control and Record keeping

All activities under SMCP must be recorded. The particular plants or locations within the greenhouse where activities under this directive are conducted must be identified and when particular activities took place, the date of monitoring, inspection or treatment, the person performing the task, and any information confirming control of the pest or the health of the crop.

The facility shall keep records of the following and provide all records upon request by an inspector authorized by the CFIA:

• Qualifications of CM including: identification of person and details of relevant training;
• Pest Monitoring data;
• Seed Bed Preparation dates, times, pressure washing, disinfection and temperatures;
• Record of fortnightly (14 day) interim Pest Exclusion facility monitoring results, non-compliances and corrective action;
• Transplant monitoring identification of transplant inspector, date of inspection, identification of the transplants (variety, propagator, date received, planting date, location planted), inspection data, samples taken, date of notification to CFIA, sample identification (who, date, result), action taken (when, what);
• Staff training records including participation in training and evaluation results programs;
• Records must be maintained of all crop management measures including weed control, greenhouse flooring treatments, commercial crop monitoring, sanitation, and disposal of waste and culls;
• Shipping and receiving records including source, destination and volumes, dates and plant ID - serial numbers of labels in stock and used for shipments and shipments stamped with the domestic movement stamp;
• Buffer zone: crops planted, field crops harvested date in 150 m buffer, disced date;
• Disposal of waste and culls.

All records must be maintained for five (5) years.

3.5 Brokers/Shippers/Wholesalers

There are two groups of Brokers/Shippers 1) those inside regulated areas and 2) those outside regulated areas.

3.5.1 Brokers/Shippers/Wholesalers In Regulated Areas

Brokers/Shippers/Wholesalers in regulated areas must be approved under the SMCP and must meet the following additional conditions:

1. Must only handle material that is produced:
   1. in a swede midge non-regulated area and/or
   2. by a approved facility approved under the SMCP
2. The storage, assembly, shipping & receiving areas for plants must meet all conditions outlined above, for production facilities.

3.5.2 Brokers/Shippers/Wholesalers In Non-Regulated Areas

Brokers/Shippers/Wholesalers in non-regulated areas must:

1. Only handle material that is produced:
   1. in a swede midge non-regulated area and/or
   2. by an approved facility approved under the SMCP
2. All records and invoices listed in section 3.4.7, must be available for inspection by the CFIA;
3. Brokers must have staff that are knowledgeable in identifying SM signs and symptoms and the biology of the SM.

3.6 Initial Quality Evaluation

Upon receipt of the completed and signed application form provided in Appendix 4 and the required Pest Management Plan, the Program Officer responsible for the local administration of the SMCP will assess the applicant's ability to meet the requirements of the SMCP.

All elements of the Program SMCP Checklist (Appendix 7) are to be assessed, ensuring that the elements of the program are in place, (e.g., adequate record keeping) or that the applicant has demonstrated the ability to put the elements in place before the start of the growing season. If there are no impediments to meeting all program requirements, the officer will sign the application and communicate to the applicant the registration number which has been assigned by the Horticulture Section and return the application to the facility. The local CFIA office must keep a copy on file.

3.7 CFIA Monitoring

CFIA will conduct one Systems Inspection per year and at least one Surveillance Inspection every five weeks during the production season.

The CFIA must conduct a System Inspection at the start of the spring production period, prior to the first shipment of transplants in the calendar year. The CFIA inspection team must be made up of a program officer with lead auditor training and one inspector with CFIA audit training. The Systems Inspection will assess all elements of this policy and the inspector must use the Initial Quality Evaluation and Systems Inspection Checklist (Appendix 7) - to record the compliance of the SMCP during the inspection.

The Surveillance Inspection will be conducted by one CFIA inspector with CFIA audit training and will evaluate the record keeping system and may include a hands-on product inspection for the presence of swede midge at rates outlined in Appendix 5. All shipments of transplants may be subject to inspection by a CFIA inspector.

3.8 Non-Compliance

3.8.1 Non-compliance With Respect to the SMCP

CFIA staff have the discretion to suspend a facility from the SMCP if any non-compliance that threatens the integrity of the program is detected. Elements of the SMCP which are evaluated as not in compliance during the Facility Surveillance or Systems Inspection, must be corrected within two weeks (for problems of a non-critical nature) of detection or sooner at the discretion of the CFIA inspector. The SMCP does not limit the regulatory actions which may be taken in response to violations of the Plant Protection Act. The Pest control manager must attend the Systems and Quality Evaluation and is responsible for ensuring appropriate corrective action is taken.

Transplant facilities not complying with the SMCP requirements will be removed from the list of designated production facilities.

The Program Officer responsible must, based on the recommendation of the inspector, determine if the facility should be removed from the program. If this is this case the Program Officer must notify the facility by issuing a Notice of Prohibition/Restriction of An Activity that the facility is no longer able to ship regulated plants to non-regulated areas of Canada and the US. In addition, the facility must be informed in writing of the corrective actions required to for compliance and their labels must be taken.

3.8.1.1 Detection of Swede Midge

If swede midge is detected in a transplant production facility, the facility will be immediately suspended from export/domestic movement to non-regulated areas.

The CFIA inspector must notify the facility by a Notice of Prohibition/Restriction of An Activity that the facility is no longer able to ship regulated plants to non-regulated areas of Canada and the US. In addition, the facility in question must be informed in writing of the corrective actions required for compliance. Labels and stamps must be surrendered to CFIA.

3.8.1.2 Corrective Actions for Swede Midge Detection

The facility will only be compliant and re-approved for the SMCP when:

1. Removal of all regulated plant material within the facility is completed;
2. All benches must be pressure washed and disinfected;
3. Complete steam sterilization of all beds, and, in the case of soil floors uncovered with an intact, approved covering, floors, and removal of all regulated plant material within the structure is completed or another treatment approved in writing by the CFIA; OR
   forced emergence of SM must be carried out. The greenhouse air temperature must be maintained above 22 °C and at a relative humidity of 75 % for 21 days in the absence of host species (see section 3.4.3 for details) and the soil must be watered at a rate of 2 cm per week.
4. The cause of the system failure is identified and appropriate measures taken to prevent recurrence.
5. The facility must meet all the requirements of the Initial Quality Evaluation.

   When appropriate corrective actions have been taken and the facility again meets all the requirements of an Initial Quality Evaluation and all other conditions of this directive the Program Officer responsible must issue a letter removing the Notice of Prohibition or Restriction of An Activity return stickers.

4.0 Appendices

Appendix 1: Swede Midge Biology
Appendix 2: Reported Hosts of Swede Midge
Appendix 3: List of Regulated Countries and Regulated Areas Within Canada For Swede Midge
Appendix 4: Application for Export Designation in the Swede Midge Certification Program
Appendix 5: Intensive Inspection Procedures and Rates for Regulated Commodities
Appendix 6: Application Form to Order Swede Midge Export Certification Labels And the Domestic Movement Certification Stamp
Appendix 7: Initial Quality Evaluation and Systems Inspection Checklist
Appendix 8: Sample layout of Export Label and Domestic Movement Stamp
Appendix 9: Export Label Document

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Appendix 1

Swede Midge Biology

Please also see the following websites:

The Swede Midge - A Pest of Crucifer Crops
www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/08-007.htm

Swede Midge - Contarinia nasturtii
www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pestrava/connas/connase.shtml

1. Introduction

The Swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii (Keiffer) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a gall midge native to Eurasia, has recently been confirmed as a pest of plants in Brassicaceae in Ontario. In Eurasia, this pest is predominant on heavy clay soils, in vegetable production areas. Most damage has been reported on cole crops, such as: broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprout, kale, collard, rutabaga (swede) and radish. Other vegetable crops that could potentially be susceptible are: Asian radish (lo bok), Chinese broccoli/kale (gailan), red and green leaf mustards (gai choy), flowering edible rape (yow choy), nappa cabbage (siew choy) and Chinese leaf cabbage (bok choy and pak choy). Alternate hosts could potentially involve many different weed species in the cruciferae family, such as, but not limited to: wild mustard, wild radish, shepherd's-purse, stinkweed, field peppergrass and yellow rocket and a number of ornamentals such as kale.

In Canada, damage from the Swede midge was originally mistaken for nutritional deficiencies, but was correctly identified in 2000.

2. Life Cycle of the Swede Midge

First generation adults emerge from May until June, depending on climatic conditions. Females are not very active at temperatures below 20°C. Research conducted in Ontario in 2001 indicates that there are 3-4 overlapping generations per year, depending on climatic conditions. Each female lays about 100 eggs on leaves or leaf stalks. After three days, the larvae begin to hatch from the eggs and feed predominately near the growing point.

The larvae are full grown, in 2-3 weeks, they drop or "jump" to the ground, and spin cocoons in the soil and pupate. Larva may drop from the plants when disturbed and are unlikely to be seen during sampling except, perhaps, when infestations are extremely high. Most cocoons can be found at a depth of 0 to 5 cm. About two weeks later the next generation of flies appears if weather conditions are favourable. This generation of females will oviposit on the first available plant, because they are not strong fliers. The eggs are laid in strings or clusters on the youngest plant parts (newly developing leaves, flower buds, or at the base of leaf stalks). The larvae can live on any part of the plant if it is a moist environment. During periods of drought, the larvae may enter a period of dormancy, but growth resumes after rainfall or possibly irrigation. Pre-pupae of the last summer generation overwinter in cocoons in the soil and pupate the following spring; however, a few individuals may overwinter a second season before becoming adults. Females are weak fliers, but are capable of migrating from infested fields into uninfested ones.

3. Morphology

Eggs ­ tiny and inconspicuous, approximately 0.27 mm long. Newly laid eggs are transparent, becoming creamy white prior to hatching. Eggs can sometimes be confused with very early growth of the plant. Larvae - early instar larvae are transparent and 0.3 mm long, turn white in middle instars, full-grown larvae are 2 mm long and lemon-yellow in colour; may be concealed within developing plant parts Adult - the adult is a light-brown fly, about 1.5-2 mm long excluding the antennae, with very hairy wings. The female's ovipositor is long, retractile, and needle-shaped. Identification to genus is possible with a hand lens, however, ID to species is extremely difficult and samples must be submitted to a lab.

4. Damage Symptoms

Swede midge infestations are often mis-diagnosed. Damage symptoms can be confused with molybdenum deficiency, hormonal herbicide injury, genetic variability of seed, and heat stress or frost damage (buttoning) of cruciferous crops. Young shoots and leaf stalks may be swollen, distorted and twisted resulting in the death of the main shoot or growing point, forming a blind head. Heart leaves become crinkled and crumpled.

Flower buds remain closed and become swollen. Heads are deformed, asymmetrical and disjointed. Brown scarring may also be observed, particularly along petioles and stems. Where the main stem has been destroyed, the development of secondary stems may be enhanced, resulting in a multi-stemmed plant. Severity of damage is directly related to crop development at the time of attack. If the plant is attacked at the seedling/transplant stage, there will be no marketable yield. Newly or lightly infested plants may be asymptomatic.

5. Examination

If this equipment is not readily available, swollen flower buds or other infested material can be immersed in water and the larvae, where present, will often float out. Suspect material can also be placed in plastic bags and left in the sun; high temperatures will induce larvae to leave the protection and moisture of the shoots. Another quick method involves careful removal of suspect plant material at the growing point: Gently break open the infested material and look for larvae. Secondary infections of bacterial rots are typical on infested/damaged plants. Identification to genus is possible with a hand lens, however, ID to species is extremely difficult and samples must be submitted to a lab. Ideally, suspect plant tissue should be carefully examined under a dissecting microscope.

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Appendix 2

Reported Hosts of Swede Midge

SCIENTIFIC NAME	COMMON NAME
Armoracia rusticana	Horseradish
Brassica napus - all varieties	Includes: Rape, Colza, Rutabaga, Swede, Swedish Turnip, Siberian Kale, Hanover Salad, etc
Brassica oleracea - all varieties	Includes: Wild Cabbage, Ornamental Kale, Collards, Chinese Kale, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Head Cabbage, Brussel Sprouts, Kohlrabi, etc.
Brassica rapa - all varieties	Chinese Cabbage, Rapini, Turnip
Lepidium sativum	Garden Cress
Nasturtium amphibium	Tall Nasturtium
Nasturtium officinale	Watercress
Nasturtium palustre	Marsh Watercress
Nasturtium silvestre	Creeping Watercress
Raphanus sativus - all varieties	Chinese Radish

 

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Appendix 3

List of Regulated Countries and Regulated Areas within Canada for Swede Midge

NOTE: An importer/exporter can obtain the current list of regulated areas within Canada for swede midge from their local CFIA Office or through D-03-01 which can be found on the CFIA website at:
www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/protect/dir/smidgee.shtml

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Appendix 4

Application for Export Designation in the Swede Midge Certification Program

Name of Facility:___________

The Applicant is a: Facility:___   Broker/Shipper:___

Total Area of Production Facility:___________

Pest control manager:___________

Address:___________

Telephone No.:___________   Fax No.:___________

Conditions for Exporting to the US and moving domestically Plants Regulated for Swede Midge under D-03-01 Swede Midge Certification Program (SMCP):

1. Plants grown in an infested area must be propagated and produced in a facility designated by CFIA for export under the SMCP and as outlined in CFIA directive D-03-01.
2. The designated facility must have a documented pest management program. Components of the program must include: inspection of incoming transplants, mechanisms for pest detection during production and inspection of export products by competent staff members, record keeping, and methods to exclude the introduction of Swede Midge during all phases of production.
3. Records of plants shipped under the SMCP must be maintained at the designated facility for at least five years after shipment. Records must include the registration numbers of the facility that produced the plants. Approved facilities or shipper/broker exporting plants from designated production facilities must maintain list of all suppliers providing plants and products for export.
4. Appropriate measures must be taken to ensure that the plants to be exported are packaged and stored in a manner to preclude contamination by Swede Midge and other quarantine pests and remain practically free of other injurious pests.
5. Export Certification Labels and Domestic Movement Stamps as authorized by CFIA must be affixed to a commercial invoice or the label document accompanying each shipment of plants. Consolidated shipments must be accompanied by a label or stamp affixed to the commercial invoice or label document containing sufficient reference information to indicate the other invoices contained within the shipment.
6. CFIA must be notified immediately of any change in the identity of the Pest control manager at the facility and of any finds of significance (i.e. when symptoms of swede midge or atypical or uncommon pest damage or symptoms are observed, when other regulated pests are suspected).
7. I agree to immediately suspend shipment of regulated commodities if notified by the CFIA that the designated facility is in non-compliance with the the SMCP or if Swede Midge, or any other regulated pests or of risk to moving with regulated commodities is found in the facility.

I, ___________ the owner/person in possession, care, or control of the above named facility have read and understood all the conditions and obligations stated herein by which I may export and domestically move regulated commodities in accordance with the Swede Midge Certification Program.

Further, I am and shall be responsible for and shall indemnify and save harmless Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Her Officers, Servants, Employees, Successors and Assigns, from and against all manners of actions, causes of action, claims, demands, loss, costs, damages, actions or other proceedings by whomsoever made, sustained, brought or prosecuted in any manner based upon, caused by, arising out of, attributable to or with respect to any failure, inadvertent or otherwise, by act or omission, to fully comply with the said conditions and requirements.

Dated _________, 20 __ at __________, Province of ______

_______________
Applicant's Signature

Pest Management Plan Approved by:

Initial Eligibility Evaluation Completed and Facility Recommended for Participation by:

Approved for Participation in the Swede Midge Certification Program:

 

Registration number

Province	Year	Facility	Range

 

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Appendix 5

Intensive Inspection Procedures and Rates for Regulated Commodities

In addition to the routine weekly monitoring described in 3.4.4, each facility should conduct one intensive inspection of each mature crop prior to shipping.

• Randomly select flats from throughout the production according to the table below.
• For each flat examine all plants in detail using a 10X or greater magnifying lens, looking for typical signs of swede midge damage or larvae.

Any plants showing signs of damage or larval swede midge must be removed from the flat in it's entirety including roots and attached growing media and placed in a plastic bag. The bag must be sealed, labelled with the date and source and sent to CFIA or its designee for confirmation. Ensure that samples are kept cool (but not frozen) until they are received by CFIA.

A detailed Swede Midge Fact sheet describing biology and symptoms (with colour pictures) is available from the internet at:
www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pestrava/connas/connase.shtml

If no symptoms are evident randomly select the appropriate number of flats.

SAMPLING RATES

Lot Size (flats)	Sample size
2-8	2
9-15	3
16-25	5
26-40	7
41-65	10
66-110	15
111-180	25
181-300	35
301-500	50
501-800	75
801-1300	100
1,301-3,200	150
3,201-8,000	225
8,001-22,000	300
22,001-110,000	450
110,001- 555,000	750
550,001 and Over	1500

 

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Appendix 6

Application Form to Order Swede Midge Export Certification Labels And the Domestic Movement Certification Stamp/Formulaire de Commande pour d'Étiquettes de Certification et l'Estampille Inter-Installation

FOR GOVERNMENT USE ONLY/POUR USAGE GOUVERNEMENTAL SEULEMENT

 

ORIGINAL >> REGIONAL OFFICE/BUREAU RÉGIONAL
COPY 1/COPIE 1 >> CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY INSPECTOR/INSPECTEUR DE L'AGENCE CANADIENNE D'INSPECTION DES ALIMENTS

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Appendix 7

Initial quality evaluation and systems inspection checklist

CHECKLIST	CRIT/MAJ/MIN	NOTES
Initial Application Is the application form complete?
Is the pest management plan included with the application?
Does the facility have a Pest control manager in place?
Management Plan Does the management plan describe how conditions of SMCP are incorporated into nursery operation?
Has the management plan been kept up to date?
Is the Pest control manager knowledgeable of SM biology and the SMCP?
Are greenhouse staff familiar with SM signs and symptoms and are they aware of reporting requirements?
Has the facility informed CFIA of changes to operations with respect to the SMCP?
Pest Monitoring Are all transplants monitored for swede midge weekly using methods outlined in the PMP?
Seed Bed Preparation Are all beds steam sterilized at 70°C for a minimum 30 minutes and to a depth of 15 cm prior to planting?
Are beds inspected by the Pest control manager to ensure efficacy of steam treatment? Temps Recorded?
If transplants are grown in flats are only new or sterilized flats used?
Is only new or sterilized potting mixture used?
Are benches pressure washed and disinfected after each production cycle?
Greenhouse Flooring Is the floor of concrete or if the greenhouse floor is of soil, is a layer of approved, intact covering in place or has the floor been steam sterilized? OR -in greenhouses that have not participated in the SMCP is forced emergence used as an alternative to the above flooring treatments? Under this option, before the growing period begins in spring, and in the absence of all host material, including weeds, a forced emergence of SM must be carried out. The greenhouse soil temperature must be maintained above 22°C and at a relative humidity of 75% for for 25 day. Are temperatures taken next to greenhouse walls and doors in the following pattern? Is a diagonal pattern of measurements taken in the greenhouse from corner to corner in the greenhouse must be taken at 5 cm, 20 cm, 120 cm, 4 m from each of the two corners in question? Are other CFIA approved flooring options in effect?
Pest Exclusion Features Are self-closing people doors in place?
Are loading doors open for the minimum time possible during loading?
Are external vents, exhausts and intakes that prevent the entry of Swede Midge entry with 35 mesh screen or other measures, approved in writing by the CFIA, in place?
Are all holes, seams and penetrations of walls, ceilings and floor sealed with plaster caulk or equivalent materials?
During periods when loading doors are open the greenhouse must have one of the following options in place to reduce the possibility of swede midge entrance to the facility: -Four (4) box fans must be in operation around the opening with two above the opening and two at the base blowing outwards throughout the time the door is open OR -An air curtain device must be installed above the door and keep a constant current of air moving across the opening of the door while it is open OR -Any other effective measure approved in writing by the CFIA OR -Any other options approved in writing by the CFIA
Supplier and Incoming Transplants Do all incoming transplants originate from non-regulated areas or other designated production facilities?
Are all transplants entering the facility inspected for swede midge?
Staff Training Is a training program in place to familiarize all staff in working in the greenhouse to identify signs and symptoms of Swede Midge infestation and reporting practices?
Are staff familiar with all other aspects of the SMCP and do they know the appropriate reporting and correction actions?
Other Cultural Controls Is there a buffer zone of 30m free of recorded host species?
Are all regulated species produced on the premises monitored for Swede Midge and appropriate control actions taken?
Are field grown host crops within 30 m to 150 m of the facility disced down within five (5) days of harvest and seeded to a non-host cover crop to limit pest and weed reservoirs?
Are field grown crops of host species within 30 m to 150 m of the production facility only planted one in every three years?
Are culled regulated plants, plant parts, transplants and produce disposed of via, burning, composting under tarp or deep burial at a depth greater than 45 cm (provided this meets the requirements of other regulatory jurisdictions such as provincial environment agencies, etc.) within five (5) days?
Does the facility prohibit the introduction of culled host plant material from off-farm sources to the farm?
Is the floor of the Greenhouse maintained weed free during production?
Record Keeping Is a copy of the signed application with assigned registration number kept on file?
Are there records of sales and distributions of transplants produced under the SMCP with their registration numbers?
Is the export certification labelling/record keeping system able to trace materials being sold or distributed back to the place of production and indicate distribution within Canada?
Are records of crop management measures including bed preparation, inspection of incoming transplants, weed control, application, disposal of waste and culls kept?
Are all records of transplant inspection kept? : identification of transplant inspector, date of inspection, identification of the transplants date received, planting date, location planted), inspection data, samples taken, date of notification of CFIA, sample identification (who, date, result), action taken (when, what)?
Are all records on visuals Sampling: date, weather, location of sampling sites within field, scouting data, samples taken, date of notification of CFIA, sample identification (who, date, result), action taken (when, what)?
Are records retained for five (5) years?
Distribution Do invoices accompanying all materials for distribution or sale bear an export certification label or stamp
Can the FACILITY account for all its export certification labels and stamps?

 

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Appendix 8

Sample layout of Export Label and Domestic Movement Stamp

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Appendix 9

Export Label Document

Attention USDA - PPQ

This Shipment Contains Material Produced Under the Swede Midge Certification Program from Canada

COMPANY NAME:___________

COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER:___________

1. ATTACHED LIST DESCRIBING CONTENTS OF THE SHIPMENT, INCLUDES: SPECIES, VARIETY AND ORIGIN, or
2. ATTACHED INVOICES

STICK PHYTO LABEL AT BOTTOM OF THIS LABEL DOCUMENT