Russia Blocks Uzbek Grape Shipment Over Quarantine Weed

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Russian phytosanitary inspectors have detected a quarantine pest in a 20.1-tonne shipment of grapes imported from Uzbekistan in the Samara Region, resulting in the cargo being barred from entering circulation.

According to the regional office of Rosselkhoznadzor, the shipment underwent quarantine phytosanitary inspection at a temporary storage facility in Samara. During the inspection, officials found dodder (Cuscuta spp.), a quarantine weed, in the cargo.

The presence of the quarantine organism was confirmed by herbological testing conducted by specialists at the Samara branch of the Federal Centre for Animal Health (VNIIZH).

According to Rosselkhoznadzor, dodder (Cuscuta spp.) is classified as a quarantine weed. It entwines nearby cultivated plants and can lead to their death. The agency said that a single dodder seed is sufficient to infest an area of 5-6 square metres.

Following the inspection, Rosselkhoznadzor prohibited the release of the contaminated grape shipment into circulation. The cargo owner was instructed either to return the shipment or destroy it under the supervision of the agency's specialists.