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Phytosanitary and Regulatory Perspective of MLN. FRANCIS MWATUNI fmwatuni@kephis.org Website : www.kephis.org. KEPHIS (Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service). A state corporation in the ministry of Agriculture mandated to offer regulatory services in the agricultural sector.
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Phytosanitary and Regulatory Perspective of MLN FRANCIS MWATUNI fmwatuni@kephis.org Website: www.kephis.org
KEPHIS(Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service) A state corporation in the ministry of Agriculture mandated to offer regulatory services in the agricultural sector. VISION: The Lead Regulator And Facilitator Of Globally Competitive Agriculture MISSION: To Provide A Science-Based Regulatory Service By Assuring Quality Of Agricultural Inputs And Produce To Promote Food Security And Sustainable Development
Legal Framework • Agriculture Act, Cap 318 • Agricultural Produce (Export) Act, Cap 319 • Agricultural Produce Marketing Act, Cap 320 • Plant Protection Act, Cap 324 • The Suppression of Noxious Weeds Act, Cap 325
Legal Framework Cont. • The Seeds and Plant varieties Act, Cap 326 • The Fertilizers and Animal Foodstuffs Act, Cap 345 • The Pest Control Products Act, Cap 346 • Biosafety Act, 2009 • Supported by a number of International Instruments such UPOV Convention, OECD seed scheme etc
KEPHIS Activities in relation to MLND • Disease surveillance • Laboratory diagnostics of MLN - For local and imported seed as well as post control testing of maize seed - Has laboratory capacity to test MLND • Centralized regulation of maize seed imports • Seed Certification process • Training and sensitization of stakeholders
MLN Disease Surveillance • KEPHIS has been involved in the collaborative field surveys e.g. Maize National Tour • Surveillance by inspectors form the Plant Quarantine and Biosecurity Station (PQBS) • MLN Surveillance coordinated by KEPHIS Pest Risk Analysis Team(KEPHIS-HQ • Surveillance by KEPHIS Inspectors in other regional offices • Surveillance Samples analyzed at KEPHIS Plant Quarantine molecular laboratory for MCMV & SCMV
Laboratory Diagnostics on MLND • Capacity Building on MLND diagnostics done at FERA-UK; January 2013. • Focused on Real-Time PCR assays for seed testing • A seed testing protocol developed • KEPHIS adopted the protocol • Currently involved in routine testing of MCMV and SCMV for advisory services and seed certification ( local and imported seeds)
Laboratory diagnostics Diagnostics equipment in the Molecular lab and analysts doing Nucleic acids extraction
Centralized regulation of maize seed/grain imports • All Requests to import maize seed are controlled at KEPHIS-HQ Karen. • Also imports of maize grain has been centralized • Maize seed importers required to send a representative sample to KEPHIS for MLN Screening prior to importation.
Seed import/export Regulation • Only registered seed merchants are allowed to import/export seed • An SR14 form is filled to notify kephis for the intention to im port or export seed. • A plant Import Import permit is issued for the importation. • Seed can also be imported by researchers for experimental purposes
Import regulation and Phytosanitary measures • Due to the threats of introducing new strains of MCMV, seed samples are delivered to Kephis Plant health labs for screening for the two viruses. • A plant Import permit is issued for importation once the lot is declared to be free from the viruses. • The imported seed is subjected to seed testing in the Seed testing lab In Kephis,Lanet.
Seed Certification Measures • Field Inspection of Seed fields is based on the minimum thresholds for rejection at 10%. • Agreement with seed companies to implement recommendations for preventing MLND infection • Seed companies have adopted the dressing of the seed with systemic insecticides e.g Thunder, gaucho, Cruiser.
Inspectors in the field A devastated seed field A seed Inspector in the field
Seed Certification Measures • Seed is also dressed with fungicides, eg Maxim and Royalcap • PCPB is currently evaluating several insecticides for seed dressing that can protect the maize crop in the field for a longer period
Participation in stakeholder awareness programs • Early 2013, involved in MLND awareness program coordinated by MOA in collaboration with FAO. • Covered different maize production regions around the country • Focused on early detection of symptoms, and the available management options
Bomet Olenguruon Stakeholders a wareness forums