Seed Packets Containing Invasive, 'Alien' Plant Species From China Could 'Destroy Texas Agriculture'
Mysterious Seeds From China: Dangerous To Texas Agriculture? Or Scam Against Texans And Others?
AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM) - Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is urging Texans to take extreme precaution when receiving unsolicited seed packets from China.
The packets were mailed to multiple states, including Texas, falsely labeled as jewelry. Residents are advised not to plant the seeds as they could contain harmful invasive species or be otherwise unsafe.
"I am urging folks to take this matter seriously," Commissioner Miller said. "An invasive plant species might not sound threatening, but these small invaders could destroy Texas agriculture. TDA has been working closely with USDA to analyze these unknown seeds so we can protect Texas residents."
If you receive a foreign package containing seeds do not open it or plant the contents. Keep contents contained in their original sealed package.
Washington state issued a similar warning.
UPDATED to reflect new reporting instructions!...
Posted by Washington State Department of Agriculture on Friday, July 24, 2020
An invasive species is an organism that is not native to a particular region. The introduction of an "alien species" can wreak havoc on the environment, displace or destroy native plants and insects and severely damage crops.
Taking steps to prevent their introduction is the most effective method of reducing both the risk of invasive species infestations and the cost to control and mitigate those infestations.