CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

What is the status of sweet potato tubers from an area infested with sweet potato weevil?

1. admissible if officially certified shipment was properly fumigated in an approved manner

2. admissible without restrictions

3. admissible if certified as to origin

4. admissible if commercially grown and packed

The correct answer is: admissible if officially certified shipment was properly fumigated in an approved manner

Sweet potato tubers from an area infested with sweet potato weevil are considered admissible if they come from an officially certified shipment that has been properly fumigated in an approved manner. This requirement is in place to ensure that any potential pest threats are effectively managed before the tubers are allowed into non-infested areas. Fumigation is a common pest management practice that can eliminate or significantly reduce pest populations, making the shipment safer for introduction into areas at risk of infestation. The emphasis on official certification also underscores the importance of traceability and accountability in managing agricultural products. Without these controls in place, there is a heightened risk of spreading pests, which could have detrimental effects on local agriculture and ecosystems. The other choices do not incorporate the necessary safeguards to prevent the introduction of pests into unaffected areas, which is why they do not meet the standards set for managing infested agricultural products.