Plant Industry - Moving Pests for Research

Moving Living Plant Pests, Noxious Weeds,
Biological Control Organisms, and
Genetically-Engineered Organisms
For Research or Development Purposes

Plant pests include insects, mites, nematodes, other invertebrate animals, disease organisms, and noxious weeds that are injurious to plants and plant products. Biological control organisms (predators, parasites, and disease organisms) may be utilized to adversely impact plant pests but may also affect related non-pests. Individuals may want to obtain these or other types of regulated organisms for research or development purposes. Improper handling may result in the establishment of a new pest that adversely impacts agricultural and natural ecosystems. There can be environmental and economical problems if organisms are moved into an area where they do not naturally occur. Therefore, movement of such organisms into the country, from one state to another, within a given state (if under quarantine), or for release into the environment may be regulated at the state and/or federal level.

Permits are required to assure that an appraisal has been made of the potential impacts associated with the intended use of an organism. The permitting process allows uniform criteria to be used to determine the risk/benefit of moving organisms from one location to another.

A state permit (NCDA&CS PPS-1) is required for movement of:

A federal permit (PPQ Form 526: "Application for Permit to Move Live Plant Pests and Noxious Weeds") is required for movement of:

  • Plant pests of foreign origin
  • Domestic plant pests regulated by Federal quarantines
  • Designated Federal noxious weeds
  • Biological control organisms
  • Any plant pest shipped across state lines

Requests for further information, permit applications, and completed applications should be directed to one of the following NCDA&CS staff members:

  • Jarred Driscoll, Weed Specialist. Evaluates noxious weeds.
    E-mail address: Jarred.Driscoll@ncagr.gov
     
  • Paul Adams - Entomologist. Evaluates insects, snails and related organisms.
    E-mail address: Paul.adams@ncagr.gov
     
  • HT Tseng - Plant Pathologist. Evaluates plant disease organisms.
    E-mail address: HT.Tseng@ncagr.gov
     

Mailing address for all: NCDA&CS-Plant Industry Division, 1060 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1060. Telephone: 919-707-3730 FAX: 919-733-1041.

Genetically-engineered organisms are regulated at the federal level only. At the state level, Kathy Bowers (E-mail address: kathy.Bowers@ncagr.gov) is available to answer questions about the process and general requirements.