Unsolicited Seeds Packages from China
IDNR Announcement (7/30/20):
By now you have probably heard about unsolicited shipments of seeds coming from China. At this point in time, there is no evidence that this is anything more than a “brushing” scam where a vendor uses fake sales to improve ratings in the marketplace.
However, these are unknown, often unlabeled seeds which were not shipped through official channels in either the U.S. or China. There is a potential for these seeds to be invasive species, contain noxious weed seeds, or be a vector for a plant disease.
If you or someone you know receive one of these unsolicited seed packages, please do the following:
- Keep the packaging and do not open the seed pack. Place the packaging and contents in a zip-top bag. Please include your name, address, phone number, and email address with the package and do one of the following:
- Mail the seeds to USDA APHIS PPQ, State Plant Health Director, Nick Johnson, 3059 N. Morton Street, Franklin, IN 46131
- Drop the seeds off at your local Purdue County Extension Office
- Contact your local Nursery Inspector to arrange pickup of the seeds.
- If you have already planted the seeds, please contact your Nursery Inspector so we evaluate the situation and conduct the necessary isolation and cleanup.
- If you are outside of Indiana, please contact your state’s USDA State Plant Health Director for guidance.
Photo credit: USDA
