The plant and flower trade is growing rapidly and such invasive pests can cause serious damage to agricultural lands and wildlife balance, University of Cambridge researchers said.
Scientists emphasized that with the expansion of global plant trade, stricter control and production standards should be urgently implemented.
THE DANGER HIDDEN IN POTTED PLANTS
Prof from Cambridge University. William Sutherland stated that adult snakes and lizards carried by potted plants are only the tip of the iceberg and said, “If even these are noticed, we should think about the problems that may be caused by overlooked small insects and fungi.”
Experts stated that trade in ornamental plants, especially from East Africa and South America, is increasing rapidly, and that current border controls are insufficient and harmful organisms can easily pass through customs inspections.
From Cambridge University, Dr. “Even with the best precautions in place, unwanted travelers continually bypass customs inspections,” said Silviu Petrovan. Dr. had previously been summoned to a florist in Sheffield. When Petrovan encountered a tree frog coming from Colombia among the rose bouquets, he thought it was a joke, but he realized that the situation was real.
COMMON HAZARDS IN EUROPE
According to research, invasive species carried along with potted plants and ornamental olive trees across the European continent include:
Geckos and snake species of European origin
Frogs and toads
VARIOUS INSECT PESTS
Researchers examined ornamental plant-borne pests detected at customs in the Netherlands between 2017 and 2018, and analyzed cases reported to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs between 2021 and 2023.
Experts state that stricter controls should be implemented in production processes, risks should be identified and data sharing between countries should be increased.