Introducing new plants from abroad--concerns

[silverbackMP]

After reading WIHH's post on the CF boards about food foraging (lambs quarter), I wanted to ask a question about bringing back seeds/cuttings from Korea. I know there may be some customs hurdles, but I'm more worried about introducing non-native species. There are about 4 different types of berry trees at my in-laws (korean). I would like to bring back cuttings or berries. However, I'm afraid birds would eat the resulting berries and spread a non-native species. Thoughts? I don't want to be the next asian carp guy.

Thanks

[Windy in Kansas]

A high percentage of our "weed" whether declared noxious or not have been foreign introductions, often for livestock feedstuffs.

Personally I wouldn't do it without bringing them through ports of call and bringing them into the country properly.

I get a little testy when I hear of people smuggling in a few seeds from their foreign trips. Having said that, I did get some vegetable seeds from some Pakistani folk and planted them. One was a kind of cucumber that was magnificent. I did a taste comparison and after eating that kind tried a regular. It tasted so inferior and bitter that I actually spit it out. I attempted to save seed but mice found the seed while they were drying and ate them.

[silverbackMP]

I'm definitely going to bring some mellon seed--they have yellow mellons about the size of a large apple. You can peel it if you want or munch right through the skin. Seeds (I think) are availble in the US but very very hard to find--I found one post on gardweb about them and it was from someone looking for seed--she had lost some that she had saved--no one had any idea of what she was speaking about (it was an old thread so I didn't respond). I'm not too worried about the mellons getting out hand, though--they need cultivation like any other.

[Windy in Kansas]

While I don't have a problem bringing back seeds that are already available they should still be inspected for any spores on them so that you don't introduce an agricultural ill.

A fungus that attacks wheat is maybe a good example. Those in the know say it isn't a matter of it arriving in the U.S., but about when it arrives and if time allows the development of a counter measure. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0317091046.htm I expect we might see wheat become genetically modified to counteract it since wheat is such a staple.

[plowjockey]

Is it really worth the risk, just for some flavors from back home? It does not seem to take much, for an any invasive species to get out of control quickly.

We saw kudzu vines, covering every inch of NC hill sides, inlcuding trees telephone poles, everything.

The emerald ash borer, was just some bug hiding in some Chinese packing material.

[cowcreekgeeks]

I think it's best to check with the USDA and US Customs. You might have to have the items preinspected prior to your checkout from the Turtle Farm. Those links should put you in the general direction you're looking for. You may have to search a little more to find specifics about your plants. Good luck!

[RosewoodfarmVA]

Ailanthus "tree of heaven" was brought here as an ornamental. Now it has taken over thousands of acres of timberland and sprouts in hayfields and pastures alike.

Kudzu was imported to control soil erosion and has done an incredible job at not only covering bare soil and keeping it in place but everything else too!

Palownia "royal empress tree" is a rapidly growing weed tree imported for it's pretty blooms, but takes over cutover land faster than the native trees can.

Nobody imports things with the intention of doing anyone harm. But some plants do better in non-native conditions and can become a weed where in their homeland natural insects or weather patterns prevent it from doing so. Please be careful as birds can carry seeds, and plants quickly escape if allowed to do so.

[ronbre]

well i didn't realize that about the emerald ash borer...which is devastating Mich...i have ash trees all over my yard and do have concerns..so i'd say no