Abstract
It is widely acknowledged that a major threat to tree health biosecurity comes from trade, particularly through the importation of containerised live plants and associated growing media. Nurseries can collectively play a key role in mitigating pests and diseases through attention to their daily practices (e.g., procuring plants, storage and management). More widespread adoption of best practices in the sector could be promoted through the introduction of a UK-wide accreditation scheme. However, the success of such a scheme would depend not only on its uptake by nurseries but also on the attitudes of key consumers in the plant supply chain. To date, the perspectives of the nursery sector on the feasibility of plant biosecurity, as well as the sensitivity of these sectors to consumer opinion, have remained under-researched. Using the COM-B [Capability, Opportunity, Motivation—Behaviour] model as a framework, we draw on qualitative results to assess the appetite for a hypothetical accreditation scheme amongst UK nurseries and the capability, opportunities and motivations to enhance their biosecurity practices. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with plant nurseries and 22 with their consumers. Overall a plant health accreditation scheme should have actions that are: (1) viable within the confines of the site and supply chain; (2) affordable where the benefits of changes/improvements outweigh the costs; (3) beneficial in that they promote biosecurity; (4) attractive to consumers looking to purchase products from accredited nurseries; (5) fair and inclusive where everyone has responsibility for biosecurity; (6) transparent with the scheme involving a strong monitoring and auditing component. This study provides important insights that will feed into the development of plant biosecurity-focussed accreditation or certification.
Highlights
Awareness of the environmental, economic and social impacts from plant pests and diseases is on the increase amongst horticulture and forestry sectors [1,2]
Good biosecurity practices are considered paramount in the nursery sector
We identified that key motivations to participate in an accreditation scheme would be (i) the collective support that would come into play in a biosecurity emergency and (ii) consumer demand
Summary
Economic and social impacts from plant pests and diseases is on the increase amongst horticulture and forestry sectors [1,2]. In the UK, relatively recent examples include ash dieback caused by the fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus and Phytophthora ramorum, with the spread of Phytophthora pathogens in traded plants and accumulating in plant nurseries a particular problem due to their extensive host ranges and ability to persist in soil and water [5,6,7]. A recent study investigating Phytophthora diversity in UK plant nurseries found 63 different Phytophthora species including quarantine regulated pathogens and species not previously recorded in the UK, highlighting the need for improved biosecurity across the plant trade [8]. While a surveillance network acts as an essential early warning system, an additional preventative approach focuses on improving the knowledge and biosecurity behaviours of key industry sectors through a shared set of agreed standards. This article explores the motivations and challenges of belonging to a voluntary accreditation scheme from the perspective of nurseries and their consumers, Local Authorities who purchase plants for public land and commercial operators such as garden centres and non-specialist retailers
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