I would hope that, by now, everyone has heard of the unsolicited seeds packages in the USPS recently. We don’t know much about the seeds, but do know they could pose a threat to our agricultural production systems locally, in Kansas and across the nation. The threat is real and treat these seeds as an act of bioterrorism.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture has been notified that several Kansas residents have received unsolicited packages containing seeds that appear to have originated from China. Many surrounding states have also notified residents of the same kind of packages. The packages were sent by mail; some have been labeled as jewelry and they may have Chinese writing on them.
If you receive a package of they type, DO NOT OPEN OR PLANT THESE SEEDS. New information came out on August 1, 2020 with two options to handle the seeds.
Option 1 (PREFERRED): Double-bag the seeds and all of the original mailing packaging in sealable plastic bags (e.g. Ziploc bags), and complete and include the form Unsolicited Seeds Submission Form
Place everything in a padded mailing envelope, and mail the package to:
UDSA-APHIS
1131 SW Winding Rd, Suite A
Topeka, KS 66615
Option 2: Using duct tape, completely cover the seed packet from all sides with tape. Double bag the seed packet into two seal-able bags (e.g. Ziploc bags), remove air pockets. Fold over to reduce size, and completely cover the folded-over bag with duct tape. This minimizes risk preventing bag breakage and prevents water and sun reaching the seeds. Discard in the trash.
Following this procedure will help reduce the chance of an exotic invasive species of plant or plant pest from being introduced into our environment. At this time, we have been given no reason to believe the seeds being sent pose a health danger to people or animals; if you or your pets exhibit any symptoms of concern, contact a medical professional. However, unsolicited seeds could be invasive species, could introduce diseases to local plants, or could be harmful to livestock. Invasive species wreak havoc on the environment, displace or destroy native plants and insects and severely damage crops.
To help put the situation into perspective for those of you not involved in production agriculture. Weeds are prolific plants, they survive well and are unwanted. Depending on the kind, some plants can produce thousands and thousands of seeds. Kochia can produce 30,000 seeds per plant and Palmer amaranth can produce 460,000 seeds per plant under tougher conditions. If the conditions for Palmer Amaranth are optimal, it can produce 1 million seeds! Image the damage that could be done be with a small package of 20-30 seeds. PLEASE TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY and report your package to KDA.
If you more questions please contact the KDA’s plant protection and weed control program at (785) 564-6698, via email at KDA.PPWC@ks.gov.
