Seed-borne Pathogens
Seed-borne diseases constitute a demonstrated threat to American agriculture. Many seeds used by American agriculture are imported from foreign countries. Although such seed importations are frequently inspected for weeds or insect pests by the USDA, no such inspections are conducted or required for seed-borne pathogens. A testing and/or certification program for seed-borne pathogens is needed in the United States so as to protect agricultural crops.