Call to stop plant trade

In a bold attempt to save the world's forests, scientists from 17 countries are asking trade policy makers around the globe to phase out international trade in high-risk plants that put forest health at risk.

If the scientists' proposal is implemented, it would mean an end to all international trade in containerised ornamental plant seedlings and trees intended as plants for instant landscape planting.

This particular trade segment, the scientists say, is of little benefit in terms of countries' overall economies but provides easy pathways for dispersal of tree pests and diseases. The scientists also suggest that international trade in other plant materials such as wood packaging and wood chips should be more strictly regulated and scrutinised.