Statewide –People across the country are reporting having received unsolicited packages of unidentified seeds in the mail that seem to be coming from China. The Office of Indiana State Chemist, located at Purdue University, is urging Hoosiers not to plant or dispose of the seeds since they could be spreading noxious weeds, plant diseases or invasive species.
Anyone in Indiana who receives a package is told not to open the seed packet and to mail it and any packaging materials to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Indiana office (full instructions below). State and federal authorities will work together to identify and properly dispose of all seeds and plant materials.
Anyone in Indiana who receives a package is told not to open the seed packet and to mail it and any packaging materials to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Indiana office. State and federal authorities will work together to identify and properly dispose of all seeds and plant materials.
Anyone who receives unsolicited seeds should:
• Keep the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, but do not open the seed packet;
• Place all contents in a zip-top bag, then place the bag in an envelope or small box and mail it to:
USDA APHIS PPQ
State Plant Health Director
Nick Johnson
3059 N. Morton St.
Franklin, IN 46131
If mailing isn’t an option for you. Please call the Decatur County Purdue Extension Office at 812.663.8388 to arrange a drop-off/pick up time for the seeds and packaging. The office reports having received one package locally thus far. They advise anyone that already opened the package and planted the seeds to call the In Department of Natural Resources at 1.866.663.9684.
