Branch organization Anthos has communicated to its affiliated bulb exporters that Iran has been refusing import licenses with respect to Dutch lily bulbs for a couple of weeks.
The Iranian authorities made this decision because they found the nematode Pratylenchus penetrans in two shipments. Based on these findings, Iran’s Plant Protection Organization notified the NVWA that they found heavy infestations of this nematode. Iran has asked the Netherlands how they can guarantee that no Pratylenchus is present on lily bulbs. After the Dutch reaction they will then decide on ways to continue the import of lily bulbs.
In consultation with Anthos the NVWA has responded and explained the method of inspection in the Netherlands. This export inspection in the Netherlands implies that consignments must be visually free of P. penetrans. Iran has not yet responded to the Dutch reaction.