Mystery seed packages appearing again in Alabama – Yellowhammer News

It is imperative for recipients of unsolicited seeds to not plant the seeds and not open sealed packages. Alabama Cooperative Extension System county offices statewide will serve as drop-off locations for unsolicited seed packages. Extension staff will coordinate proper pickup and disposal with the ADAI.

David Russell, an assistant Extension professor who specializes in invasive-plant management, said these seeds could be plant species that would be invasive to Alabama.

“Alabama’s climate is suitable for a wide range of plant species to establish and grow,” Russell said. “Seed from unsolicited sources like this should never be planted, because some could have invasive potential like cogongrass, kudzu or Chinese privet that aggressively spread.”

Invasive species, both flora and fauna, can threaten the environment in several ways. These include things like hybridization with native species, altering ecological processes, and reducing productivity of forests, rangeland, and cropland.

Once established, invasive species cost a great deal of time and money to manage and control. They can also reduce native biodiversity and wildlife habitats, limit land access for recreation, and cause harm to humans and livestock.

In addition to the invasive species risk, Kassie Conner, an Alabama Extension plant pathologist, said these packages could also harbor harmful diseases and other plant pathogens.

“Plant pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes, can be transmitted through seed,” Conner said. “They can be inside the seed, on the outside of the seed or be present in the seed lot without obvious damage.”

By planting these seeds, people could unintentionally introduce a plant disease to their garden. Depending on the pathogen and the plant species, Conner said one infected seed planted in an otherwise healthy garden can cause complete yield loss.

“Once introduced, diseases are difficult to control,” Conner said. “Many can survive anywhere from one to more than 10 years in the environment. Some can survive for longer than that.”

These seed packets also bring the potential risk of introducing invasive insects to Alabama’s environment.

“These seed packets may contain invasive insect eggs or larva that have been feeding upon the seeds during transport,” said Meredith Shrader, an Extension entomologist. “We do not want to inadvertently introduce new potential pest species into the U.S. by opening these packets. Please keep the seed packets sealed and report them properly.”

For more information, read the ADAI press release at www.agi.alabama.gov or contact your county’s Extension office. Contact information is available at www.aces.edu.

This story originally appeared on the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s website.

Courtesy of Alabama News Center