Piera Loquat

[CarolinaZone]

Piera is in stock for sale at Lubera
https://www.lubera.com/ch/shop/japanische-wollmispel-piera_produkt-2283160.html

[a_Vivaldi]

Now we just need to wait for it to show up stateside...

[Sir Graftalot]

This sounds awesome. Anyone in the States has scions?

[sc4001992]

.

[AdamC]

what is special about the Piera loquat?

[Sir Graftalot]

what is special about the Piera loquat?

It flowers all year round, regardless of the season.

[a_Vivaldi]

What all would be the process to get it into the States? I know with citrus it's really hard, but for loquat would it be more doable?

[BeachGardener9a]

I really want to hear about someone that has grown this variety.

[Sir Graftalot]

I'm sure someone with deep enough pockets could do it.

[BeachGardener9a]

I'm sure someone with deep enough pockets could do it.

Hypothetically, what ways could one go about importing this? I might be willing to bankroll it.

[Sir Graftalot]

I'm sure someone with deep enough pockets could do it.

Hypothetically, what ways could one go about importing this? I might be willing to bankroll it.

For starters, perhaps getting a ticket to Spain or Sicily. I'm not sure how else to go about it without having a connection there.

[a_Vivaldi]

I mean, there are plenty of people on this and similar forums who are in the EU, so I don't see why flying over there is necessary.

But finding budwood, getting phytosanitary certificates and whatever else the USDA wants, having someone do the shipping, that's the tricky part.

[Sir Graftalot]

I mean, there are plenty of people on this and similar forums who are in the EU, so I don't see why flying over there is necessary.

But finding budwood, getting phytosanitary certificates and whatever else the USDA wants, having someone do the shipping, that's the tricky part.

Ah, good point. Total novice here - I have no idea what the procedures are, but if someone knows how to get some seeds or cuttings legitimately, I think everyone here would love to hear it.

[a_Vivaldi]

Ok, a brief look over the APHIS database shows loquat on the NAPPRA list.

RIP

Basically, it's illegal to import, period. To import it legally, you'd need to apply to the USDA to get it delisted, and if they accept and delisted it, you'd then need to start the import permit process. But without a market access request, you won't get it delisted, and even so, the USDA will need to develope a pest risk analysis. Only when that PRA is complete and only if the results are satisfactory will the USDA delist the species and allow you to proceed with the import application, pest quarantine, etc.

That's my layman understanding anyway, I'm no lawyer though.

[a_Vivaldi]

Looks like the exceptions are for seed and imports from Canada. So loquat seed and loquat scion wood from Canada can be imported via the normal import permit and inspection system.

[a_Vivaldi]

Ah, loquat is a host of citrus longhorn beetle, which isn't currently present in North America. Hence the import ban excepting Canada and seeds.

[Sir Graftalot]

Rats! I guess we can pretty much put this one to rest.

[Tropicaltoba]

I like loquats and live in Canada. I’m usually a “by the book” kinda guy. I don’t want to be responsible for the next eab or Dutch elm disease. Does any body have a good contact?