Omsk Reference Center laboratory of phytosanitary quarantine examinations and surveys identified the seeds of bidens pilosa, a weed included in the Russian list of objects of quarantine concern.
Herbarological examinations of packaged seeds lot of Cherry Queen Zinnia, produced in Italy, proved that it contains the seeds of a forbidden weed, bidens pilosa. Irina Lukashevich, head of Omsk Reference Center laboratory says: "Bidens pilosa is included in the list of quarantine objects that are not present in the territory of the Russian Federation. This weed is harmful as it causes decrease in crop yields and contamination of grain." The results of this sample examination by the specialists of the center were sent to the Office of Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance in Omsk region.
