Some of you may recall news in 2020 about unsolicited seeds being sent in the mail from overseas (https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/archive/releases/2020/Q3/unsolicited-seeds-could-wreak-havoc-on-agriculture,-environment,-state-officials-warn.html).
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- Figure 1. If you receive seeds that you didn’t order, do not plant or throw them away.
There have now been recent reports of this happening again. Ric Bessin, Entomology Extension Specialist, and Joe Collins, Deputy State Entomologist, from the University of Kentucky, wrote about reports of unsolicited seeds from the south, northeast, and central US. You can read their report here: https://kentuckypestnews.wordpress.com/2025/03/18/reports-of-unsolicited-seeds-being-received/
If you receive seeds of unknown origin, it’s important that you don’t plant or dispose of the seeds. They could be invasive, noxious, or diseased.
Instead, if you receive unsolicited seeds, you 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:
Jason Allen – Indiana State Plant Health Director
Attn APHIS PPQ
1305 Cumberland Ave Unit 102
West Lafayette, IN 47906
- If you cannot mail the items, do not dispose of them. Keep the seeds, packaging and mailing label and contact the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology at 866-663-9684 or DEPP@dnr.IN.gov.
- Anyone who has already planted seeds should not dispose of the plants or soil. Contact the Indiana DNR Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology at the phone number and email address above.
- Never plant seeds of unknown origin.
