DENTON COUNTY (WBAP/KLIF)- Unsolicited seeds from China are being sent to Americans across the nation and it’s happening here in North Texas.
Janet Laminack is the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Horticulture Agent for Denton County. She said Denton County residents have received the seeds in packaging falsely labeled as jewelry.
“Some of them look like seeds for cantaloupe or squash, I’ve also seen smaller seeds so it doesn’t seem to be a consistent type of seed being sent,” Laminack said. “I think it’s odd,” she said.
Residents are advised not to plant the seeds or throw them out as they could contain harmful invasive species.
She said to leave it in it’s packaging and report it to the USDA.
“I am urging folks to take this matter seriously,” Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said. “An invasive plant species might not sound threatening, but these small invaders could destroy Texas agriculture. TDA has been working closely with USDA to analyze these unknown seeds so we can protect Texas residents.”
Miller said an invasive species is an organism that is not native to a particular region. “The introduction of this ‘alien species’ can cause economic or environmental harm. In agriculture, an invasive species can destroy native crops, introduce disease to native plants and may be dangerous for livestock,” he said.
If you receive a package send an email to carol.m.motloch@usda.gov including your name and contact information and description (or photo) of the package.
