Expect to see more people bringing flowers across the San Ysidro Port of Entry this February weekend. Love is in the air. Valentine's Day is approaching.
Expect to see more banned flowers being seized also.
U.S. border inspectors usually see a spike in the number of travelers bringing flowers from Mexico, where they cost less, around Valentine's Day. They are on the lookout for certain plants and flowers around that day, which falls on Monday this year.
Roses, carnations and most other flowers are allowed after they pass inspection, said Leslie Gomez-Montez of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
But certain flowers that are often found in floral arrangements are banned in the United States because they could potentially be harboring harmful pests and disease, she said.
Prohibited flowers and plant materials are chrysanthemums, gladiolas and choisya and murraya, (both ornamental fillers). Plants potted in soil cannot be brought from Mexico.
To avoid problems "we are asking people to please declare everything," Gomez-Montez said.
If any portion of a bouquet has pests, the entire bouquet is confiscated, officials said.
CBP agriculture specialists are particularly busy checking flowers around Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, she said.
The specialists trained to detect even microscopic pests.
The current operation is focusing on preventing a fungi called "Chrysanthemum White rust" and "Gladiolus Rust" from entering the United States. Some cut greenery, which are plants used to fill a bouquet may also have pests or diseases.
For example, Murraya, common name "orange jasmine" is a host for Asian citrus psyllid, a dangerous pest of citrus.
