If you receive a packet of seeds in the mail, don’t plant them. That’s the warning from University of Missouri Extension.
Horticulturist Kelly McGowin said they’ve received reports recently of unsolicited seeds being mailed to Springfield-area residents in southwestern Missouri.
Unsolicited seeds can be used to introduce invasive plant species, pests, diseases, viruses, and bacteria which can harm native plant species, insects, crops, and livestock. The seeds could also be part of a so-called “brushing” campaign which is used to boost an e-commerce seller’s ratings through fake orders.
If you receive a package of seeds that you did not order, don’t open them, plant them, or throw them away. Instead, secure them and all packaging materials in a plastic zip-close bag and mail them to USDA APHIS PPQ, Attn: SEEDS, 1715 Southridge Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
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