The first thing that cane to mind was that Russia is farther north than southern Ontario. Some of the deciduous trees might not survive up there unless they're in greenhouses.

origami_master, you're right, but Ontario's climate is rather exceptional and most canadian places have the same climate as Russia. Also Kazan city is located in central Russia, much milder than Siberia or north regions.

Hi Mari11,

Ok , well my first question is this: What phyto requirements are there for sending some, any , all kinds of seeds to Russia? What is the cost and are you paying for that or are you just mailing the seeds out without checking into the phyto requirements ?

If you are interested in requirements follow this link : http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/expe.shtml

What is a Phytosanitary Certificate?

A Phytosanitary Certificate is a document often required by many states and foreign countries for the import of non processed, plant products. The word Phytosanitary is derived from two Greek wordsÂPhyto meaning plant and sanitary, meaning clean. Export commodities (depending on the country or state) must meet certain standards or criteria outlined by the importing country or state. These plant health requirements pertain to storage pests, plant diseases, chemical treatments and weeds.

I for one dont want to be party to the possible sending of disease , foreign insects in the egg stage or any other possible infection to a different country that could be harboured on seeds collected from gardens or forests here etc. Most countries these days restrict certain seeds/plants for specific infector factors and do so for good reason .Even if a phyto is not required for certain plant seeds..it certainly is a cause for concern. The possibility that sending seeds from say for example some kind of conifer that could be harbouring a pest that could wipe out stands of similar trees in Russia is not something I would want to be responsible for.

Just look at what we are facing here in Canada with Dutch Elm disease, Emerald Ash borer etc.

Something to think about !!!!!!!!

Signet

Signet that is so true, I just came back from Australia, and they are soooo strict about any type of seeds, plants and anything that comes from other country that could bring pests and decease. They check you not for drugs, but for plants and seeds. We used to have eatable chestnuts in Southern Ontario, but no more, because they all died, from a decease from plants that were brought from other countries.

signet and wildflower, thank you for this warning! I haven't thought about this danger, bcz I don't remember any restrictions on sending seeds to Russia, but I am not 100% sure.