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A pest risk analysis curve on a graph is used to present diagramatically 1) the concept of pest risk analysis, and 2) the interaction of biological, economical, social, and political factors with quarantine policies, regulations, or decisions. The culmination of these regulatory activities often leads to a decision about the entry status of a wide spectrum of imported “items”. While the concept pertains to animal as well as plant quarantine matters, this paper concentrates on plant quarantine. Most of the examples presented relate specifically to the pest risk associated with importing plants or plant parts for propagation. Some of the examples presented have wide application in international quarantine circles while others relate only to the United States. The method of illustrating pest risk analysis as a curve should be useful in effectively communicating quarantine philosophy, principles, policies, and decisions not only to the commercial, lay, and scientific public, but to plant quarantine officers. For within–house quarantine activities, the diagrams may be useful in training, explaining assignments or responsibilities to officers, determining priorities or planning budgets, and as a means for emphasizing the biological aspects of decisions about entry status of imported items.