TRAVELLERS and the local community are being reminded of movement restrictions for mangoes on Cape York Peninsula to keep the summer fruit’s industry safe.
Biosecurity Queensland Acting Chief Plant Protection Officer Sarah Corcoran said the message was simple – don’t move mangoes around or out of this region.
“Mango season has kicked off in the north of the state and with many people beginning to plan tropical holidays, it’s a timely reminder that mango fruit can’t be moved in, around, or out of the Cape York area, north of Coen, unless it’s accompanied by a Biosecurity Queensland Inspector’s approval,” she said.
“In the Cape York Peninsula, you can collect and eat mangoes on the property where you find them, but don’t move the fruit off the property.
“Any movement of mango fruit around, out of or into the Cape York Peninsula region is prohibited in order to prevent the spread of exotic pests and diseases to commercial mango production areas.
“Infestations of red banded mango caterpillar and leaf gall midge occur at several locations north of the Jardine River, on the northern tip of Cape York Peninsula and we don’t want these pests to spread further.
“In tropical parts of Asia where the red banded mango caterpillar is widespread, it causes commercial losses of 10-15 per cent of mango crops.”
Ms Corcoran said a quarantine area in the Cape York Peninsula was established to help restrict the movement of pests that affect the production of mangoes, as well as other crops and commodities.
“Many plant pests have the potential to cause serious economic damage to Queensland’s horticulture industries and it is vital to respect quarantine areas to control or restrict pests within these areas.
“If a person moves mango plant materials, including fruit, in to or out of the Cape York Peninsula targeted pest quarantine area without the correct approvals they could face a fine for breaching the Plant Protection Act (1989).
“If you are unsure about quarantine restrictions, you can phone the Coen Information and Inspection Centre on 07 4060 1135.
“If you grow mangoes, always keep watch for anything unusual. During the fruiting period, regularly check your fruit for signs of unusual pests and diseases.”
For more information on exotic plant pests and diseases, visit www.daff.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23. Call the Exotic Pest Plant Hotline on 1800 084 811 if you suspect exotic plant pests or diseases in your mango fruit or trees.
