FURTHER test results support Biosecurity Queensland’s initial positive diagnosis of a case of Panama disease Tropical Race 4 on a banana farm near Tully.
Chief Biosecurity Officer Dr Jim Thompson said these results were from the original samples taken from the farm in February, which showed an initial positive result.
“We sent those samples to Darwin for the same type of DNA (PCR) testing and just like our findings last week they have come back positive,” Dr Thompson said.
“It backs up our initial positive diagnosis and supports our approach of immediately quarantining the site," he said.
“While this takes us even closer to knowing that this is definitely a case of Tropical Race 4, the testing process is ongoing with a different diagnostic test still continuing in Brisbane.
“In the meantime, we are continuing with our program of surveillance, sampling, diagnostics and tracing on this property and other farms in the vicinity.
“It is more important than ever that growers remain vigilant and maintain good biosecurity practices on their properties and visually inspect crops for any signs of disease.
“Our message to growers is ‘Come Clean, Leave Clean’ and it is vital that they maintain strict clean down processes on their operations.
“So far our investigations have not indicated any obvious source for the infection. The fungus lives in the soil and it is generally transmitted by the movement of infected planting material, infested soil, or contaminated water.”
Dr Thompson said Biosecurity Queensland had now established control centres to coordinate the response in Brisbane, South Johnstone and Tully.
“Our departmental mobile office is stationed in Tully (IGA car park, Morris Street) and I encourage growers and any interested community members to visit and speak with our staff."
Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) Chairman Doug Phillips said the Tully farm remained under the quarantine restrictions introduced last week.
“While one farm is quarantined, banana farm operations elsewhere in North Queensland and our other banana growing regions are all continuing as usual, including harvesting, packing and transportation of bananas to market,” Mr Phillips said.
“It’s important to remember that banana fruit is not affected by TR4 and remains completely safe to handle and eat. There is zero risk to consumers," he said.
“TR4 only affects banana plants growing directly where it is found in the soil. At present, the fungus has been detected on a section of one banana farm in Tully and we have about 700 farms nationally, including about 280 banana farms throughout North Queensland.
“That means there is no impact on banana supply or fruit quality and our consumers will be able to continue to buy and enjoy bananas as usual.”
Dr Thompson said while TR4 was one of the world’s most serious banana plant diseases, containment measures could successfully slow its spread on an affected farm and substantially reduce the risk of it moving to other farms.
All banana growers are urged to:
Make sure you and your farm workers are familiar with the symptoms of Panama disease, and check your crop regularly for the disease.
If you suspect Panama disease – report it immediately.
Use clean planting material and ensure all other farm inputs are disease free. Tissue culture plants are recommended.
Take care to prevent the entry of Panama disease onto your farm. Farm hygiene is a very effective preventative measure.
Ensure that workers, visitors, vehicles and equipment are decontaminated before they enter and leave your farm.
If you suspect Panama disease on your plants, report it immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23, or call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
For more information on preventing Panama disease visit www.daff.qld.gov.au
Subscribe to daily updates by visiting www.daff.qld.gov.au and select ‘bananas’ alerts or call 13 25 23.