THE repercussions from the cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) outbreak in watermelons and pumpkins in the Northern Territory are starting to dawn on stakeholders.
Next year’s proposed Australian Melon Conference and Field Days scheduled to be held in Griffith in March have been postponed until 2016 due to the need for seed testing and the lack of time to then establish new variety trials.
The need to minimise plant, equipment and human traffic on farms were also reasons given for the postponement.
Another realisation among growers is the effects of not having a melon levy of any kind in place.
Because the Australian Melon Association (AMA) is not a signatory to the Federal Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD), it has very little say in how authorities should respond to and manage the outbreak of CGMMV.
AMA industry development officer manager Dianne Fullelove said there have been two a number of failed attempts to introduce a research and development levy, but the outbreak of CGMMV could change that.
“It's been a big lesson for everyone and I think growers are now understanding the reasons why we need to have a levy and why we need to become a member of Plant Health Australia, and a signatory to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed,” she said.
The lack of a statutory body means growers could be behind the eight ball when it comes to Government support and compensation as well.
“It is very difficult for the industry not being a signatory to the EPPRD deed and not able to attend the CCEPP (Consultative Committee Emergency Plant Pests) meetings, even as an observer,” Ms Fullelove said.
The AMA has requested that Plant Health Australia allow it observer status on the committee but, to date, this has not been granted.
The AMA is also having discussions with seed companies to ascertain whether existing melon seed stocks in Australia have been tested, as well as working to assist seed companies to access accredited laboratories overseas.
With nervousness about the disease and its potential spread, most melon growers have upped their on-farm biosecurity arrangements.
These changes include adjusting the way people enter farms, the cleanliness of materials that are used and how staff are trained.
Issues such as the cleanliness of pallets that are used in large numbers within the melon industry, have become hot topics.
Despite not having a financial pool to draw on, the AMA has been actively working with the Federal Department of Agriculture and Plant Health Australia.
Late last month, NT growers, who have been affected by the virus, met with the federal agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce, to discuss a range of issues.
These included ongoing talks regarding possible assistance to affected growers.
AMA chairman and Queensland grower Mark Daunt said the organisation’s position on CGMMV is to aim for total eradication.
“The virus is virulent and easily transmittable, for this reason it is imperative that it is stamped out,” Mr Daunt said.
“With this in mind, all growers who are still planting must ensure that they obtain evidence that their planting material has been tested for CGMMV.
Mr Daunt asked all growers to cooperate with biosecurity staff and have their crops inspected for CGMMV.
“This virus is very virulent and will not disappear of its own accord. The earlier it is detected and eradication begins the more chance the industry has of becoming CGMMV free,” he said.
State biosecurity agencies have requested growers to contact them if they see any possible signs of infected melon plants: NSW - Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881 or Qld - 13 25 23.
Growers can stay up-to-date with information by visiting the AMA website at: www.melonsaustralia.org.au
