Australia: AU potato crops threatened by new bacteria

The bacteria, called Dickeya dianthicola can cause significant production losses in crops by causing diseases such as soft-rot or blackleg.

While potatoes are its main host, it can also infect globe artichoke, chicory, dahlia and flaming katy.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA confirmed the bacteria’s presence in a seed potato crop north of Perth, which is now under quarantine. Another property in the south-west of the state is also suspected to have the bacteria.

It is the second biosecurity blow for the WA potato industry in a matter of months, with the tomato potato psyllid (TPP) pest causing significant trade implications for the state.

The detection of the new bacteria has not resulted in any further trade implications, with restrictions already in place for the movement of potatoes out of Western Australia and into other states and territories.

The department has encouraged anyone with suspicions of the bacteria on their property to call its pest and disease information service.

State Government support offered

News of the new biosecurity threat comes as Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced a $1.5 million recovery fund to explore market opportunities for growers affected by TPP trade restrictions.

The Minister said potato growers had been left unable to sell produce to their usual interstate markets, which had led to a glut in WA. She said issues of oversupply could worsen with the discovery of the crop bacteria.

Ms MacTiernan said there was potential to fast-track protocols for the export of potatoes into countries such as Korea and Egypt.