Australia: Potato mop-top virus detected at four more Tasmanian properties, including research plot
Potato mop-top virus has been detected at a further four properties in Tasmania, bringing the total number of affected sites to six.
Biosecurity Tasmania now believes the virus, which has never been detected in Australia before, could have been present in Tasmania for two years.
The virus rots the skin and flesh of potatoes and while not harmful to human health when consumed, it can significantly affect yields.
A detection was first announced on August 13 in Tasmania’s north-west, then a second property was confirmed on Tuesday.
The next four sites included properties in the north and north-west, and a small research plot in the south.
Two detections were in seed potatoes.
Four of the sites have direct links with each other.
In a statement, Biosecurity Tasmania said the movement of potatoes, machinery and equipment had been restricted at the affected sites.
"Biosecurity Tasmania has been undertaking tracing activities associated with the detection and, in collaboration with industry, has expanded general surveillance efforts to sampling and testing seed potatoes currently held in storage," the statement reads.
"All potato growers need to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in potato plants and potato stock."Precautions ahead of potato planting
Potato planting in Tasmania usually occurs by the end of September.
TasFarmers chief executive Nathan Calman said the state had the capability to test seed before it went into the ground.
Potato mop-top virus was detected in New Zealand seven years ago. With the virus now present in Tasmania, what can we learn from the response across the Tasman?
"The concerning thing moving forward is that we now need to test all lines of seed potato ahead of the upcoming planting season to make sure that producers have confidence that what they put in the ground isn’t going to inadvertently spread the virus, or put their crops at risk," Mr Calman said.
He said it was positive that government tracing efforts had been effective so far.
"What’s not known is how it will interact with potato production in the Tasmanian landscape and climate."
The majority of Tasmania’s potato production is processed into frozen goods, and the virus could impact the quality of tubers.
Tasmanian chief plant officer Susannah Driessen said the focus was on tracing, and protecting the industry during the upcoming planting period.
"In acknowledgement of how close we are to planting, and the availability of seed potatoes to test, we’re doing a general surveillance approach in collaboration with industry," Dr Driessen said.
She said property owners should take precautions.
"Some of the risk associated with moving the virus is particularly with soil," she said."If you’ve got equipment, ensuring that they are absolutely cleaned down, not moving soil off the property, not moving plant material off the property.
"Really focused on keeping the virus where it is."
Fuente: abc.net.au
