Tasmanian potato growers are bracing for trade restrictions after a virus never previously seen in Australian crops was detected for the second time on the island, according to an ABC News report.
Potato mop top virus, which poses no risk to human health but distorts the flesh and can significantly impact yields, was found at a farm in the state’s north-west earlier this month. Biosecurity Tasmania has now confirmed a second detection at a research farm in the state’s south.
Chief plant protection officer Susanna Driessen said there was a “direct link” between the two properties and further tracing work was underway. She said restrictions were now likely on the interstate movement of Tasmanian seed potatoes.
Leigh Elphinstone, a north-west farmer and chairman of potato processor Simplot’s grower committee, hoped restrictions did not eventuate, saying they would only add to industry pressures.
Victoria-based Dr Nigel Crump, a potato pathologist and Australian Seed Potato Industry Certification Authority’s (AuSPICA) general manager, believed restrictions on Tasmanian seed potato movements to other states were “absolutely” necessary.
Source: ABC News. Full story here
Related: What can we learn from New Zealand’s experience with potato mop-top virus?
Cover image: Credit ABC – News Laurissa Smith
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