A mobile Biosecurity Queensland site office set up in Tully, where there are 20 banana plants suspected to contain the deadly Panama Tropical Race 4 (TR4 or ‘Panama’) fungal pathogen, has begun dispensing invaluable advice on how farmers can protect their properties and their livelihoods. “The mobile office has been in operation in Tully since Tuesday and has had approximately 100 visitors,” said a Biosecurity Queensland spokesperson. “Most are seeking information about the nature of the disease, how it is spread, where it is at the moment, as well as asking if it is okay to eat banana fruit.”
Wet weather forced a change of venue to the IGA carpark on Wednesday, but those wanting to visit can stay up to date on its location via the Biosecurity Queensland facebook page or by phoning the number on the website. The office is set to move around the Tully area and the affected region.
Australian Banana Growers’ Council Chairman Doug Phillips told ABC news that he was not trying to underestimate how serious the threat is or what a challenge containment will be in his statement to growers.
“Anyone who has regular access to your site, I would encourage you to talk to those people, say that you want them to decontaminate before coming onto the property and decontaminate when they leave.
"It is those high risk parts that you have to focus on.
"That's all we can do. As you get on top of those issues, you can identify the next highest risk you have on the farm.”
The disease does not spread via wind or insects, which many consider a blessing, however water, plants and soil are all potential contaminants. Farmers have also been asking about correct washdown and contamination procedures, according to the spokesperson. Tissue culture plants are also being recommended by Biosecurity Queensland.
Those affected by the disease, in the Tully region, can stay up to date on expected announcements from Biosecurity Queensland by following its facebook page or twitter account (links below).
In terms of advice from Biosecurity Queensland 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.
For more information:
Suspicious findings in Tully or elsewhere in Queensland can be reported to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23
Website: www.daff.qld.gov.au
Biosecurity Queensland facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/biosecurityqld
Biosecurity Queensland twitter account @BiosecurityQld