AU: Melon virus eradication no longer option
After an initial outbreak of the disease in 2014, Primary Industry and Fisheries Minister Willem Westra van Holthe said on March 26 that the federal Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests had waved the white flag on eradicating CGMMV in the Territory.
“Over recent weeks, we have seen the number of properties affected by CGMMV jump from 10 to 21,” he said. “The [CCEPP] have determined that it’s no longer technically feasible to eradicate it from the NT. That necessitates us moving from an eradication model to a management model.”
In total, 16 properties in the Katherine region have tested positive for CGMMV.
At most of the new sites, the virus has been detected on several weed species, not cucurbit crops.
The news comes just two weeks after the government announced a two-year interest subsidy scheme worth $1.2 million to assist affected growers.
The Australian Melon Association is not a signatory to the national Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed, meaning Territory growers hit hard by the CGMMV outbreak are not eligible for financial assistance.
Mr Westra van Holthe said he did not believe the March 26 announcement was “doomsday stuff” for the Territory’s $60m watermelon industry, but admitted little could be done until the management plan was created.
Source: bendigoadvertiser.com.au
