Psyllid found on Norfolk Island
The tomato-potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) has not previously been detected on Norfolk Island, but has now been found as part of a major quarantine survey co-ordinated by the Australian and Norfolk Island governments.
During the survey, insect traps were set by Plant Biosecurity CRC researchers Andrew Geering and John Thomas, from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation.
The psyllid was recognised in trap contents.
“The tomato-potato psyllid feeds on tomato, potato and capsicum crops,” Dr Geering said.
“It transmits a serious disease known as Zebra chip caused by the bacterium Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum, which we have also found in these crops on Norfolk Island. The insect and the disease would be major threats to Australian growers if they arrived on the mainland.”
Peak industry body AusVeg said Australian growers faced potential yield losses of up to 50 per cent if the Zebra chip disease complex was introduced.
There are strict quarantine measures in place for movement of goods between Norfolk Island and Australia.
The scientists said the psyllid likely came from New Zealand, arriving on illegally imported plant material or in cargo.
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