Following the detection of banana freckle in the Top End, a response plan to eradicate the disease from the Northern Territory has been approved. Since May, banana freckle has been detected in 42 properties, mostly in the Batchelor and Rum Jungle region. The disease has also been found at properties in Middle Point, Marrakai, Fly Creek and on the Tiwi Islands.
The response plan has been approved by the National Management Group and now plant biosecurity staff from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade can begin working towards eradicating the disease. Under the response plan all banana plants and plant material on a property which has a plant infected with banana freckle will be removed.
Members of the biosecurity team will continue to work with the industry, growers and the public to limit the impacts of the disease to protect Northern Territory grown bananas. Biosecurity officers inspecting properties continue to follow strict biosecurity decontamination protocols when entering and exiting any premises to prevent the risk of spreading the disease.
Source: nationaltribune.com.au