Agriculture Victoria has confirmed a detection of Tomato potato psyllid (TPP) in a location outside the existing Restricted Area on the Bellarine Peninsula. The department is putting accreditation arrangements in place to support interstate movement of produce and to maintain confidence that shipments are free of TPP.
TPP was first detected in Western Australia in 2017 and is now established there. Victoria recorded its first detections in November 2024 at several sites on the Bellarine Peninsula, which have since been contained through the establishment of the Restricted Area. In October 2025, TPP was detected in a residential backyard in northern Melbourne, marking the first confirmed presence outside the controlled zone. Surveillance carried out in previous seasons across Melbourne, and in south-west Melbourne earlier this year, did not detect TPP, suggesting it is not widespread.
The locations where TPP has been detected are not near commercial production areas outside biosecurity oversight. Agriculture Victoria states that the current risk of long-distance spread remains low.
Next steps include the rapid implementation of accreditation measures to allow interstate trade of at-risk produce, which includes plants and commodities in the Solanaceae and Convolvulaceae families.
Tomato potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) is a sap-feeding insect that affects potatoes, tomatoes, capsicum, and related crops, with feeding damage considered minor. However, TPP can transmit Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso), the causal agent of Zebra chip disease, which presents a major biosecurity risk for potato production. CLso has not been detected in Australia, and all TPP samples collected in Victoria to date have tested negative. Early detection of Zebra chip is essential for response activities. Suspected TPP sightings should be reported to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline at 1800 084 881.
For more information:
Ausveg
Tel: +61 (0) 3 9882 0277
Email: [email protected]
www.ausveg.com.au
