Growers’ E-bulletin – New case of Panama TR4 confirmed

Panama TR4 confirmed on fourth Tully Valley banana farm

Panama tropical race 4 has been confirmed on a fourth Tully Valley banana farm.

Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) today advised ABGC that a detailed biological test has conclusively confirmed the presence of the disease in a sample taken from the farm in January.

The grower was issued with a TR4 notice in early February after a suspect plant found during routine BQ surveillance returned positive to preliminary diagnostic testing for the disease.

The grower has worked closely with BQ and successfully complied with all their requirements. 

While the grower was able to resume trading four days after the notice was given, this was at a reduced level.

“The confirmation of Panama TR4 on a fourth North Queensland banana farm is obviously extremely disappointing for the industry, and particularly for the grower concerned,” Australian Banana Growers’ Council chair Stephen Lowe said.

Mr Lowe said the grower was able to significantly reduce production downtime because they had a good standard of on-farm biosecurity measures already in place.

“We know our growers are incredibly resilient and, as an industry, we will continue to meet the challenges of Panama TR4.”

The new detection is another reminder for growers to be vigilant and ensure they have strong on-farm biosecurity measures in place.

For more information on Panama TR4 and biosecurity measures, visit abgc.org.au

Read the full BQ media release here