Infected seeds were imported from Tasmania prior to current biosecurity measures
Potato seeds in a Victorian cold storage unit have tested positive for the potato mop-top virus (PMTV).
Agriculture Victoria said the seeds were imported from Tasmania prior to the introduction of the current import conditions and remained in storage prior to testing.
“There is no indication that the suspect seed has been planted and there is no risk of establishment,” an Agriculture Victoria spokesperson told Produce Plus. “We’re working closely with the grower to ensure further risk is managed, which could include destruction.”
The incident was first reported to Agriculture Victoria on 17 September, and further investigations are ongoing. As the seeds were never planted Agriculture Victoria has maintained the state is PMTV free.
“As the suspect batch of seed has not been planted, Victoria remains free of PMTV and an importation order remains in place for the movement of potatoes from Tasmania to protect Victoria’s potato industry,” the spokesperson said.
Ausveg, the national industry body for Australian vegetable, potato and onion growers, said it is continuing to represent potato growers in the ongoing biosecurity response to PMTV detection.
“Official surveillance and testing of potato seed stock more broadly is also ongoing, with these efforts to provide greater understanding of the distribution of PMTV, assist in managing risk of further spread, and help determine what happens to those unplanted seedlines which arrived on the mainland from Tasmania, prior to restrictions being put in place,” an Ausveg spokesperson told Produce Plus.
The spokesperson added that the Plant Health Australia National Management Group – which oversees the formal national response to biosecurity incursions, and includes state and federal government, as well as affected industry representatives – is currently considering options under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed to support potato growers who have experienced financial losses and costs incurred as a result of the response to PMTV.
