Second detection of Potato Mop-Top Virus confirmed in Tasmania

A second site in Tasmania has returned a positive result for Potato mop-top virus.

The case was confirmed via diagnostic testing on the evening of August 20 last week.

Potato mop-top virus is an exotic plant virus that can affect developing potato plants, reduce the quality of tuber flesh and impact crop yield in some potato varieties.

The disease had never been detected in Australia before until a case of it was detected in Tasmania at the end of July.

Upon receipt of the initial suspected diagnosis, Biosecurity Tasmania established an Incident Management Team and started emergency response activities.

While the disease poses no harm to humans, it can significantly affect yield, meaning it could have a large impact on growers.

In the most recent update Biosecurity Directions are in place to stop the movement of potato material, machinery and equipment from the affected site and an associated storage facility.

The second case was detected through the additional surveillance and sampling activities being conducted as part of the biosecurity response.

This detection was made in volunteer potato tubers originating from a research plot in the states South.

Biosecurity Tasmania is working with owner of the research plot to undertake tracing activities.

Volunteer potatoes are residual potatoes that can remain in the ground following a harvest. The tubers can survive in the soil and then sprout in future seasons.

The biosecurity response to Potato mop-top virus remains in the investigation phase and next steps, including an assessment of the feasibility of eradication, will depend on further information gathered.

All potato growers are urged to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in potato plants and potato stock.

If you think you have seen Potato mop-top virus in your crop or backyard, phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

To stay updated on the biosecurity response to Potato mop-top virus in Tasmania, visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/PMTV