Agriculture Victoria has recently identified the presence of the tomato potato psyllid (TPP; Bactericera cockerelli) on tomato plants within the state. This pest affects various Solanaceous crops including tomatoes, potatoes, capsicums, and eggplants. Since its initial discovery in Western Australia in 2017, where eradication was deemed unfeasible, a shift towards a management strategy was agreed upon by both industry stakeholders and governmental bodies to limit its spread and facilitate ongoing market access and trade.
In November 2024, TPP was officially confirmed in Victoria on tomato plants. Despite this, Australia continues to be free from Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso), the pathogen responsible for Zebra chip disease in potatoes, as no evidence of CLso was found in either the insects or the plant samples tested. The Victorian government is actively implementing measures to manage and contain TPP, including enhanced surveillance, tracing, and control efforts. Growers are encouraged to maintain vigilance and report any potential TPP sightings.
Following this detection, the Eastern Bloc agreement, established by AUSVEG on behalf of the potato sector and the Plant Health Committee (PHC), becomes particularly relevant. This pact provides a framework for the movement of processing and ware potatoes in the event of TPP detection in eastern Australia, ensuring uninterrupted trade and business continuity across QLD, NSW, VIC, and SA. It also underscores the importance of a joint TPP monitoring program nationwide, aimed at minimizing the pest's spread while supporting the industry's financial health.
Source: AusVeg