The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has taken action to protect Western Australia’s citrus industry from the threat of citrus canker following the suspect detection of the disease in the Northern Territory.
The department has stopped the import of citrus plants, fruit and material from the Northern Territory.
Department chief plant biosecurity officer Sonya Broughton said citrus canker was a serious bacterial disease which could affect all citrus plants.
“We are taking the right level of precaution to protect our industry against citrus canker,” Dr Broughton said.
“Citrus canker hosts, including fruit, plants and plant material from the Northern Territory are prohibited entry as a temporary measure to minimise any potential risk of spread.
“Tracing has identified a small number of imports of citrus nursery plants into Western Australia from Darwin. The department has contacted those known to have received plants to undertake surveillance and testing to manage any risks.”
The department is working with industry and asking the public to check their citrus plants for symptoms, particularly plants purchased in the past 12 months.
“We want to make every effort to protect our citrus industry, and early detection, reporting and not moving infected plants is key,” she said.
Citrus canker is a contagious disease caused by a bacteria which can affect all citrus plants.
The symptoms of citrus canker include blister-like lesions on leaves, stems and fruit that are raised, tan to brown in colour, and are surrounded by an oily, water-soaked margin and a yellow ring or halo. Large or older lesions may have a crater-like appearance.
Anyone with citrus plants is asked to check them for symptoms. If symptoms are suspected, do not move the plants and contact the department on (08) 9368 3080 or info@padis.wa.gov.au, or make a report using the Department’s MyPestGuide Reporter app.
Media contact: Jodie Thomson/Lisa Bertram, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937