Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) has been detected on a second commercial cucumber property in the Geraldton area.
The property is close to where the disease was first detected in a continental cucumber crop in July.
The Department of Agriculture and Food has provided biosecurity advice to Mid-West growers, including on-farm measures to minimise the risk of spread.
Department chief plant biosecurity officer John van Schagen said officers would collect samples from each commercial cucurbit growing property in the Geraldton region, with assistance from vegetablesWA, to determine the spread of the virus.
“Officers are also in the process of meeting with Perth, Kununurra and Carnarvon cucurbit growers to provide further information,” he said.
Mr van Schagen said the second detection was confirmed from a sample submitted to the department’s plant pathology diagnostic service.
The department is undertaking further tracing and investigation to determine the source. The virus has been previously detected in the Northern Territory and Queensland.
Growers are reminded of the need to implement and maintain on-farm biosecurity measures, including cleaning vehicles, machinery and equipment, to prevent this and other pests and diseases onto properties.
DAFWA is asking growers and agronomists to report suspect cases of CGMMV. Cucurbit samples showing signs of the disease can be tested for the presence of the virus at the department laboratories located at South Perth.
Growers or agronomists who notice unusual pest or disease symptoms on plants need to report their find to the Pest and Disease Information Service on 1800 084 881.
More information is available from the department website.
Clients submitting samples should use the submission forms available here.
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