Dear Growers,

The ABGC would like to advise growers that a new detection of Panama TR4 has been confirmed on a seventh banana farm in the Tully Valley. The farm is in close proximity to other infected properties.

Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) today notified that a sample taken from a single suspect plant found on the property had returned a positive PCR result. Further testing will be undertaken to support this positive diagnostic result for Panama TR4.

The suspect plant was discovered during routine surveillance by BQ. 

This is the seventh farm confirmed to have Panama TR4 in the Tully Valley, since the first detection in 2015.

The ABGC will continue to keep growers informed about any further developments. Our thoughts are with the affected grower and we are working closely with the farm to offer support and advice at this time.

As always, the ABGC and BQ encourage all growers to ensure they have robust biosecurity measures in place.

Yours sincerely,

Leanne Erakovic

CEO, Australian Banana Growers’ Council