20/04/2018 Update: Citrus Canker response, Northern Territory and Western Australia

Dear Grower

RE: Citrus Canker detection, Northern Territory

I am currently in Darwin, Northern Territory, having learnt of a detection of citrus canker and I am providing advice to government on a national response. While formal identification processes are still underway, it is almost certain that the disease symptoms being observed are citrus canker.

Citrus Australia’s position is that every effort must be made to limit the spread of the disease through strict movement controls on plant material to provide the best chance of successful eradication. Citrus canker has been successfully eradicated from Australia on previous occasions.

The first detection of a suspect plant was made in a retail nursery. All citrus trees have been removed from that nursery and another related nursery and are being held under secure conditions at a government facility.  To our knowledge, at least six suspect plants were sold from the two nurseries and we have worked with the retailer to recall those plants using all available resources. I participated in a press conference this morning which included a public appeal to report recent citrus purchases for inspection.

Preliminary trace-backs and trace-forwards have commenced and I am insisting that these are further conducted to find the source of the infection and to reduce potential pathways for the spread the disease.

At present, a particular variety of lime is expressing the canker symptoms – more so than other infected citrus from the retail nursery. As yet, no disease symptoms have been observed at the wholesale nursery that produces the lime which is a non-commercial variety and is marketed to households as an ornamental patio plant.

As a precautionary measure, we urge all growers with any new trees and nurserymen with trees in production to inspect trees for disease symptoms. The initial detection is related to nurseries and as yet we do not have a stronger lead.

We are also working with government authorities to minimise any potential impacts on trade. Citrus canker is present in most of Australia’s destination markets and it is unlikely any restrictions will apply in those markets. However, it is likely that surveys and additional certification will be required for some destination markets where citrus canker is considered a regulated pest. We will keep our members and other stakeholders promptly informed of any developments.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Nathan Hancock

Chief Executive Officer

Citrus Australia Ltd