New pest detection puts further strain on Australia’s biosecurity

The NT government is conducting surveillance to determine if a pest — one of the greatest threats to a wide range of vegetables — has spread to other states.

A highly pathogenic and invasive pest has been detected in Australia for the first time on a cucumber root in the Northern Territory.

Australia was the last continent not to have discovered the microscopic pest that is typically found in tropical to subtropical areas of the world and affects the crop yields of several vegetables, fruit and agricultural fibres.

Galling on sweet potato tubers caused by guava root-knot nematode. Picture: Camilo Parada

The initial detections were on sweet potato, cucumber, capsicum butternut pumpkin, snake beans, zucchini and chilli plants across four properties within a 50km radius in the Top End.

Despite the discovery late last month, NT’s Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade said investigations by biosecurity staff suggest the pest may have been present in the Darwin area for 12 months.

The department said it would be difficult to eradicate the pest, which causes severe galling of a plant’s root system, stunted growth, wilting and leaf yellowing.

“It has also been determined the pest will be difficult to eradicate and plant biosecurity staff have begun working with agriculture industry stakeholders to liaise with growers that have infected plants to prevent an infestation,” NT’s chief plant health officer Anne Walters said.

The detection is the latest pest incursion putting Australia’s already strained biosecurity capabilities to the test.

Australia is currently battling 10 pest and disease outbreaks, including varroa mite in NSW, red imported fire ant in Queensland and polyphagous shot-hole borer in Western Australia.

Guava root-knot nematode spreads in soil attached to machinery, footwear, tools and plant products.