Mop-top detected at grower site in previously disease-free region

Potato mop-top virus (PMTV) has been detected at a southern Tasmanian grower site for the first time.

This takes the total number of infected sites across the state to nine, with the detection at the latest location found in a harvested seed potato line currently in cool storage.

PMTV has also been detected in three single potatoes, two of which were bought from retail stores.

Biosecurity Tasmania said it was still investigating the links to known infected sites for those potatoes.

Meanwhile, all generation 2-5 certified seed potato lines have now been tested.

“PMTV was detected in only a relatively minor proportion of the significant volume of certified seed tested,” Biosecurity Tasmania said.

“For the remaining lines, it is important to understand that a result of ‘not detected’ may mean either that virus is not present, or that it is present but below detectable levels with the sampling and diagnostic tools applied.”

Biosecurity Tasmania said the results provided some clarity for growers heading into the potato planting season.

“It is expected that the industry will be able to plant only seed lines in which PMTV has not been detected.

“Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to work with industry members to identify the best option for disposal of seed lines identified as infected.

“It will also continue to conduct tracing of any detections of PMTV and establish controls on material that may contribute to the spread of PMTV.”