More mop-top virus detections confirmed around the state

The potato mop-top virus (PMTV) has been detected at two more locations, taking the number of affected sites around Tasmania to eight.

Biosecurity Tasmania has issued movement restrictions at all the affected sites, including the transfer of potato material, machinery, equipment and soil from the locations.

The virus was first detected in Australia at a property in the North West of the state in July.

“There are six grower sites in Tasmania from which harvested potatoes - currently in storage and/or cool storage - have been tested and found positive for PMTV,” a Biosecurity Tasmania spokesperson said.

“In addition to these six grower sites, there are two other sites where infected potatoes have been identified, including a research site in the south and a storage site in the north.

“Four of the above eight sites of concern have known direct linkages with each other, including the small research plot in the state’s south.”

Biosecurity Tasmania said PMTV at the research plot was detected in volunteer potatoes, which are spuds that grow from tubers and seeds left in the ground after harvesting and can sprout in future seasons.

“Early traceback activities indicate that the virus may have been present in Tasmania for at least two years.

“Biosecurity Tasmania continues to work with impacted growers and potato industry bodies to conduct additional surveillance and diagnostics of potato stock.

“They are also doing trace-forward and trace-back operations to determine the potential distribution of the virus, and possible infection pathway.

“The response continues to focus on surveillance and testing, and next steps including an assessment of the feasibility of eradication, will depend on information gathered.”