Potato mop-top virus detected at second Tasmanian site

Potato mop-top virus has been detected in the state for the second time, less than two weeks after Biosecurity Tasmania revealed the first case of the disease in Australia had been found at a North West farm.

On August 20, potatoes at a small research plot in Southern Tasmania were found to have mop-top.

The virus was found in volunteer potatoes, which are plants that grow from spud tubers left in the soil after a harvest that can sprout in future seasons.

Biosecurity Tasmania chief plant protection officer Susanna Driessen said initial conversations with the researchers from the detection site suggested there was “a direct linkage” with the farm where the first confirmed mop-top case was found.

“Where we find the disease, particularly the first one, might simply be the first site where we found it first,” Dr Driessen said.

“So, trying to identify that source of introduction is challenging – but we are, through our tracing, working through it.”

Dr Driessen said no restrictions had been placed on the movement of Tasmanian potatoes interstate.

“The mainland jurisdictions are examining the risk and that is something Tasmania would do if the situation was reversed.

“It is likely, in due course, movement restrictions will likely be imposed.

“I will continue to work with our counterparts in those jurisdictions and industry here to understand the potential impact of that and mitigating that impact the best we can.”

A Department of Natural Resources and Environment spokesperson said it was “working to put movement controls in place at the second detection site to manage the movement of potato material, machinery and equipment​”.

“Next steps, including an assessment of the feasibility of eradication, will depend on this further information being gathered,” the spokesperson said.

“All potato growers need to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in potato plants and potato stock.”

Mop-top distorts and rots the skin and flesh of potatoes.