Published Sunday, 05 August, 2007 at 02:00 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
DPI&F SURVEY CHECKS DAINTREE FOR EXOTIC PLANTS,PESTS AND DISEASES
The protection of Queensland’s multi-million-dollar banana, mango and citrus industries is to be ramped up in the Daintree area, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said today.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries will send a team of Biosecurity Queensland scientists to the Daintree area to check for pests and diseases that could threaten agricultural and horticultural industries.
“The survey team will check several properties in each area, randomly selecting gardens where a wide range of fruit and vegetables are being grown,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“We are on the lookout for any new infestations of insects, diseases and weeds, with particular attention paid to pests that affect fruit, vegetable and field crops, in particular bananas, citrus and mango plants.”
The most recent DPI&F Prospects update, estimated the GVP of the banana crop to be worth some $400 million in 2006-07, mangoes some $80m and mandarins $90m.
Pests from overseas or recently introduced to Australia are on a ‘hit list’.
Diseases and pests such as black Sigatoka, banana stem weevil, mango leaf hopper, Asiatic honey bee, citrus canker and red imported fire ants are on the hit list.
“Community support is essential for the success of the early warning plant health survey, ‘’ Mr Mulherin said.
“We will visit households from Daintree to Cape Tribulation on Tuesday to Thursday next week, August 7 to 9, weather permitting.
“We will doorknock properties and ask to inspect properties, yards and gardens.”
DPI&F senior scientist Rebecca Yarrow has appealed to residents to cooperate with the survey team when they called.
“Show them your garden and tell them about any plant pests that you are having problems with or you have heard about in your area,” Ms Yarrow said.
“At the same time please take advantage of our team while they are in the area.
“Our scientists will be pleased to discuss any plant pest and disease issues householders may have.”
Ms Yarrow said all survey team members would carry clear identification and they would only inspect a garden after the householder gave permission.’’
NB. Photos are available at www.padil.gov.au with appropriate accreditation.
Media: 32396530
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries will send a team of Biosecurity Queensland scientists to the Daintree area to check for pests and diseases that could threaten agricultural and horticultural industries.
“The survey team will check several properties in each area, randomly selecting gardens where a wide range of fruit and vegetables are being grown,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“We are on the lookout for any new infestations of insects, diseases and weeds, with particular attention paid to pests that affect fruit, vegetable and field crops, in particular bananas, citrus and mango plants.”
The most recent DPI&F Prospects update, estimated the GVP of the banana crop to be worth some $400 million in 2006-07, mangoes some $80m and mandarins $90m.
Pests from overseas or recently introduced to Australia are on a ‘hit list’.
Diseases and pests such as black Sigatoka, banana stem weevil, mango leaf hopper, Asiatic honey bee, citrus canker and red imported fire ants are on the hit list.
“Community support is essential for the success of the early warning plant health survey, ‘’ Mr Mulherin said.
“We will visit households from Daintree to Cape Tribulation on Tuesday to Thursday next week, August 7 to 9, weather permitting.
“We will doorknock properties and ask to inspect properties, yards and gardens.”
DPI&F senior scientist Rebecca Yarrow has appealed to residents to cooperate with the survey team when they called.
“Show them your garden and tell them about any plant pests that you are having problems with or you have heard about in your area,” Ms Yarrow said.
“At the same time please take advantage of our team while they are in the area.
“Our scientists will be pleased to discuss any plant pest and disease issues householders may have.”
Ms Yarrow said all survey team members would carry clear identification and they would only inspect a garden after the householder gave permission.’’
NB. Photos are available at www.padil.gov.au with appropriate accreditation.
Media: 32396530