A serious disease of banana plants is here in Far North Queensland.
It could have a huge impact on our banana industry.
We all need to work together to protect our banana farms and our communities.
What can you do?
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Panama TR4 situation in Far North Queensland
2021 Panama TR4 Epidemiological Review
An independently commissioned review into Panama disease tropical race 4 (Panama TR4) in Far North Queensland has provided a list of research priorities that will help guide industry to manage the disease in the long term.
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Chief Biosecurity Officer Malcolm Letts, who chairs the Panama TR4 Program Management Board (Board), said the 2021 Panama TR4 Epidemiological Review (the Review) generated some key actions that industry, government and growers could take on board.
“The Board will now be progressing a number of priority areas of research including investigations into the protocol for destroying diseased plants, alternative methods of detecting the disease like e-nose technology, and environmental, host, pathogen relationships,” Mr Letts said.
For growers the Review suggests a number of agronomic practices that would assist with minimising crop losses to Panama TR4, and management strategies that improve plant and soil health so plants are less predisposed to infection.
Read the 2021 Panama TR4 Epidemiological Review.
Read the Chair’s statement in response to the 2021 Panama TR4 Epidemiological Review.
Read the media release.
Have your say on the future management of Panama TR4
Preparations are now under way for industry to take the lead in managing Panama TR4. All growers are encouraged to have their say by contacting Geoff Wilson, Panama TR4 Industry Transition Leader at the Australian Banana Growers’ Council on 0418 644 068 or email geoff@abgc.org.au.
Learn more about Panama TR4 - watch this short video
What we’re all doing to #PanamaTR4protect
Growers are putting in biosecurity measures
Government is working closely with industry to control and contain the disease
Banana farm workers are following farm rules
Service providers are getting Panama TR4 aware and putting in processes as to not spread the disease and
Community are making sure they don’t enter banana farms without permission.
Use the hashtag and show how you’re getting ready to #panamatr4protect 
