Panama disease tropical race 4 (Panama TR4) is a serious disease of banana plants that has been found on farms in Far North Queensland. We have developed a number of resources to help you protect your farm from TR4.

Understanding TR4.

TR4 is a soilborne fungal disease that enters through the roots and starves the plant of water and nutrients, causing the plant to wilt and die.

TR4 can infect most banana varieties including:

• Cavendish

• Lady Finger

• Ducasse.

The disease is among the greatest threats to worldwide banana production. In some countries, the impact on industries and livelihoods has been devastating. We need to manage the disease in Far North Queensland or the same impact may occur.

The disease can't be eradicated and can survive undetected in the soil for decades. We can't identify TR4 until banana plants show external signs of infection.

You can easily spread the disease if you move:

• infected banana plants and planting material

• contaminated soil and water.

People and machinery movement are the biggest risk to spreading the disease, but it can also be spread by:

• vehicles

• equipment

• animals

• heavy rainfall

• floods.

ABGC Grower Support (Biosecurity) Program.

Important action required by all growers.

Since the first detection of TR4 in the Tully Valley in 2015, the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) has worked closely with Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) and growers to contain and control the disease to the Tully Valley, where there are currently 9 properties with the disease.

Industry now leads the ABGC Grower Support (Biosecurity) Program, transitioning from the government-led (Panama TR4 Control Program) on 1 July 2023.

The Program will continue to uphold the high standard of surveillance and operations established by Biosecurity Queensland, since 2015.

Early detection through regular surveillance is critical.

This essential industry-led ABGC Grower Support (Biosecurity) Program supported by both the government and industry stakeholders, is designed to detect potential outbreaks of TR4 early, enabling growers to take swift action and limit the spread of the disease that could threaten Australia’s banana crops. Early detection is vital in minimising the impact on banana plantations and safeguarding the livelihoods of the thousands of Australians dependent on the industry.

Please contact us at growersupport@abgc.org.au or call Elisha Farmer on 0477 643 585.

TR4 grower kit.

The TR4 grower kit brings together the latest information about the disease, on-farm biosecurity practices and support services, specifically for Far North Queensland banana growers. You may have received a grower kit in the mail, if you have a farm in Far North Queensland.

The kit includes:

• information about the disease

• best management practices for on-farm biosecurity

• biosecurity checklist

• information about checking plants for the disease

• visitor register template

• farm gate signage template

• decontamination guide

• wash-down designs

• information for banana farm workers and contractors

• legal obligations

• diagnostic testing for Panama disease

• managing feral pigs

• frequently asked questions

• support services and handy contacts.

Protecting your farm.

Good on-farm biosecurity measures are critical to protect farms from TR4 and to contain the disease if it is detected. You must ensure you manage the movement of soil, water and plant material entering and exiting a farm.

Equipment and items that have come into contact with infected planting material or contaminated soil may spread the disease, such as:

• vehicles

• machinery

• tools

• clothing boots.

On-farm biosecurity measures include:

• zoning—a simple and cost-effective way to manage disease risk pathways onto and off a farm

• footwear exchange stations and foot baths

• cleaning and disinfecting all vehicles and machinery

• setting up a clean access road.

Financial assistance.

The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) offers sustainability loans to eligible producers under the Queensland Government Primary Industry Productivity Enhancement Scheme (PIPES). A sustainability loan can be used to invest in control measures to protect farms from biosecurity risks.

Read more about sustainability loans for primary producers.

Book an appointment with an extension officer.

The National Banana Development and Extension team is here to help you get started with your on-farm biosecurity.

Learn more about TR4.