Research into destruction a new focus for the future

Can the destruction protocol for infected plants be improved upon to contain the spread of Panama TR4?

This is the question being asked by the Panama TR4 Program Management Board (Board) who have commissioned a third major research project recommended in the 2021 Panama TR4 Epidemiological Review (Review).

The Panama TR4 Program (Program) has approved funding for research into the destruction protocol, including:

·       herbicide use and its impact on inoculum

·       alternatives or additional biosecurity measures

·       what opportunities exist to further control inoculum levels

·       root to root contact of plants within the destruction zone

·       the optimum quantity of urea to be applied to destruction zones. 

Destruction of infected and surrounding plants is prescribed in section twelve of the Queensland Biosecurity Manual (QBM).  The destruction zone is three rows of bananas wide (the infected plant is in the middle row), and 10 metres along the row in each direction of the infected plant.  The destruction zone must also be secured to prevent access by people and animals.

While Queensland’s effort to contain the disease through its current procedures have been successful, the disease continues to spread within the four commercially operating infested properties.  It’s hoped the research will offer the banana industry insights that support effective and efficient containment of the disease into the future.  It joins two other research projects that have been commissioned by the Board, including elongation factor (EF) sequencing for diagnostics, and investigation whether e-nose technology is a viable technology for early detection.

For further information contact the Program Management Board at panamatr4@daf.qld.gov.au or call the Panama TR4 Program on 07 4091 8140.