BANANA growers are being urged to take precautionary measures to protect their farms from Panama disease tropical race 4.
Biosecurity Queensland’s Acting Panama TR4 program leader Rhiannon Evans said with the threat of a tropical cyclone forming off the coast, growers should protect their farms from the disease as much as possible.
“Although some weather events such as gale force wind and flooding are beyond anyone’s control, there are some additional measures growers can take to reduce risk pathways,” Ms Evans said.
“Any debris such as waste plant material collected before and after a cyclone should stay on your own farm. Don’t dump it outside your farm or near waterways.
“Make sure you have adequate supplies of detergent and disinfectants and, once the cyclone has passed, reinstate your on-farm biosecurity measures as quickly as possible.
“Check the chemical viability in wash-down and decontamination stations after lots of rain. Driving through dips or using foot baths that are left out in the open may not be effective if diluted from prolonged rain periods.
“Collect water to use for vehicle, machinery and equipment wash-downs. A three step process of scrubbing to remove all soil and plant material, washing and disinfection is especially important in muddy conditions. Respect the welfare of neighbouring banana growers by implementing farm entry and exit decontamination procedures.
“High rainfall also means more mud. If high pressure hoses are used on machinery and equipment, don’t blast mud particles outside of your designated wash down area. Sometimes a scrubbing brush and less water pressure is a more effective way to clean machinery and contain excess mud. Start your wash-down at the top of the vehicle and work your way down to ensure all mud is removed from collection points.
“As Panama disease can be transported through water, prevent run-off from escaping wash-down areas by installing bunds to retain excess water. Where possible, wash-downs should not be near gutters, culverts or waterways.”
Ms Evans said mMud on shoes could also spread Panama disease tropical race 4.
“Clean footwear using foot baths with the appropriate registered chemical solutions, as per the instructions on the label,” she said.
“Source clean planting material after a severe weather event. If there is not enough tissue culture, growers should source and use plant material from their own farm.
“Try to limit traffic on the property as much as possible, this includes around the property in general, and in between rows on plantations.
“Most service and utility providers are aware of on-farm biosecurity measures being implemented by growers. If any service providers are unsure of the requirements when entering a banana farm they can phone Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
“Growers may be contacted by service and utility providers to gain access to their farm, so make sure they are appropriately decontaminated upon entry and exit,” Ms Evans said.
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