Australia: Tomato potato psyllid has been in Victoria since November, e-mail reveals

The tomato potato psyllid (TPP) pest, which threatens Solanaceous crops like tomatoes, potatoes, capsicums, and eggplants, has been detected for the first time in Victoria, Australia. The pest was found in a small area on the Bellarine Peninsula in November and has not been linked to a 2017 incursion in Western Australia. The Victorian government is implementing measures to manage the situation, including surveillance, tracing, and control measures, and is urging growers to report any suspected cases early. Australia is taking steps to prevent the spread of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, the cause of zebra chip in potatoes, and is advising growers to be vigilant for signs of TPP in crops.

The latest horticulture biosecurity incursion making headlines this week was actually detected last month. An Ausveg Biosecurity update on Wednesday, December 18 confirmed tomato potato psyllid (TPP; Bactericera cockerelli) was first detected in Victoria in November on tomato plants. Agriculture Victoria's first media statement about the finding was also on December 18. TPP has been found at multiple locations within a small area on the Bellarine Peninsula. This is the first time the pest has been found in the state. It was found in Western Australia in 2017. The origin of that incursion remains unknown. TPP poses a threat to Solanaceous crops such as tomatoes, potatoes, capsicums and eggplants. It is an exotic pest under the Plant Biosecurity Act 2010. "The situation is still developing, and staying informed about the latest updates and advice from authorities is important," the Ausveg e-mail said. Testing of the insects and plant material has shown no evidence of Candidatus ...