New approach to sampling on properties with Panama TR4
The process for sampling on properties with confirmed detections of Panama disease tropical race 4 (Panama TR4) is changing.
After careful consideration, the Panama TR4 Steering Committee - made up of representatives from Biosecurity Queensland, the Australian Banana Growers’ Council and Plant Health Australia - has agreed that routine sampling will no longer be required on properties where the disease is present.
Instead, growers will now be responsible for destroying any plants that show clear external symptoms of Panama TR4, following the destruction protocol in the Code of Practice.
This decision reflects two things:
Recognition of the proactive way growers are already managing Panama TR4 and making the tough business decisions needed to safeguard their farms.
A smarter use of available resources and diagnostic services.
The ABGC through the Grower Support (Biosecurity) team is always here to support you. If you’d like advice or assistance, please reach out to: