What was it all about?

This investment supported banana growers in containing and managing significant pests and diseases, and helped in the early detection of exotic pests and diseases.

The Australian banana industry faced significant production constraints in managing pests and diseases, and ongoing management to control the impact of pests and diseases such as Panama Tropical Race 4 (TR4), leaf diseases (yellow Sigatoka and leaf speckle), and Banana Bunchy Top Virus was essential.

Specifically, the project funded a full-time Australian Banana Grower’s Council Biosecurity Liaison Officer in Far North Queensland, as well as part-time project and field officers in other banana-growing regions to conduct surveillance, education, awareness, and guidance activities with growers, along with other biosecurity-related activities.

This investment combined the activities previously delivered through the projects Management of banana pests and disease in North Queensland (BA17005) and Banana bunchy top virus project, phase 4 – national surveillance and education (BA18000).