What was it all about?

This investment, which ran from 2019 to 2022, explored tomato potato psyllid (TPP) disinfestation treatments that will help support the trade of fresh produce from Western Australia.

TPP was detected in Western Australia in early 2017 and has since had an impact on market access for crops that can act as hosts for the pest including capsicums, chillies, eggplants, and tomatoes. This information will help to gain and maintain access to interstate markets and negotiate international trade.  It will ensure continuity of supply of Western Australia grown produce to consumers and containment of TPP to its current distribution range.

Three alternative treatments were investigated: low dose methyl-bromide, ethyl formate/Vapormate® and ionising radiation.  Several treatment doses were identified that were effective in killing more than 30,000 insects with no survivors that satisfied the quarantine standard of 99.99 per cent control.