Australian potato growers concerned about zebra chip disease

Potato growers across Australia have been urged to protect the local industry from a major pest which has established itself in New Zealand.

New Zealand potato producers have been coming to terms with the disease Zebra chip.

The disease is seen as dark streaks, flecks or spots in tubers and is having a substantial impact on the country’s processing and fresh market industry.

Potatoes go dark brown when they are cooked, causing major problems for the French Fry and fresh potato market.

The disease appears to be caused by a complex of organisms: a bacterium (Liberibacter), a Phytoplasma and the tomato/potato psyllid.

For Dr Kevin Clayton-Greene, the chairman of the AUSVEG technical advisory group which assists the Potato Industry Advisory Council, the identification of Zebra chip so close to Australia is a major concern.

“The Australian industry must remain vigilant given the proximity of the disease to our shores.

“We can’t afford to let this pest into the country as the control and management costs would be extremely high.

“We ask Australian producers to maintain the highest level of farm biosecurity to stop the pest entering the potato and tomato industries in this country.

“It’s also important the public don’t bring in plant material from New Zealand which may carry the host psyllids,” Dr Clayton-Greene said.

“It’s important producers keep a close eye on their crops and report anything that looks like tiny cicadas immediately