“Growers in the Northern Territory are breathing a sigh of relief now that the quarantine controls on CGMMV have been lifted,” said AUSVEG National Manager – Scientific Affairs, Dr Jessica Lye.

The announcement follows the successful progression of the CGMMV Management Plan. AUSVEG said that it has been a major contributor to the development of the plan and worked closely with affected growers and other stakeholders following the CGMMV outbreak.

“It was important to implement a plan that effectively managed the risk of CGMMV spread, rather than rely on continued quarantine measures that would burden growers,” said Dr Lye. “While the lifting of quarantine controls for CGMMV is certainly a great outcome for growers in the Northern Territory, they will be required to maintain farm biosecurity plans and monitor crops for symptoms of CGMMV infection on an ongoing basis.”

“Growers are currently working closely with the Northern Territory Farmers Association and Plant Biosecurity Officers to get their farm biosecurity plans in place and ensure the movement and sanitisation of equipment and conveyances from affected areas are effectively managed.” 

The CGMMV outbreak in 2014 severely impacted cucurbit growers in the Northern Territory, with many forced to destroy their crops while others were affected by restrictions on domestic trade.

“The quarantine measures that were put in place to minimise the spread of CGMMV helped to promote good biosecurity practices with growers in the region and, as a result, they have developed specific biosecurity measures for the effective control of CGMMV,” said Dr Lye. “When the quarantine controls are lifted, growers will be sufficiently prepared to move forward with the growing season as vigilant biosecurity procedures have been put in place following the outbreak.”

While growers are able to use previously infected soil at their own risk, they are advised to have the soil tested prior to planting as there is no guarantee that the virus will not reoccur. In the event of a re-emergence of the virus, growers will be advised to remove the crops immediately to prevent the spread of the virus.