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Banana blue brews
13 Apr 2004
Biosecurity Australia is refuting claims by local banana growers that Australia will be subject to a Moko disease outbreak if Filipino bananas are imported. Growers say the disease could hit Queensland or NSW plantations within two years if the imports go ahead. But BA's manager Mary Harwood says the claim is "simply not valid".
Australian Banana Growers' Council spokesman Ross Boyle said even BA's own modelling showed Australia can expect a Moko disease outbreak in two years if Filipino bananas are imported. He said bananas can be infected with this disease plus freckle and banana bract mosaic virus for months before showing signs.
Growers say there's also a strong case against the imports because of pest problems such as mealy bugs, hard scales, fruit flies, mites and scale, as well as weeds and hidden amphibians.
Ms Harwood said the industry's assertions about Moko "appear to fundamentally misunderstand the way quarantine works and the strength of the recommended measures".
The Land, 8/4/04.
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