Interstate jurisdictions will most likely ban some produce from the Territory to protect their industries as the Guava Root-Knot Nematode pest continues to spread rapidly in properties around Darwin, NT Chief Health Officer Dr Anne Walters has warned.

Dr Walters, however, clarified that nematodes mainly affect the plant and soil, and not necessarily the products, thus, restrictions will probably be put on the movement of plants and soil coming from the Northern Territory rather than the products themselves.

She said plant biosecurity staff has amplified surveillance and has put up a round-the-clock program manager to intensify information gathering on the Guava Root-Knot Nematode after being detected in seven properties around Darwin a few weeks ago.

Guava Root-Knot Nematode, or Meloidogyne enterolobii, is a pest which affects the crop yield of vegetables and causes severe knotting of a plant’s root system.

The pest leads to stunted growth, wilting and yellowing of leaves.

Government officials have ramped up community engagement in the Territory after the pest was detected in Malak, Rapid Creek, Anula and Leanyer in Darwin, Palmerston, Middle Point and Croker Island. Both Queensland and Western Australian Governments were already provided plant DNA samples to check against historical samples to find out if the pest is also infecting other jurisdictions.

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade said plant biosecurity staff attended the NT Native Eco-Fair and Plant Sale at Fred’s Pass over the weekend to teach the public about various pests that can infect their backyards.

“Formal engagement with growers will commence [this] week, which will include visiting growers, undertaking tracing, collect samples, providing advice for management and developing protocols for pest free place of production,” the government said

“This year, [the] Territory Government announced an immediate $2.9 million biosecurity boost, to prepare the Territory’s agribusiness industries to respond to increasing biosecurity threats which would have devastating consequences for our agricultural sector and regional economies.”

Guava Root-Knot Nematode spreads through the soil attached to machinery, tools, footwear, and plant products.

To report a suspected case of Guava Root-Knot Nematode, call the exotic plant hotline on 1800 084 881 or email images to the Plant Biosecurity team at plantbioscecurity@nt.gov.au.