There are now 13 banana freckle infected premises in the Top End region after the disease was confirmed on a single plant in a secure area of a government research facility in the Batchelor-Rum Jungle area, the NT Government said.

Additional testing is being done by the Northern Territory Government’s Biosecurity NT team on banana plants around the site as plant biosecurity officers are conducting surveillance across the region.

Strict biosecurity decontamination protocols are being followed when working on premises to prevent the spread of the disease, while the government has said it will destroy and dispose of the infected plant.

While eating affected bananas has no risk to human health, landowners of infected properties are asked not to move plant products, materials or equipment from their properties so as not to spread the disease. Banana plants at IPs will be destroyed and disposed of inside the properties.

NT Chief Plant Health Officer Anne Walters said banana freckle is a severe threat to the industry that decreases plant health and productivity.

“We’re currently investigating how this case of banana freckle has emerged at a secure government research facility,” Dr Walters said.

“Our plant biosecurity officers regularly meet with the NT Farmers Association, the Australian Banana Growers’ Council and Greenlife Industry Australia. At the same time, our response plan is considered by national approval and funding bodies.”

Banana freckle was first discovered in 2013 which led to the destruction of thousands of banana plants around the Darwin region, with multiple eradication zones established as more properties tested positive.

The plant disease was discovered again last May 2022, three years after it was officially eradicated from Australia in February 2019.

“NT Farmers continues to engage in the process, and support growers and industry to ensure the best outcome for all parties involved during this difficult time,” NT Farmers CEO Paul Burke said.

Surveillance is continuing to determine the extent of the outbreak, with more than 130 properties examined so far.

Territorians are urged to call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 if they suspect plants are infected.

Banana freckle is a fungal disease affecting the leaves and fruits of banana plants. It is a ‘wet spore’ organism that moves short distances through water droplet splashes and wind-driven rain. The disease can spread over long distances through the moving of infected fruit and leaves and suckers used for planting.