Agriculture Victoria is advising growers of new requirements for moving tomato potato psyllid (TPP) host or carrier plants and plant products interstate. The rules are expected to apply from 8 December 2025.
Victoria's Chief Plant Health Officer, Dr Rosa Crnov, said updated arrangements are being implemented after a new detection of TPP outside the restricted area in Melbourne's northern suburbs in October. "We're working with the horticulture industry to rapidly implement arrangements to minimise trade disruptions and maintain market access to other states," she said.
Restrictions are expected to apply from Monday, 8 December. Growers will be able to move host and carrier plants and produce interstate if they meet certification requirements and follow biosecurity procedures. "We're here to help growers and industry with these requirements, which will vary by state and be different for host and carrier plants and products," Dr Crnov said. She advised that growers can contact Agriculture Victoria for technical support or access information on the department's website.
Fees for plant biosecurity services, including application fees, audits, and non-conformance reports, are waived until 30 June 2026 under the Victorian Government's Drought Support Package.
Tomato potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) feeds on solanaceous crops, including tomato, potato, eggplant, chili, and capsicum. It was first detected in Victoria on 12 November 2024 on the Bellarine Peninsula. A restricted area was established following that detection to contain the pest.
TPP can transmit a plant disease known as zebra chip in potatoes when carrying the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso). CLso has not been detected in Victoria or elsewhere in Australia.
© Agriculture VictoriaFor more information:
Agriculture Victoria
Email: [email protected]
www.agriculture.vic.gov.au
