A fungal infection affecting banana plants has been detected at 13 more sites in the Northern Territory as the outbreak spreads to 42 properties since May.

October 3, 2022

A banana freckle outbreak in the Northern Territory has grown with infections detected at 13 more sites.

It brings the total number of properties where the fungus has been found since May to 42, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade says.

Most of the diseased plants have been detected in the Batchelor and Rum Jungle region, about 100km south of Darwin.

The disease has also been found at Top End properties in Middle Point, Marrakai, Fly Creek and on the Tiwi Islands.

“The department will now begin the process of removing banana plants from infected premises and continue to work with affected property owners,” Chief Plant Health Officer Anne Walters said on Monday.

A biosecurity team will also continue surveillance of properties and regions where banana freckle has been detected.

“To try and establish how far the disease has spread,” Dr Walters said.

Under the response plan all banana plants and plant material on a property which has a plant infected with the disease will be removed.

Plants on infected properties will be cut off at the base and treated with a herbicide.

Samples will also be taken from all plants on infected properties.

“Surveillance is an important part of our efforts to protect the NT’s banana industry,” Dr Walters said.

“We urge anyone who has a banana plant to contact the hotline.”

Biosecurity staff have visited more than 1800 properties since May in an effort to control the disease, which had spread to 29 properties in August.

Infected bananas are safe to eat but blemishes on the skin reduce their visual appeal and saleability.

Banana freckle also reduces the productivity of banana plants.

The fungus phyllosticta cavendishii, which infects Cavendish and non-Cavendish bananas, is not considered established in Australia.

Banana freckle has been recorded in 27 countries across southeast Asia, Oceania and India.