Australia: Tasmanian potato growers are now subject to updated biosecurity regulations aimed at preventing the spread of the mop top virus.

The general biosecurity directive issued by the Chief Plant Protection Officer took effect late last week and will remain applicable until June of next year.

This directive mandates that anyone involved in the commercial cultivation or supply of potatoes must take proactive measures to prevent the spread of Potato Mop-Top Virus (PMTV). These measures include cleaning soil from machinery before moving between properties and eliminating any wild potato plants that could harbor the virus.

In addition, growers are required to maintain detailed records of planting, harvesting, and supply activities for a minimum of three years. They must also inform buyers in writing if their potatoes might be infected with the virus.

PMTV was initially detected on a Tasmanian farm in July 2025, marking the first known occurrence of this virus in Australia. 

Further investigation revealed it may have been present in the state for at least two years prior to its discovery. By September 2025, authorities concluded that eradication efforts were unfeasible, subsequently shifting from emergency responses to a focus on long-term management strategies.

The virus is transmitted via a soil-borne pathogen responsible for powdery scab and can persist in its spores for over a decade. While PMTV poses no threat to human health, it can lead to skin deformities, cracking, and discoloration in potato flesh, negatively impacting both quality and yield.

Biosecurity Tasmania stated that the directive offers essential guidance for growers, contractors, and processors to curb the virus’s spread. This includes methods to minimize soil movement, which is a primary transmission pathway.

To support these efforts, the state government has allocated $200,000 for a research initiative spanning 2025–26. The program will be spearheaded by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture in collaboration with the potato industry.