CITRUS GREENING DISEASE

In reply to the Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (30 April 2013).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations): I am advised:

There is a diagnostic protocol which can differentiate nutrient deficiency and citrus greening, a bacterial disease not currently present in Australia. This protocol is in the process of being endorsed as a National Diagnostic Protocol by Plant Health Committee to be used in the event of a suspected incursion. The process is managed by the Subcommittee on Plant Health Diagnostic Standards (SPHDS).

SARDI has a representative on SPHDS, who is currently the chair of the committee. SARDI pathologists have been trained to recognise potential symptoms, as well as the other conditions which may be confused with citrus greening. Suspect samples will be tested by plant health laboratories in NSW and QLD which have the national diagnostic protocol established in their laboratories.

As the cause of citrus greening is not present in Australia, in the event of any suspected incursion these two laboratories would undertake any identification using the National Diagnostic Protocol. The two insect vectors (citrus psyllids) are not present in Australia, and there are draft diagnostic protocols for their identification.