Detection of blueberry rust has been found at commercial blueberry producer Costa’s Sulphur Creek farm.
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The detection of the rust was found earlier this week and is the second detection of the biosecurity threat in Tasmania.
It comes just under a month since Biosecurity Tasmania declared the threat eradicated from the state and removed all trade restrictions between Tasmania and Victoria.
Costa corporate affairs manager Michael Toby confirmed the company notified Biosecurity Tasmania of the detection earlier in the week.
“At this stage the incidence of blueberry rust is of low severity however Costa is committed to working proactively and closely with Biosecurity Tasmania,” Mr Toby said.
Mr Toby said the rust would not affect the fruit set of the blueberry plants.
“As advised by Biosecurity Tasmania, it is too early to say how the blueberry rust may have arrived on the site but efforts are already underway to try and determine a source,” Mr Toby said.
Costa also produces a small amount of blueberries at its East Devonport farm but that property remains unaffected by the pest.
The confirmation of blueberry rust back on plants was made on Thursday.
Biosecurity Tasmania acting general manager Rae Burrows said on Thursday that a number of surveillance and response activities would be undertaken to determine if other sites had been affected.
“Undertaking that surveillance and understanding the presence of blueberry rust is our critical first step to identify the next management actions required to respond to the disease,” Ms Burrows said.
Properties within a 20-kilometre radius will be tested as part of the response. It is unknown how many plants have been infected with the disease.
“Biosecurity Tasmania is currently carrying out surveillance at and around the site and liaising with industry but anyone with blueberry plants is encouraged to remain vigilant for evidence of the disease and report any unusual signs on blueberry plants to Biosecurity Tasmania.”
Signs of blueberry rust infection include: small, yellow leaf spots on the upper surface of leaves, lesions that turn brown and enlarge as the infection processes, yellow-orange powdery pustules that develop on the underside of leaves and on fruit, premature leaf drop and defoliation.