A new research initiative has been launched in Australia to safeguard the banana industry against pest and disease threats. The three-year project, Enhancing pest surveillance, grower engagement and banana biosecurity resilience (BA24003), is funded by Hort Innovation and delivered by the Australian Banana Growers' Council.
The program builds on a previous project that supported growers in containing Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV), improving early detection of exotic pests, and strengthening regional biosecurity networks. Since 2022, the work has included 945 farm inspections and the destruction of more than 5,000 infected plants.
Brett Fifield, CEO at Hort Innovation, said: "Biosecurity is critical to the long-term sustainability of the banana industry. This project is about equipping growers with the tools, knowledge, and systems they need to detect and respond to pest and disease threats early, before they escalate. It's a proactive investment in protecting livelihoods and securing the future of one of Australia's most valuable horticultural sectors."
He added that the project would focus on improving disease management, diversifying surveillance strategies, and strengthening industry preparedness.
Led by Dr Rosie Godwin, R&D Manager at the Australian Banana Growers' Council, the project targets growers and stakeholders across Queensland and northern New South Wales, which account for more than 96% of national banana production.
Dr Godwin said, "Importantly, this new project focuses on strengthening collaboration between Industry, the community, government biosecurity regulators, and scientific experts to improve outcomes and support our shared biosecurity obligations. So far, we are very pleased with the results."
The project will deliver practical outputs such as multi-pest surveillance protocols, pest identification resources, and biosecurity guidelines. Growers will also receive training in disease detection and containment, with a focus on BBTV and Leaf Spot.
Dr Godwin said, "Our previous work has shown that coordinated surveillance and grower education can make a real difference when we are faced with pest and disease incursions. Since 2022, we've conducted 945 farm inspections and destroyed over 5,000 infected plants, critical steps in containing BBTV. This new project builds on that momentum, expanding our reach and refining our strategies to ensure the industry remains resilient and ready for future threats."
The initiative also includes a mechanism to review and workshop future investment opportunities in pest and disease surveillance.
For New Zealand growers and exporters, the program highlights how Australia is strengthening its banana industry biosecurity at a time when global trade and pest pressures are increasing.
© Hort InnovationFor more information:
Shannon O'Mara
Hort Innovation
Tel: +61 (0) 427 142 537
Email: [email protected]
www.horticulture.com.au