In the Northern Territory, a highly pathogenic and aggressive worm that targets fruit and vegetable crops has been detected. Biosecurity officers found the invasive microscopic roundworm - known as the Guava Root-Knot Nematode; Meloidogyne enterolobii - in four Top End areas. Test results from horticulture properties in Middle Point, Jingili, Palmerston and Malak suggest the parasite could have arrived in the Darwin area about a year ago.
Biosecurity staff have started working with infected properties and the agriculture sector to stop its spread, but this will not be easy. The pest was found on sweet potato, cucumber, capsicum, butternut pumpkin, snake bean, zucchini and chilli plants.
Investigators have not found a link between the infected properties and testing continues to find out if the worm has contaminated other areas in the NT. It spreads in soil attached to machinery, tools, footwear and plant products, and affects crop yield of several vegetables, fruit and agricultural fibres.
Source: canberratimes.com.au