National tomato potato psyllid (TPP) program coordinator (MT16018)

What was it all about?

Funded by the fresh potato, processing potato and vegetable industries, this project was responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of a national tomato potato psyllid (TPP) management strategy – to ensure research and development, engagement and other response efforts were coordinated, prioritised and strategic.

TPP is a plant pest which feeds on tomato, potato, capsicum, chilli, goji berry, tamarillo, eggplant and sweet potato, leading to a loss of plant vigour and yield. First detected in Perth, Western Australia in February 2017, TPP is linked with the spread of Candidatus Liberibacter Solanacearum (CLso), or zebra chip as commonly known. It’s damage has the potential to cause significant economic impact on important Australian farming sectors.

Listed as a pest of concern, upon discovery of TPP in Australia the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) was initiated, with a resolution made by the Consultative Committee for the Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP) to establish and implement a Transition to Management Plan which commenced in September 2017.

In October 2017, Alan Nankivell began in the role of national TPP program coordinator, serving as a point of contact between affected industries, government and service providers, to help implement TPP management in Western Australia, and prepare Eastern-state growers. The role included oversight and reporting for national monitoring and surveillance programs, as well as delivery of appropriate engagement and extension strategies.

Project efforts ensured growers had the tools to detect TPP via monitoring and, if detected, the knowledge to manage its ongoing presence. The program successfully delivered:

• Increased knowledge of TPP and CLso amongst all key stakeholder groups
• Enterprise management plans for respective stakeholders
• A national management plan for both industry and government stakeholders
• Communication from the Plant Health Committee to the potato industry regarding the movement of potato tubers
• A research and development plan for TPP and CLso.

The TPP program shared information widely including at grower and industry meetings, conferences, and workshops. Information resources were produced and made available via an online TPP Portal, with articles published in relevant industry publications.

ACT NOW

Visit the TPP Portal on the AUSVEG website for more details. Comprehensive information to support TPP surveillance and management is available, including enterprise management plans, fact sheets, videos, FAQs and articles.