AUSVEG, Media Release, 19 September 2025
The Plant Health Australia National Management Group (NMG), with advice from the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP), has today, 19 September 2025, agreed that potato mop-top virus (PMTV) is not technically feasible to eradicate from Australia.
The official communique can be accessed here.
This decision reflects several challenges including, but not limited to:
- Difficulty detecting the virus across all potentially infected areas
- The virus’s ability to persist undetected in soil
- Widespread presence of powdery scab (a known vector)
- Risk of spread of PMTV via seed, tubers, and soil
Next steps
In the coming weeks, the NMG will consider options under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) to support Tasmanian potato growers who have experienced financial losses and costs incurred as a result of the response.
Biosecurity Tasmania continues to work closely with affected growers and potato industry organisations, including AUSVEG, to conduct additional surveillance and diagnostics of potato seed stock. These efforts aim to better understand the distribution of PMTV and manage the risk of further spread.
Potato mop-top virus
PMTV affects developing potato plants and is transmitted by a common soil-borne plant pathogen found in Tasmania and mainland Australia that causes powdery scab. The virus can reduce potato quality by causing skin distortions, cracking, and discoloration of the flesh, and may impact crop yields in some varieties.
Importantly, there are no human health or food safety risks associated with PMTV or powdery scab. All potatoes remain safe to eat.
Further information
The latest information from Biosecurity Tasmania on the response in that state is available here.
Restrictions are in place on the movement of potatoes from Tasmania to Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia. Further information is available via the following links:
If you suspect the presence of an exotic plant pest, contact the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. You can find out more about how we respond to plant pest and disease incidents at www.outbreak.gov.au.
More information about PMTV is available here:
- PMTV Fact Sheet: Available here
- PMTV Webinar: Watch the PMTV Webinar
- Pest and Disease Preparedness Guide: Available here
- Exotic Plant Pest Hotline: 1800 084 881
AUSVEG is continuing to represent potato growers, engaging with industry and relevant state and federal agencies as part of the ongoing biosecurity response to the detection of potato mop-top virus (PMTV) in Tasmania. AUSVEG will continue to provide further updates as they become available.
