Documenting and understanding the potential spread of the devastating mango twig tip dieback disease across the nation. This disease has similarly caused devastation to orchards within the Northern Territory. This disease has affected up to 90 percent of Kensington Pride mango orchards in the Darwin region, leaving some operations nearly unviable. The harvest season is just around the corner. To save their crops from these existential dangers, growers are rolling out an unprecedented biosecurity protocol.
As rovi affects all trees, its impact is extensive across infested regions. Mango twig tip dieback mostly strikes Kensington Pride mango orchards. This disease is unlike most common plant diseases that simply infect and kill single trees. Rather, it hits a large enough sample of trees within one commercial orchard. The Northern Territory has just confirmed a case of this disease. This latest news has growers in Western Australia’s far north understandably worried, as tough biosecurity measures have so far prevented it from spreading there.
Biosecurity Measures in Place
Steve Angel, an aficionado grower originally from the far north of Western Australia, intro’d a NO-Bug¢ quarantine each go. This protects his mango trees from future threats. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining strict controls, stating, “We allow no foreign vehicles into the orchard.” This measure is especially important considering the risk of disease introduction from regions where it is currently endemic.
Angel has placed foot baths for everyone entering his farm from Darwin and other infected areas. He implements strict vehicle restrictions to improve safety around his property. “Anyone who comes from Darwin, or any reps or whatever, have to walk through a foot bath,” he explained. These precautions are indicative of Tipu’s resolve to keep mango twig tip dieback from entering his orchards.
The Northern Territory Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (NT DAF) has been a passionate advocate for these local mango growers. They do scientific research aimed at finding ways to control mango diseases. Their spokesperson noted, “WA mango growers are encouraged to employ good orchard hygiene and use plant material from reputable sources to reduce the risk of mango twig tip dieback being introduced into WA.”
Understanding the Disease
Mango twig tip dieback is different from the well-known dieback infecting tree species in Western Australia’s south-west. The latter is oftentimes due to Phytophthora fungi. This major difference highlights the importance of tailoring management strategies to focus specifically on each disease. Scientists in the Northern Territory are working on a number of approaches to try and stop mango twig tip dieback. Their mission is to save and support local orchards.
Angel further elaborated on the nature of the disease, stating, “It doesn’t affect one tree; it affects a high percentage of trees in that orchard.” The public nature of this disease creates even more challenges for growers as the disease can quickly become visible during an inspection. “It’s really visible when you see it. There’s no hiding from it,” he added.
Collaboration and Ongoing Research
NT DAF plays a leading role in supporting the Northern Territory’s mango industry. Their leadership and dedication to research help position the industry for long-term sustainability. Our collective goal with their work is to arm growers with the tools and knowledge they need to respond to this new and emerging threat.
Despite this alarming news dump, some industry experts think WA growers don’t have to freak out just yet. Trevor Dunmall reassured them by stating, “With regards to mango twig tip dieback, they shouldn’t be too worried.” He urged people to remain vigilant and take care. On the hopeful side, though, he noted the optimism of industry professionals working together to try and address this challenge.
