June 29, 2018
Tests have confirmed that a citrus cutting seized at Brisbane Airport last month contained one of the world’s worst citrus diseases.
Australian Chief Plant Protection Officer Dr Kim Ritman said the plant material was infected by Huanglongbing (citrus greening disease) which poses a huge threat to Australia’s citrus industry.
“If this disease was to arrive here, it could decimate our citrus tree population, meaning less produce for export and fewer home-grown oranges, mandarines and lemons on our supermarket shelves,” Dr Ritman said.
“In Florida, Huanglongbing has destroyed millions of citrus trees, devastated the citrus industry and led to massive yield losses for farmers.
“It is Australia’s fifth priority plant pest and there is currently no cure, so we definitely do not want passengers bringing this devastating disease here.”
The passenger tried to smuggle the citrus budwood – believed to be a cumquat cutting – through Brisbane Airport in the inner tubing of a tyre.
“It is also highly disappointing that the passenger is employed in a horticulture sector that was significantly impacted by the 2005 outbreak of citrus canker,” Dr Ritman said.
In 2017, there were 16,460 citrus interceptions across Australia’s international airports, mail centres and seaports. This equates to around 5.5 per cent of all biosecurity interceptions.
Depending on the circumstances, a person who imports plants into Australia without lawful authority may commit a criminal offence and/or be liable to a civil penalty.
The penalties for the illegal importation of plants can include fines of up to $420,000 and/or up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
- Related article: Plant Cutting Seized At Airport
