Update on mango malformation disorder in the Northern Territory, Australia

Publication Date

Fri, 22 Feb 2008, 00:00

Last Updated

June 30, 2015, 5:17 a.m.

Report Number

AUS-09/2

Country

Australia

Pest Id

Fusarium mangiferae - (FUSAMG)

Report Status

Final

Hosts

Man Mangifera indica L

Pest Status (old values from ISPM 8 -1998 )

Present: under eradication

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

Present: not widely distributed and under official control

Geographical Distribution

Northern Territory

Summary

Fusarium species are very common organisms in agricultural systems and in the natural environment. The symptoms of MMD are difficult to detect and mature mango trees may remain symptom-less for many years, despite having a low level MMD infection. A public awareness campaign was announced some months ago asking people with mango trees to be on the lookout for MMD symptoms. Queensland quarantine authorities have imposed restrictions on the movement of mango plants from the Northern Territory pending further information on the distribution of the fungus in Australia^^s mango producing areas.

Danger

Mango Malformation Disorder (MMD) is a fungal disease of mangoes caused by several species of Fusarium. It affects tree growth and is not spread or carried on fruit. Mangoes are the only known host of the disorder. It has been found in many overseas mango producing countries. Fusarium mangiferae was first detected in November 2007 at the Coastal Plains Research Farm (CPRF), about 60 kilometres east of Darwin, Northern Territory. This fungus has not been previously detected in Australia. CPRF was quarantined and the mango trees removed and destroyed. Since the first detection, F. mangiferae has been detected in one additional tree on another property in the Northern Territory, which has also been quarantined and the tree will be destroyed. Official controls to prevent the spread of the disease remain in place. Since it is not a disease of fruit, the detection of F. mangiferae in the Northern Territory will not affect the transport of fruit within the Northern Territory or to interstate or overseas markets.

Contact for info