Action has been taken to protect the state's potato industry from potato mop-top virus (Pomovirus solani) with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) issuing a new biosecurity control order.
NSW Chief Plant Protection Officer, Shane Hetherington, said the Biosecurity (Potato Mop-Top Virus) Control Order 2025 supports plans to keep NSW free of the virus, which has been confirmed at eight Tasmanian sites.
"This order bans the movement of seed potatoes, soil and used equipment from Tasmania into NSW, which is now declared a control zone and free of the virus," Dr Hetherington said.
"Hosts and carriers of the virus include Tasmanian seed potatoes, soil, and machinery and packaging which has been used in potato production in Tasmania.
"Anyone who is aware of or suspects potato mop-top virus in NSW must immediately notify the DPIRD or call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline, 1800 084 881."
Notification may also be given online, by completing the report a biosecurity concern form.
The biosecurity control order details the conditions for the movement of other potato mop-top virus hosts and carriers from Tasmania into NSW.
NSW grown potatoes remain free of the virus, which poses no threat to human health, and are safe to eat.
Potato mop-top virus is a plant virus which affects the development and quality of potatoes.
It is usually spread by the soil-borne pathogen, Spongospora subterranea, which causes powdery scab in potatoes.
Potato mop-top virus can persist in soil for many years and, if not properly managed, can create ongoing production problems for potato growers.
Affected potatoes can display both foliar and tuber symptoms of varying severity, including skin distortion, deep cracking, rust-coloured arcs, streaks or flecks in the potato flesh and yellow discolouration on the leaves.
