Banana disease threatens Queensland’s $580m industry as farmers battle to contain spread

A deadly disease is threatening banana crops , with farmers facing mounting costs to protect their properties.

Panama disease Tropical Race 4, or TR4, is a fungus attacking banana plants in Far North Queensland , with no known way to eradicate it once established, forcing affected farms to destroy infected plants and quarantine the area.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Deadly disease threatens Australia’s favourite fruit

The disease threatens the state’s $580 million banana industry, with growers relying on strict biosecurity protocols to keep it from spreading.

“Unfortunately, once in the soil, it’s always in the soil,” Tully banana farmer Stephen Lowe said.

The disease poses a particular threat because it targets Cavendish bananas , which make up more than 95 per cent of Australia’s banana industry, according to QUT researcher Anthony James.

When TR4 is detected, infected plants are destroyed and the affected area quarantined.

Lowe discovered the disease on his farm, about 140km south of Cairns , four years ago.

“We have continued farming, we have protocols in place to make sure that infected soil or plant material does not go off the farm,” he said.

The disease can spread through soil and water, as well as machinery and footwear, making it difficult for growers to contain.

Eleven farms in Tully have been infected over the past 11 years, but the disease remains contained to the region.

“It’s of prime importance that we keep the disease out of the Innisfail area,” Lowe said.

Innisfail grower Shayne Cini has taken stringent biosecurity measures on his farm to try to keep TR4 out.

“It’s a significant cost up front and an ongoing cost,” he said. “There is no assistance.”