Banana freckle is a declared pest in WA
Banana freckle was detected in Dwarf Cavendish banana fruit in the Northern Territory in May 2022. Western Australia has movement controls in place for risk material from the Northern Territory.
Banana freckle is not known to occur in WA and must be reported to the department if found or suspected to be present in WA.
About banana freckle
Banana freckle, caused by the fungus Phyllosticta cavendishii, is a disease of bananas that can affect the productivity of plants, fruit appearance and marketability. It is not known to occur in WA.
Banana freckle infects bananas (Musa species), including Cavendish bananas, the main commercial cultivar grown in Western Australia.
- Rough, freckle-like spots that occur on infected fruit and leaves.
- Spots are raised, brown-black in colour and about 1 mm in diameter.
- Infected fruit or leaves have a rough, sandpaper feel.
- Severe infection can result in yellowing of the leaves.
- Banana freckle causes blemishes to the fruit that reduce their commercial value and marketability.
- Leaf infection can result in yellowing, premature withering and dying impacting on vigour and yield.
- It is not harmful to human health and eating qualities of the fruit are not affected.
- Banana freckle infects banana leaves and fruits at any growth stage.
- It can survive in live plant parts and even detached leaves.
- It generally moves short distances by water droplet splash and wind-driven rain.
- It is spread over larger distances by people moving infected fruit; leaves and any items contaminated with infested plant material.
Legal duty to report
Phyllosticta cavendishii (M.H. Wong & Crous, 2012) is a declared pest under section 12 of the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007.
This means that any person who finds or suspects the presence of banana freckle in WA must report it to DPIRD.
WA's freedom from banana freckle is supported by general and specific surveillance, and specific import requirements to prevent its entry. A person who finds or suspects the presence of banana freckle in plantations, nurseries or urban areas must report it to DPIRD.
Documents
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Banana freckle factsheetpdf (4.17 MB)