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Lettuce leaf blight (Pythium tracheiphilum) discovered on two properties in Western Australia
South Perth, Western Australia
August 29, 2005

Western Australian horticulturists have been urged to upgrade biosecurity measures after the discovery of Lettuce leaf blight (Pythium tracheiphilum) on two properties.

Lettuce leaf blight is widely distributed on field and glasshouse lettuce crops in Europe and America but this is the first time it has been found in Australia.

Its impact on lettuce production in other parts of the world is reported to range from 0.7 per cent to 50 per cent, with symptoms and crop losses greatly influenced by the environmental conditions. Disease symptoms on the affected properties in Western Australia have only been noted on Cos lettuce.

Department of Agriculture Quarantine Plant Pathologist Dr Satendra Kumar said the two properties affected by the problem would not be identified and praised the owner of the first property for quickly reporting his suspicions.

“Because of his sensible approach and the cooperation of others in the industry we are confident the outbreak can be contained,” said Dr Kumar.

The outbreak has underlined the vital importance for farmers of maintaining high standards of farm biosecurity.

“It is the responsibility of the owner of each property to ensure biosecurity standards are undertaken on the property to reduce individual property risk,” said Dr Kumar.

“A series of detailed measures have been agreed with the affected properties and these will be strictly adhered to. There is a message here for the whole industry to make sure biosecurity is a priority, especially with a view to cleaning vehicles before and after they visit a property.”

More information on biosecurity measures is available from local Department of Agriculture offices and from the Department’s website www.agric.wa.gov.au.

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