Melon growers are reminded that biosecurity is vitally important to all farm businesses. Although it is now 8 years since Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus was found in the Northern Territory, strong on-farm biosecurity is needed to prevent this virus from reaching your farm.
The AMA continues to support the current arrangements for seed testing for CGMMV, Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV),Kyuri green mottle mosaic virus (KGMMV) and Zucchini green mottle mosaic virus (ZGMMV)at the Australian border. This is the highest level in the world but has been shown to protect the Australian melon industry since it commenced in late 2014.
Apart from only using tested seed, other on-farm biosecurity measures are vitally important. Control of farm access helps manage movement of biosecurity issues onto farms. A Farm Gate Biosecurity Sign template is available to display at farm gates to ensure visitors are fully aware of a property’s on-farm biosecurity requirements.
Additionally, a Farm Biosecurity Planner for the Melon Industry is available to help ensure all melon farms are using as many on-farm biosecurity measures as practical to maintain a high level of farm biosecurity.