by Madura McCormack, The Courier-Mail
DISEASED banana plants on a Tully property will be destroyed, 17-months after the deadly Panama disease was detected.
Biosecurity Queensland will build a high-security fence around the boundary of the property, destroy the bananas, and plant ground cover to prevent the spread of the fungicide resistant plant disease.
Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson said the Tully property was the only known site affected by Panama disease, and the destruction measures will cost an estimated $500,000.
The banana industry is worth an estimated $600 million to the Queensland economy.
Tropical Race 4 of the Panama disease is considered the worst disease of bananas in the world and has virtually wiped out the commercial banana industry in the Northern Territory.
Source: Courier Mail