Chestnut blight was first detected in north-east Victoria in 2010 and, despite extensive efforts to eradicate the exotic plant disease, remains present.
Victoria’s acting chief plant health officer Stephen Dibley encouraged growers and other landowners with chestnut trees to use these resources to help look for and manage chestnut blight on their property.
The resources include a new Managing chestnut blight free online course, a guide to managing chestnut blight, a chestnut blight surveillance form and posters for display in workplaces and packing sheds.
“Growers are our first line of defence against chestnut blight, to minimise it spreading,” Dr Dibley said.
“Please inspect your chestnut and oak trees every three months for chestnut blight symptoms.
“Chestnut blight is a disease of chestnut and oak trees, caused by a fungus that grows underneath the bark and creates cankers, which slowly surround the infected trunk, stem or branch and eventually kill the tree.
“Early detection is key. Landholders should destroy infected trees within 14 days of detection — this is critical to minimising the spread of chestnut blight.
“All infected plant material must be burnt completely to ash as chestnut blight can survive on partially burnt material, dead and buried wood.”
Chestnuts Australia's blight committee chair Brian Casey said during the first few years of response many infected trees, including some whole orchards, had to be removed.
However, these days there have only been a few infected trees detected.
The new industry-led management program will be built around self-inspection and recording in an agreed national platform.
“Chestnut blight has the potential to decimate the $85 million farm gate investment by Australian chestnut producers and the annual production of $10 million,” Mr Casey said.
“The newly appointed chestnut industry biosecurity officer will work with growers, other landowners and the community to build a strong and resilient program over the next five years.”
In Victoria, suspected detections of chestnut blight should be reported to the industry biosecurity officer at: ibo@chestnutsaustralia.com.au
Interstate detections should be reported to the national Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
For more information and to access the resources, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au or www.chestnutsaustraliainc.com.au, or call the Agriculture Victoria Customer Contact Centre on 136 186.
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