Plant biosecurity

Grapevine phylloxera aphid-like insects (top) and the leaf galls found on grapevine leaves. Grapevine phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) originates from eastern North America and is regarded as the world’s worst grapevine pest.

Plant biosecurity is all about protecting the economy, human health and the environment from problems associated with pests and diseases of plants.

Due to Australia’s geographic isolation and historically strong focus on quarantine, we’re in the fortunate situation of being free of many significant pests that adversely affect agricultural production in other countries.

Fewer pest and disease problems mean lower production costs. 'Pest freedom' provides an enormous market access advantage to Australian producers. The social value of public amenities, such as parks and gardens, is maintained if they can be protected from overseas pests.

Protecting NSW plant industries

NSW plant industries also need to be protected from pests and diseases that are present in other parts of Australia, such as potato cyst nematode or grapevine phylloxera.

Plant biosecurity starts on the farm, and extends across the whole 'biosecurity continuum'. Early detection is the key for effective responses. It gives the best opportunity to stop exotic plant pests and diseases from establishing in our state.

The role of NSW DPI

NSW Department of Primary Industries has a lead role in preventing, responding to, and overseeing the recovery from invasion or spread of plant pests and diseases. NSW DPI works closely with plant industries, other jurisdictions and the general public to put sound biosecurity policies in place, helping to maintain and expand market access for the state’s primary producers.

Reporting exotic or emergency plant pests

If you suspect the presence of an exotic plant disease or pest, or if you see unusual symptoms on your plants, please immediately phone:

• Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881

Red imported fire ant worker (Solenopsis invicta). Fire ants are a serious public nuisance and pest of agriculture in South America and the United States. They were detected in Brisbane in recent years, but no fire ants have yet been found in NSW.
Photo courtesy of Peter Green.

More information

For more information on plant pests and diseases, see:

• Insect pests
• Pests, diseases & disorders in horticultural crops
• Pests, diseases & disorders in field crops and pastures

Contact

If you have a particular query or comment, please email NSW DPI's Biosecurity Branch at biosecurity@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

Travelling or moving interstate?

Check out the Quarantine Domestic website for general information about quarantine restrictions in Australia.