Banana plants tested amid disease fears

Testing on banana plants in north Queensland is underway amid Panama disease concerns. Photo/File

Testing is under way on a number of banana plants from a north Queensland farm amid concerns of another outbreak of Panama disease.

Biosecurity Queensland says the samples were taken after the owner of the Tully property raised concerns to authorities.

The samples were taken to Brisbane over the weekend, but results are not expected for a number of weeks.

Another Tully property has been under quarantine since last March after Panama tropical race 4 (TR4) was found in its banana plants.

The TR4 strain is difficult to detect and a potentially serious threat to the Australian Cavendish banana industry.

The disease is spread through root to root contact and through soil, water and contaminated equipment.

More than 90 per cent of Australia's banana production is in north Queensland.

"We thank the property owner for his prompt actions. It is critically important that any suspect plants are reported as soon as possible so we can contain this significant disease and minimise its impacts on the Queensland banana industry," Biosecurity Queensland said.