Last updated: 13 November 2025
For potato export requirements, check the Exporting Potatoes to Other States and Territories webpage.
Potato Mop-Top Virus in Tasmania
Potato mop-top virus (PMTV; Pomovirus solani) was detected in Tasmania in July 2025, this was the first detection of PMTV in Australia. Biosecurity Tasmania (BT) conducted response activities including traceback work which indicated that the virus may have been present in Tasmania for at least two years.
In September 2025 it was accepted that PMTV was not technically feasible to eradicate from Australia and BT wound down its response activities. BT will continue to work with potato industry bodies to help understand how PMTV is best managed in Tasmania, particularly when it comes to market access requirements.
What is Potato Mop-Top Virus?
PMTV is an exotic plant virus that can affect developing potato plants, reduce the quality of tuber flesh and impact crop yield.
PMTV is carried and transmitted by Spongospora subterranea, the soil-borne pathogen that causes powdery scab in potatoes. Powdery scab is common in Tasmania and mainland Australia.
There are no food safety or human health risks associated with PMTV or powdery scab and potatoes are safe to consume.
 PMTV symptoms in cut potatoes. Photos: NRE Tas
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Identification of PMTV
Affected potatoes can display both foliar (leaf) and tuber symptoms of varying severity depending on the sensitivity of the variety and the source of infection. These may include:
Distortions to the skin,
Deep cracking, and rust-coloured arcs, streaks or flecks in the tuber flesh, and
Yellow colouration on the leaves.
PMTV may remain viable in powdery scab spores in soil for at least 12 years.
 Potato mop-top virus in cut potatoes
Photo: NRE Tas |  PMTV Foliar Symptoms
Photo: William M Brown
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Spread
PMTV can be introduced into new areas in infected seed tubers, waste from infected potato material and through the movement of soil carried on machinery, equipment and boots.
Movement of soil containing the spores of the carrier, powdery scab, also risks spreading PMTV.
What can you do?
Landowners
Update or develop your farm biosecurity plan. Support is available through VegNET Tasmania or TasFarmers.
Implement and maintain good biosecurity practices on your property, including regular and thorough cleaning of boots, clothing, machinery and equipment.
Contractors
Discuss biosecurity measures with landowners before entering properties and adhere to any instructions.
Come clean, go clean. Remove soil and plant material from machinery, equipment, and boots before leaving one property and entering another.
Home gardeners
Clean equipment regularly and give your footwear a clean before and after entering the garden. If possible, keep a pair of shoes dedicated to gardening activities.
Consider placing footbaths at entrances and exits in community gardens.
Only plant certified seed potatoes. Potatoes from the supermarket and roadside stalls should not be planted in your garden.
Remain alert for any signs of disease in potatoes and potato plants.
To stay up to date, revisit this website or subscribe to Biosecurity Advisories.
Support and Research Funding
To help with the long-term management of potato mop-top virus, the Tasmanian Government is providing $200,000 for a PMTV research program which will be delivered across 2025/2026.
This funding will support time-critical research to help farmers manage the PMTV virus and its vector powdery scab. The research will be led collaboratively by the Tasmanian potato industry and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture.
Additional support will be provided to the potato industry through TasFarmers as part of their existing ‘Strengthening Biosecurity Outcomes On-Farm Project’, to help potato growers develop and implement farm biosecurity plans and other critical biosecurity measures within potato production areas. You can contact TasFarmers at reception@tasfarmers.com.au or by calling (03) 6332 1800.
You can assist by helping us to understand the impacts PMTV has had on your farm or business. We encourage you to call the Business Tasmania team on 1800 440 026 during business hours. Business Tasmania can also connect callers with business advice and support if you need additional services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information on PMTV.
Resources
Farm Biosecurity
Potato Growers Biosecurity Manual (PDF 3Mb)
Biosecurity Checklist for Potatoes (PDF 247Kb)
Videos - Farm Biosecurity
Wellbeing support
If you need assistance or support, please remember that help is always available. You can contact:
This is a 24/7 mental health support, triage, and referral phone line delivered by the Tasmanian Department of Health in partnership with Lifeline Tasmania.