SYDNEY, March 31 (Xinhua) -- The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food have enacted trade restrictions on Friday, which may see over 5000 tons of seed potato discarded in an attempt to combat an outbreak of disease.
Known as potato psyllid, the small insect pest was first detected in Perth during February and has since been found on properties in the metropolitan area around city, as well as a small number of regional properties.
"As a result of that, we had implemented a range of measures which are part of a containment and suppression program," a spokesperson from the Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food told Xinhua.
"This includes treatment on property, movement controls and restrictions, as well as fumigation."
If the disease spreads, It can also destroy other crops like tomatoes, chilli's and capsicums.
"It is considered a significant insect pest and it's a huge production risk for the industry," the spokespersons said.
Growers in the region however, have been critical of the department's trade restrictions.
"Growers do feel frustrated that decisions aren't made quicker," Western Australian Potato Seed Growers chairman, Colin Ayres, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
"Although everyone's been kept up-to-date, the wheels of any government move pretty slow."
