ABC News Online announced that Biosecurity Queensland quarantined a plantation near Tully, south of Cairns, following an initial positive test result for tropical race 4 (TR4), the fungal strain that causes Fusarium wilt in Cavendish bananas. Further testing is being done at the farm to confirm the presence of the soil-borne fungus. Australian Banana Growers' Council chief executive Jim Pekin said strict quarantine regulations were in place to prevent the spread of this disease and protect the state's $600 million industry.
