Tomato potato psyllid (TPP) is one of the world’s most destructive horticultural pests. This is because the psyllid acts as a vector for the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (Clso), which is associated with ‘zebra chip’ disease and ‘psyllid yellows’ in solanaceous plants.

In 2017, TPP was found to have established in Western Australia, but not to have spread further. This investment supports a critical national surveillance, identification and reporting program for the pest and Clso across Australia on behalf of the horticulture industry. Highly collaborative across states and territories, the program is designed for the early detection of and preparedness for TPP should it cross from Western Australia into other regions.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies listed below and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

• Vegetable Fund
• Potato – Processing Fund
• Potato – Fresh Fund