Agriculture Victoria has advised Tomato potato psyllid (TPP) has been detected in a location in Victoria outside of the Restricted Area (RA) on the Bellarine Peninsula.  Accreditation arrangements are being implemented by Agriculture Victoria to facilitate interstate trade of produce and to provide confidence in movement of produce free of TPP.

Tomato potato psyllid was first detected in Western Australia in 2017 where it is now established.  TPP was detected for the first time in Victoria in November 2024, at multiple locations on the Bellarine Peninsula.  Those detections on the Bellarine Peninsula have been contained through the establishment of the Restricted Area (RA).

In October 2025, TPP was detected in a residential backyard in northern Melbourne, with this being the first detection outside of the RA. Surveillance from previous seasons across Melbourne and from south-west Melbourne in October this year did not detect TPP, indicating that it is not widespread at this time.

The sites at which TPP has been detected in Victoria are not located near commercial production sites that are not under biosecurity control, so the current risk of long distance spread of TPP remains low.

Next steps

Agriculture Victoria is rapidly implementing required accreditation arrangements to facilitate interstate trade of produce to provide confidence in product movement free of TPP.  At risk plants and produce include those in the Solanaceae and Convolvulaceae.

For more information please visit:

• Agriculture Victoria – Tomato potato psyllid information
• Agriculture Victoria – TPP Biosecurity Update
• Monitoring for Tomato potato psyllid pocket guide
• Pest and disease preparedness guide

About tomato potato psyllid

Tomato potato psyllid (TPP; Bactericera cockerelli) is a tiny sap-sucking insect affects potatoes, tomatoes, capsicum and other Solanaceous crops and weeds causing minor damage through feeding on host plants.

More significantly, TPP can transmit Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso), the organism responsible for Zebra chip disease—a serious threat particularly to potato production. CLso has not been reported in Australia and all TPP collected in Victoria so far have tested negative to the pathogen.  Early detection of Zebra chip is crucial for early intervention.  If you suspect TPP, report it to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline: 1800 084 881

AUSVEG is continuing to represent vegetable, potato and onion growers, engaging with industry and relevant state and federal agencies as part of the ongoing biosecurity activities related to Tomato potato psyllid. AUSVEG will continue to provide further updates as they become available.