Episode 14: Australia‘s number one priority plant pest with Craig Elliott

Did you know Australia has a number one priority exotic plant pest? Xylella fastidiosa is a bacteria which poses a threat to Australian agricultural and horticultural industries, as well as having the potential to do some real damage to our native trees and plants. With over 600 different plant species at risk, everything from grapes and olives, citrus, berries and stone fruits, as well as ornamentals, the race is on to prepare Australia for a potential incursion.

In this episode, Craig Elliott from the National Xylella Preparedness Program, funded by Wine Australia and Hort Innovation, explains more about this pest and what is being done to manage its spread across the globe.

For more information visit the Urban Plant Health Network.

If you see something unusual, call the Exotic Pest Plant Health line on 1800 084 881 or take a photo and upload it to the MyPestGuide Reporter.