Pomovirus solani (Potato mop-top virus, PMTV) Present: not widely distributed and under official control

Publication Date

Tue, 14 Oct 2025, 22:48

Last Updated

Oct. 14, 2025, 10:48 p.m.

Report Number

AUS-116/1

Country

Australia

Pest Id

Potato mop-top pomovirus - (PMTV00)

Report Status

Preliminary

Hosts

Detected in potato. PMTV is an exotic plant disease that affects Solanum tuberosum (potato).

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Present: not widely distributed and under official control

Geographical Distribution

PMTV is present and under official control in Tasmania. Movement controls are in place to prevent spread to mainland Australia. Tasmania is an island state of Australia, located 240 kilometres to the south of the Australian mainland. PMTV is absent from the Australian mainland.

Summary

Pomovirus solani (Potato mop-top virus, PMTV) was detected in Tasmania, Australia in 2025. PMTV is not present in mainland Australia.

Danger

PMTV is a viral disease of Solanum tuberosum (potato), vectored by the soilborne pathogen Spongospora subterranea (powdery scab). Potatoes infected with the virus can produce unmarketable tubers from internal necrosis resulting in yield loss. This is the first detection of PMTV in Australia.

Contact for info

Australian Chief Plant Protection Officer Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry GPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601 [email protected]

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