Disease found on Qld watermelon farm

A north Queensland watermelon farm has been quarantined as biosecurity officers try isolate a plant disease detected in the state for the first time.

Biosecurity Queensland confirmed a case of Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus on the farm at Charters Towers, west of Townsville, on Tuesday.

The CGMMV virus, while harmless to humans, affects cucurbit fruit species like cucumber, melons, watermelon, zucchini, pumpkin and squash, making it a threat to the state's $130 million cucurbit industry.

It creates mosaic-like mottling on affected fruit and can cause the fruit to rot internally, become discoloured, show lesions or become malformed.

Queensland Chief Plant Health Manager Mike Ashton said the case appeared to be isolated.

"We are moving quickly and working with the property owner to ensure the infection remains confined at this site," Mr Ashton said.

"We are hopeful the virus is not widespread in Queensland and we will be working to achieve eradication."

The discovery came after CGMMV, once exotic to Australia, was found in the Northern Territory in September last year.

But Mr Ashton said it appeared imported seeds caused the latest outbreak.

"While there is a probable link to the source of the virus on this property, biosecurity officers will still conduct thorough tracing investigations to identify other possible causes and to determine if the virus has been moved from the property," he said.

The virus is easily transmitted through infected plant material, seeds, water and contaminated equipment and clothing.

Growers are urged to check their crops and contact Biosecurity Queensland to report suspected cases.