A third far north Queensland banana plantation in three years has tested positive for the highly devastating soil-born Panama disease tropical race 4.
Biosecurity Queensland has confirmed a sample taken from a Tully Valley farm, located near the previous two outbreaks, has returned a positive result to initial tests.
The state's chief plant protection officer, Mike Ashton, says further testing is required before a final conclusive positive result can be determined.
The result will take up to six weeks, but it's highly likely the fungus has returned in a major scare to the $570 million industry.
The Australian Banana Growers' Council says the suspected case makes for a highly stressful time for the family involved as well as fellow banana growers in the region.
"This news is clearly very disappointing for our industry, but it is also a reminder that TR4 is here to stay and growers need to do everything in their power to protect their farms," ABCG chair Stephen Lowe said on Wednesday.
Panama tropical race 4 is not harmful to humans, but affects the health of a banana plant and its ability to produce fruit.
It can also be easily spread, meaning any outbreak has the potential to wipe out the local industry, which accounts for 90 per cent of Australia's banana production.
Mr Ashton says the affected property is in close proximity to the two previously confirmed infested properties.
The disease was first detected in the region in February 2015, sparking extensive and widespread controls so it wouldn't affect other local farms.
The first farm was sold off in October 2016, with the $4.5 million buyout jointly funded by the federal government and an industry levy.
Positive results were returned on the second affected Tully property in July.
Mr Ashton says the latest suspect detection emphasised the challenge of managing and containing the disease.
"Panama disease can survive in the soil for decades without banana plants and is easily transported in contaminated soil, water and on tools, farming machinery and vehicles," he said.
