In a letter to growers, SunRice head of agribusiness Nicole Griffin said every effort is being made to prevent the pathogen from entering the Riverina Rice Biosecurity Zone.
She said failure to do so could cause “significant damage to the rice industry”.
Ms Griffin said to maintain the Riverina’s disease-free status, several key actions would be undertaken to manage any potential risks.
“SunRice has supplied New South Wales Department of Primary Industries with samples of all seed that was provided to the Northern Rivers region where Rice Blast was detected,” her letter outlines.
“Biosecurity plant pathologists will test the seed to rule out any chance of the fungus being seed-borne. Results from these samples will take up to 10 days.
“As an additional precaution, if you are growing Sherpa this season, please inspect your crop and report any suspected symptoms.
“New South Wales DPI is also conducting surveillance of fields where there are potential human links.
“SunRice has updated the CY24 Paddy Quality Specifications & Discounts document, which outlines the steps growers will be required to take before delivering any paddy to an AGS depot.
“Loads will be refused if these requirements are not met.
“These include additional cleaning and logbook requirements for vehicles which have been in northern New South Wales.
“RGA is providing a link to the Rice Biosecurity Management Plan on their website with additional resources around ‘Come Clean, Go Clean’, as well as existing requirements associated with entering the Riverina Rice Biosecurity Zone.”
If you detect any suspicious plants on your property, contact the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881, email biosecurity@dpi.nsw.gov.au with a clear photo and contact details, or complete an online form.
You should also refer to the NSW DPI Procedure - Rice Blast Industry Surveillance - sent to all growers by SunRice last week - which provides further details on symptoms, sampling and where to send suspect samples.
As rice blast spores can be carried on shoes, clothing and vehicles, if you are sampling something suspicious, you must launder all your clothes, shower and wash your hair, and clean your vehicle and car floor mats.
High alcohol solutions such as methylated spirits should be used for floor mats and shoes.
“Do not enter any other rice fields or farms until you have thoroughly cleaned your clothes, boots, hats, body and vehicle,” Ms Griffin outlines in her letter.
Anyone with questions or concerns can contact the Rice Extension team.
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