Kevin Cooper, National Banana Freckle Eradication Program State Coordinator, said banana plants that have regrown are a potential host for Banana Freckle and must be destroyed by 30 September 2015.

“The Top End community understands that Banana Freckle must be eradicated if we are to grow healthy bananas in the future,” Mr Cooper said.

“With community support we are getting closer to eradicating this serious plant pest.

“A small number of properties have experienced regrowth and we need to hear from them.

“The Program is contacting properties that had banana plants destroyed in Phase 1 to establish if they have any regrowth or not.

“Households may receive a phone call, SMS message, a letter or a visit from field staff. Please contact the Program so we can update your information,” Mr Cooper said.

“We need to confirm that banana plants have not regrown, or if they have regrown we need to confirm they have been treated.

“This information is very important to the success of the Program, and every response we receive helps the work towards eradicating Banana Freckle

“The Program appreciates the assistance from all the people who have responded so far,” Mr Cooper said.

“Over recent weeks we have sent out more than 3500 SMS messages about regrowth to addresses that had banana plants destroyed in Phase 1. The response rate to the SMS messages has been over 90%.

“The high response rate shows how much community support we have and we want to thank people for their understanding and patience.”

The National Banana Freckle Eradication Program has worked with more than 41,500 households in the six Red Zones over the past 12 months to eradicate this serious plant pest.

Community support and understanding has been a major reason for the success of the Program so far, Mr Cooper said.

“We will continue to work with property owners, householders and growers to gain access for regrowth inspections and treatment of any regrowth,” Mr Cooper said.