Failure of an attempt to eradicate southern sting nematode (Ibipora lolii) from the Brisbane Cricket Ground (the Gabba)

Abstract

When the Grand Final of the Australian Football League (AFL) was played at the Brisbane Cricket Ground (the Gabba) in October 2020, small rolls of turf from Victoria were laid at the three player entrances. This turf was infested with southern sting nematode (Ibipora lolii) and so it was removed, the infested sites were fumigated, and nematicides were applied in an attempt to eliminate the nematode. Results published in September 2021 indicated that this appeared to have been successful, as I. lolii was not detected in a post-treatment monitoring program. This paper reports results from an ongoing monitoring program which show that the eradication program was ineffective. Consequently, the Gabba is currently the only Queensland location known to be infested with I. lolii. The paper finishes by listing the biosecurity issues that should be addressed to prevent further spread of the nematode.