Northern Plants Nursery owner Steven Rose said the lift on the ban would not affect Katherine. 

“I have been able to sell my seedlings the whole time,” Mr Rose said. 

“We didn’t have any restrictions, apart from people in Katherine not being able to give them to people in the red zones.

“But apart from that, the whole time it has been business as usual.”

Primary Industry and Resources Minister Ken Vowles said the “red” quarantine zones would be abolished, enabling Territorians to return to normal in growing banana plants.

“This is a vote of confidence in our hard work towards eradicating banana freckle over the past four years, and I take my hat off to the resilient, dedicated and cooperative banana growers, nurseries and industry participants right across the Territory,” he said.

“This great news means Territorians will no longer require a permit to purchase, grow, move or sell banana plants within the NT, however, a permit is still required to move banana plants and fruit into or out of the Northern Territory.”

Banana freckle was detected in the Top End in 2013.

The Territory has moved into the final phase of banana freckle eradication, Phase 4 Assessment of Proof of Freedom.

The final phase involves the lifting of quarantine regulations and requires further inspections of banana plants on 336 properties that were previously infected with banana freckle, or were in close proximity to infected areas.

The first round of additional inspections is currently underway with the final round of inspections to take place during the wet season.

Mr Vowles said Territorians should be proud of what’s been achieved so far as part of the largest plant pest eradication ever attempted in Australia.

“While internal restrictions will be lifted from early July, there is still some work to do before the Territory is declared free of banana freckle, so it is important, as always, to maintain good biosecurity practices,” he said.

Acting NT Farmers Association CEO Greg Oweens has also welcomed the lifting of the restrictions on growing and trading of bananas within the NT. 

“NT Farmers looks forward to Top End growers being able to resume trade in the wide range of products, types and flavours of this iconic tropical fruit,” Mr Oweens said.

Territorians are urged to continue to check their banana plants for any signs of banana freckle or other pests or diseases.  

Suspicion of disease should be reported to 1800 771 163.

Banana freckle fungus cannot be eradicated by the use of chemicals, the banana plants have to be removed to get rid of the disease.

Banana freckle makes leaves and fruit spotty and feel like sandpaper, which is caused by the fungal spore vessels sticking up through the surface of the leaf or skin.

There are three known types of banana freckle fungus, which can only be distinguished by genetic testing. 

Only one type of banana freckle, phyllostica cavendishii, is known to infect the cavendish banana, as well as other varieties. 

It reduces the yield and health of banana plants.

This species of banana freckle is listed under the Australian Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed to be targeted for eradication as it is a significant threat to commercial banana production across Australia.

The cavendish banana is the main variety grown by the Australian banana industry.