The new requirements follow the detection in the Northern Territory of mango malformation disease - a slow moving fungus that can significantly reduce yields in mango orchards.

Biosecurity Queensland general manager Mike Ashton said since its detection in the Northern Territory in late 2007, extensive surveillance had shown no evidence of mango malformation disease in Queensland.

But Mr Ashton said the new changes to entry requirements would help protect the local industry from any possible threat.

"Biosecurity Queensland staff are working up and down the state, not only to protect the iconic mango - worth $80 million to the Queensland economy - but also to protect the full range of produce grown in Queensland," Mr Ashton said.

"The introduction of the Plant Protection (Mango Malformation Disease) Quarantine Notice 2008, which came in to place late last week, will provide important new protection for Queensland’s mango growers.

"Under the new requirements, all mango planting material, and any machinery or equipment that has been in contact with mangoes, will need an inspector's approval before coming into Queensland.

"It's an important move which will substantially reduce the risk of mango malformation disease getting into Queensland."

Mr Ashton said mango malformation disease was just one of the many diseases that Biosecurity Queensland was working to keep out, with redbanded mango caterpillar, mango leafhopper, mango leaf gall midge and other exotic pests also high on the hit list.

"Through ongoing surveillance programs, such as the national fruit fly trapping program, Biosecurity Queensland officers already check to ensure endemic pests and diseases have not spread and there are no new pest threats affecting the industry," he said.

"Once mangoes are picked, DPI&F's plant health certification services provide assurance that Queensland mangoes are free from pests and diseases of concern to our interstate markets."

Other Biosecurity Queensland officers conduct random testing for chemical residues.

* For more information about the new requirements, visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au and visit ‘Biosecurity’, ‘Moving plants and plant products’ or call 13 25 23.