Successful Kerikeri workshop

A huge thank you to all those who came to the Neonectria / Kiwifruit Trunk Disease (KTD) workshop in Kerikeri this week.

Alongside Plant & Food Research, KVH hosted the event to reconnect with Northland growers, share recent research outcomes and offer advice and strategies to help those faced with the challenge of KTD.

It was great to see over 30 growers and industry folk on the day, who came along to hear the results from an extensive five-year research programme on Neonectria and other associated vine decline. This was the first presentation of the day, setting the scene and generating questions and discussion; with everyone open to sharing their own experiences with KTD’s across the region.

Research from a recent Phytophthora survey and KVH biosecurity updates completed the days presentations.

After an information filled morning, it was out into the field to observe symptoms first-hand. This was a great opportunity for growers to see up close and personally how KTD can typically present itself on impacted vines and reflect on what they are seeing in their own orchards. See some images from the day here.

It was obvious from the many discussions that KTD is a shared problem amongst growers and there is nothing like hearing firsthand about others’ challenges, and successes, when managing trunk disease. There was a real focus on practical management strategies, and it was encouraging to see so many walking away from the workshop discussing the actions they would be implementing on their own orchards.

Thank you again to all those who attended - it was fantastic to get back out into the region and reconnect with our growers and wider industry.