KVH spent two days in February in the Kerikeri region visiting kiwifruit orchards worst-affected by Psa-V.

Psa-V has established a significant presence in the Kerikeri region over the last six months, with 60 orchards or 68% of the region hectares now confirmed as Psa-V positive.  A number of Hort16A orchards in the cross roads area (the Psa-V ‘hotspot’) have seen significant progression of the disease with up to 25-30% of canopy removed at the time of visiting.

As expected the warm, dry weather over January and early February, with average mean temperatures in the mid-20s, has significantly slowed progression of the disease.

It was encouraging to observe most growers with infected orchards have a proactive monitoring and removal programmes in place. These programmes, supported by proactive spray plans targeting high-risk periods, has clearly assisted in slowing the progression of the disease and minimising the risk to neighbouring properties.

However, with a significant Hort16A presence in the region, there is high degree of uncertainty as to what level of progression we may see once autumn starts and the climatic conditions are more suited to the bacteria.
There was a good level of participation at a recent KVH grower meeting held in Kerikeri, with more than 50 growers attending.

Discussion at the meeting confirmed the majority of growers who still have Hort16A are looking to remove this variety following harvest.  However, a number of growers also indicated they will be looking to grow another Hort16A crop next season.  KVH will be monitoring disease progression on these orchards and working with growers to ensure risks to neighbouring orchards are kept to a minimum. 

Overall, Gold3 has been performing well in Kerikeri with limited signs of Psa-V.  Last spring a number of orchards showed symptoms in young canes that had been bought down the previous autumn, these symptoms have not progressed. 

Some Gold3 orchards have experienced an increase in Psa-V in M33 males which is causing some concern.

Going into harvest and then the cooler, wetter months of autumn and winter, growers need to continue with their Psa-V best practice management activities. Orchard hygiene, monitoring and proactive spray programmes are all essential to ensure symptoms are kept to a minimum next spring.

Peter Mourits, KVH Operations

The biosecurity levy of 0.6 cents per tray for all varieties comes into effect from 6 March 2015. The levy was agreed at the KVH Annual General Meeting held on November 2014.
 

AgResearch has been carrying out a long-term project investigating the use of bio-herbicide product Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Sclerotinia) to control pasture weeds including thistles and giant buttercup. But what are the risks to the kiwifruit industry?

Concerns were raised regarding this project to understand what, if any, would be the risks imposed to the kiwifruit industry. Therefore a risk assessment was commissioned to provide background to the Sclerotinia bio-herbicide research programme to date, an understanding of the programme activities and the risks and management of these with respect to disease caused by the fungus in kiwifruit.

The final report concludes the risk of Sclerotinia as a bio-herbicide, creating off-target increased risk of Sclerotinia infection in nearby kiwifruit orchards, is very low.

• A full copy of the report, including key findings and recommendations can be viewed on the Zespri Canopy here.
   

Key points:

• To date, no further fruit flies have been found.
• A field team of more than 90 staff has been deployed into the Controlled Area to set additional fruit fly traps to determine if other flies are present in the area.
• There are 34 pre-existing surveillance programme traps in the A and B Zones.
• Establishment of additional traps in Zone A will be completed today. Placement of additional traps in Zone B has commenced. 
• Field teams are also collecting samples of fruit from home gardens and in the area for testing for any evidence of further flies or their eggs or larvae.
• A MPI mobile field laboratory will be in action later today to analyse fruit collected and also inspect any insects found through the trapping.
• The first results from the trapping and fruit analysis are expected tomorrow morning (Friday).
• Whole fresh fruit and vegetables (except for leafy vegetables and root vegetables) cannot be moved outside of the Controlled Area.
• Installation of signage on main arterial routes will be completed today, and other signage will be completed over the next 24 hours.
• Special bins for the disposal of fruit and vegetable waste are being delivered to residents in Zone A – the area closest to the location of the fruit fly find.
• Specially marked disposal bins are also being placed in locations in the wider Zone B – out to 1.5km from the find. The locations of these bins will be marked on a map and publicised by MPI.
• KVH fully supports the response actions being taken by MPI as a result of the find.
• We ask for the full cooperation of the public and businesses to comply with the containment rules established by MPI and assist wherever they can.

Market access

• To date, no adverse reaction from trading partners.

Industry communications

• KVH is part of the response governance group and will be getting regular updates from MPI.
• KVH will provide regular updates to industry. These will be made available on the KVH website.
• Detailed maps of the controlled area and a description of the boundaries, and full information about the rules can be found at www.biosecurity.govt.nz

The first of a KVH-produced bi-monthly R&D update is available through the KVH Bulletin. The report has previously been published through the Zespri Kiwiflier. This report provides information about the progress over December 2014 and January 2015 for the Psa R&D programme.

• Click here to read the report