Results from KVH’s latest round of resistance testing show the importance of applying copper at the correct label rates for effective Psa control. In lab tests, Psa-V samples from 5 of 56 KPINS tested in the wider Bay of Plenty Region showed some growth  when a 15% concentration of copper was applied. It is concerning to see possible signs of tolerance to one of our key tools for fighting Psa-V.

What is being done?        
KVH is carrying out further work to establish the nature of the tolerance, including re-sampling and further sampling from the five orchards. KVH is working with scientists to quantify the level and develop a recommended programme to monitor and manage the issue going forward.

KVH will work with orchard owners where tolerance or resistance has been identified to ensure best practice management is in place. This includes removal of infected material, the application of sprays at label rates, alternating spray products, movement restrictions on plant material and a strong focus on orchard hygiene.

Through the R&D and product testing programme Zespri and KVH are continuing to look for alternative and sustainable control approaches for Psa-V.

What can growers do?
KVH recommends growers remain proactive and maintain a year-round comprehensive Psa-V management programme. This includes monitoring, removing signs of Psa-V, applying protective sprays at label rates, and alternating protectant spray products where possible. It is also very important to maintain orchard hygiene to reduce the potential for resistant Psa to enter your orchard, or spread within if present.
 

Plant and Food Research were recently granted permission to import sterile Queensland fruit flies (QFF) into a New Zealand containment facility to develop new attractants for female and male flies. The project will determine what the flies can smell and if these odours can be used to improve the sensitivity of traps or increase the numbers of flies lured in.  Three approaches will be used; odours based on host fruit, sex pheromones and bacteria.

This research is part of a larger collaborative approach with Australian organisations to manage and eradicate QFF populations. One of these collaborations is the SITPlus partnership, a five year $22 million R&D partnership using Sterile Insect Techniques (SIT). Supporting these research activities, is the development of a SIT facility that is capable of producing 50 million sterile QFF per week as an eradication tool for release in Australia or New Zealand should an established population ever become larger enough for this to be required. A brochure on the SITPlus project can be found here.

KVH supports these research activities as an integral component of our readiness activities for the industry’s most unwanted biosecurity threat.

Matt Dyck, KVH Biosecurity

Yesterday KVH presented the importance of NZ biosecurity to more than 170 high school students at ‘Cultivate Your Career’ – an event that ran concurrently with the Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower competition at Mills Reef Winery.

High school students from the Bay of Plenty and Waikato learned about New Zealand’s biosecurity history, the importance of protecting New Zealand’s unique environment and the potential impact of unwanted pests and diseases on both horticulture production and the environment.

They were also introduced to the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) including what it looks like, how it can get here, its potential impacts should it arrive and establish in New Zealand and what to do if they suspect they have found one.

They were also asked to create a poster or advertisement about the BMSB with the aim of educating other school students about it. Entries close in two weeks and KVH will publish the winning entry.

Students were very engaged during the sessions, with some asking about careers in biosecurity and the horticulture industry.

Lara Harrison, KVH Communications

This bi-monthly report provides information about the progress over April and May 2015 for the Psa R&D programme. The following projects are summarised in the report:

• Survival of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae on plastics coated with or containing an antimicrobial compound.
• Best practice for protectant spray coverage of spring and summer kiwifruit canopies

Click here to read the report.

Lara Harrison, KVH Communications

Optimising copper use for sustainable control of Psa in kiwifruit orchards—this study was undertaken to build on previous work to develop best practice recommendations for protective sprays for kiwifruit. In particular, it was to determine (1) for how long low-drift air inclusion AI nozzles could efficiently deliver protectant sprays to expanding spring canopies; and (2) to maximise the efficiency of spray delivery to flowering Hayward and fully expanded Gold3 canopies on wide row spacings.

Click here to read the report.

Lara Harrison, KVH Communications

The recent Zespri winter FON rounds were well supported by growers. KVH provided a short hand-out summarising key points to protect orchards against Psa-V through winter.

• Click here for a copy of the KVH hand-out.