Last week the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) launched ‘Biosecurity 2025’ – a project to review and future-proof New Zealand’s biosecurity system and replace the current 2003 New Zealand Biosecurity Strategy.

MPI will be seeking feedback from biosecurity stakeholders, Māori and the public through a consultation process. To register your interest email biosecurity2025@mpi.govt.nz

KVH Chief Executive Barry O’Neil says: “we look forward to being actively involved in this project with MPI and engaging with industry to ensure the best possible outcome for the kiwifruit industry is achieved. The recent Queensland fruit fly response highlights the critical importance of an effective biosecurity system so this is an excellent opportunity for our industry to contribute to the new Directional Document which will shape New Zealand’s future biosecurity system.”

Growers are encouraged to find out more about the project on MPI’s website and email KVH with any queries or feedback.

Lara Harrison, KVH Communications

MPI, KVH and P&FR have been an investigating a virus discovered in kiwifruit seed imported through Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ). There is little known about the virus although it is not associated with any specific symptoms to kiwifruit vines.

The investigation has found that this uncharacterised Betaflexiviridae virus was present on multiple seed imports dating back as far as 1996 but is not widespread across the industry and has a limited distribution, but greater than what can be feasibly eradicated. Despite not being linked to disease, KVH and P&FR are taking a conservative approach and working to limit the spread of the virus.

Matt Dyck, KVH Biosecurity

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

• Elicitor potted plant trial
• Glasshouse trials
• Green bud rot trial
• Autumn spraying for protection from Psa (Gold kiwifruit)
• Bud rot in Hayward and Green14

Click here to read the report.

Lara Harrison, KVH Communications

Waimea Nurseries in Nelson has become the latest nursery to join the Kiwifruit Plant Certification Scheme (KPCS) and is now selling KPCS certified kiwifruit plants.

Purchasing certified kiwifruit plants mean growers have assurance they are investing in the best start for their plants.

To date, four nurseries located in Kerikeri, Gisborne, Motueka and Nelson, have joined the KPCS. These nurseries are identified on the KVH nursery list here.

Other nurseries have expressed strong interest in joining the scheme and are currently documenting how their operation addresses biosecurity risks, as required under the KPCS.

All nurseries selling and dispatching kiwifruit plants must be registered with KVH or be part of the KPCS.

From 1 October 2016, all kiwifruit plants for sale and distribution must be KPCS certified.

For more information, visit www.kvh.org.nz/kpcs.

Karyn Lowry, KVH Operations