Sharing research with the Plant Diagnostics team

This month KVH visited with the Christchurch based Plant Diagnostics team to share summaries of information on kiwifruit trunk diseases gained in the last few years through a range Innovation Biosecurity projects.

Projects, shaped by KVH and Zespri collaboration, and with work undertaken by Plant & Food research, have steadily extended industry knowledge of vine disorders and an understanding of Phytophthora species associated with kiwifruit, adding value for diagnosticians as well as growers.

Plant Diagnostics are key partners of KVH, regularly providing sampling advice and completing diagnostics for samples submitted through the unusual symptoms process.

Members of their team have a wealth of experience in the analysis and interpretation of diagnostic results for fungal, bacterial, and viral plant disease issues across arable, forage, seed, horticulture, and turf industries. They also design and conduct research trials for private businesses and collaborate on industry and government funded projects on plant diseases and quarantine and biosecurity issues.

This extensive experience allows insightful analysis and interpretation of diagnostic results for fungal, bacterial, and viral presence and most importantly the delivery of relevant, practical solutions back through to KVH to share with growers.

Typically, the lab receives plant, root, and soil samples either directly or arranged by KVH to support follow-up of unusual symptoms. Samples are cultured and identified by morphology/ microscopy or by DNA sequence analysis when required, with the process typically taking around four weeks.

Growers can also submit samples directly to the Plant Diagnostics lab, but a friendly reminder that this movement of plant material to the South Island must be supported by a plant movement permission raised through KVH. Growers interested in working with Plant Diagnostics either directly or through the unusual symptoms process can be in touch with KVH via [email protected].

Image: Lewis and Mark Braithwaite from Plant Diagnostics, key contacts for KVH.