Interview with Callum Kay
First Zespri tests on covered kiwi plants in Italy
Research and development are therefore essential for Zespri, as they are key for the development of the Group.
"It's important to us that clients buy our product, find it good and go back to buying it. It's an essential step that goes beyond prices. Quality is the most important element, and in fact all of our energy is directed towards improving it."
"In order to do so, we have been concentrating on understanding how the PSA-Pseudomonas syringae pv actinidiae bacteria behaves and how we can manage it. We are collaborating with some suppliers in Latina to carry out tests on covered crops and in Bologna, where we alternate nets and plastic films."
FreshPlaza visited the crops to have a look at the results of such tests. One of Zespri's experiments is carried out on half a hectare owned by Vona, a commercial farm in Latina.
The test started in January 2012. The objective was to create an extreme condition to see how plants and the bacteria would behave in order to study how to intervene.
Hort16A golden kiwis, the most susceptible by the PSA ,were chosen and they were planted in the countryside between Borgo Montello and Cisterna, one of the most affected areas.
The experimental structure is similar to a greenhouse, with 8m long arches and a top height of 4.80 metres. Inside, there are 300 female plants that have been artificially pollinated. They are treated with copper up to 4 times a year, i.e. half of what would be normal.
"Three years have passed since we started. There are no certainties yet but results have been satisfactory so far. Plants reacted well to a different environment and only two were cut down. 12% showed a few symptoms and 85% are still healthy,” explains Rosario Onorato, Assistant Technical Manager Zespri .
So far, this orchard produced two satisfactory harvests (2012/13 and 2013/14) and the cost was of around €80,000-90,000/hectare.
"It's a real bet. We wanted to see whether it would still be possible to produce golden kiwis after the PSA. Even though it is still early to make an assessment, we can see things are looking good," explained Mr. Vona, owner of the commercial farm.
In May 2014, another experimental structure was installed.
Plastic films of different colours (yellow, purple, red, white, etc.) were used to cover orchards in order to study the effects of sunbeams on plants and on the bacteria.
There are 711 G3 golden kiwi plants (Gold3 or Sungold), both male and female. The structure is over 5 m high and the cost was of €45,000-50,000/hectare.
A third test is being carried out on one hectare managed exclusively by Zespri on which G3 and classic green Hayward kiwis have been planted.
In this case, the structure is only partially covered. Except from the three rows that are always covered, the others alternate depending on plant phases.
The experiment started in February 2014 and, so far, the main problem was represented by the wind, which puts covering at risk.
The structure has been realized thanks to the collaboration between Zespri and the company Aniplast specializes in films for orchards and vineyards.
The cost for this type of structure is of around €10,000-15,000 more than a normal cover, especially since it needs to be changed every 5 years due to wear and tear. The greenery around plants is left to grow on purpose, so as to favour the transmission of the PSA and study its effects.
So far, results were good but experts wish to stress that, before spreading the news, 5 years must pass from the start of the experiment. What is more, plants could react differently depending on environmental and weather conditions
Further info:
ZESPRI Fresh Produce Italy Srl
Ufficio Tecnico:
Via dei Rangers 1
Cisterna di Latina (LT), Italy
Ph.: +39 06 96911036
Fax: +39 06 9692230
Email: italy@zespri-europe.com
Web: www.zespri-europe.com
Author: Marica Pucinischi (FreshPlaza Italy)