Changing temperatures and weather conditions that are affecting New Zealand, along with extreme weather events, mean horticultural diseases are also on the move. This is especially true in spring, a vulnerable time due to flowering and fruit set, with warmer and wetter conditions in many areas.
A crop disease may pop up in areas it hasn’t been found before, or may increase pressure on crops in regions where it is currently under control. The unexpected appearance of fire blight, for instance, could wipe out an apple orchard in under two years.
Climate change will have long-term consequences for New Zealand’s $6 billion horticultural industries including grape, avocado, apple and kiwifruit production. Growers need to know which areas will remain or become suitable for different crops into the future. Disease risk is a big part of this assessment.
Source: farmersweekly.co.nz