NZ: Devastating kiwifruit bacteria found in Auckland
Kiwifruit Vine Health said an orchard in Kumeu tested positive for Psa-V bacteria on Hort16A vines. A 10-kilometre controlled radius has been implemented around the infected orchard, encompassing 22 other properties in which kiwifruit is produced.
KVH chief executive Barry O'Neil said it was disappointing to find Psa-V in another region. "Due to growers carrying out their Mandatory Monitoring in the region, the disease has been picked up early; and early detection is essential to a rapid response," he said. "Our message to growers in every region remains the same. All New Zealand growers must be proactive and take adequate measures to protect their orchards."
Kiwifruit growers are urged to monitor vines intensely for suspicious Psa-V symptoms and repeat monitoring fortnightly. "Don't wait for Psa-V to be found in your region before you start monitoring," Mr O'Neil said.
Psa-V was first detected in New Zealand in Te Puke in the Bay of Penty in November 2010. The disease has since spread widely throughout the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Franklin District and Coromandel.
Source: tvnz.co.nz
