New Zealand researchers have found high temperature treatment can destroy vine killing disease Psa without impacting the viability of pollen.

The research was conducted by Plant & Food Research Ltd with Kiwi Pollen NZ Ltd, using funds provided by kiwifruit company Zespri and Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH).

In a release, Zespri said artificial pollination was an essential practice for many kiwifruit growers to increase the yields and quality of their orchards.

Kiwi Pollen director Jill Hamlyn said the potential breakthrough showed promise and hoped it would end the uncertainty surrounding orchadists to find a balance between Psa management practices and artificial pollination.

The next planned stage of the research is to develop a commercial scale application of the heat treatment.

"These projects are partnering with the best scientific minds in New Zealand and globally to research key areas of Psa including detection of the disease, the biology of the disease, on-orchard management techniques, and treatment or reduction of the disease," said Zespri GM of quality and innovation Dr David Tanner.

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