The number of New Zealand kiwi orchards infected by the vine disease PSA has grown to 13 over the week, all in the Bay of Plenty area, according to the country’s ministry of agriculture and forestry.

The 13 orchards total 500 hectares, while another 16 orchards have been quarantined. Kiwi exporter Zespri says it has received photos of possible cases of PSA from a total of 208 orchards, 141 of which have been referred to the MAF for further observation.

The MAF says it is “firming up a PSA action plan," and that “aggressive containment” is now the primary focus.

“Eradication of PSA versus containment or management is a fast-changing situation, but both the MAF and industry agree aggressive containment is the best option for now,” MAF Minister David Carter said in the statement.

Authorities expect the results of widescale testing this week in order to determine if the threat has spread outside the Bay of Plenty area.

Australia and the U.S. have blocked the entry of kiwi vine clippings, but no direct action against the fruit has been taken by New Zealand’s trade partners.

An estimate of the potential damage  PSA disease could have on New Zealand’s kiwi export industry is still in the works, but the government is already saying that the response will require a “significant” financial commitment from both the government and the industry.

Photo: Zespri

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com