ZESPRI Media Update

ZESPRI Media Update
1.00pm 16 November 2010

New Zealand Kiwifruit Industry – Psa information update for media

LATEST INFORMATION:

• The kiwifruit Industry Advisory Council (IAC) and the Biosecurity Minister have agreed that the only prudent approach is to take an aggressive strategy to managing Psa


• The IAC will tonight be discussing a response plan, including detail regarding management protocols appropriate for various levels of symptoms, orchard hygiene advice, continued research into Psa and a grower support package


• A meeting between ZESPRI, some IAC members, NZKGI and the Minister will take place tomorrow afternoon, to discuss the grower support package


• Once we have a comprehensive action plan developed it will be important for us to consult with growers to ratify this approach – we hope to be in the position to do this by the end of this week


• Of the total orchards inspected by trained assessors (n=170), 9% have been put on a Restricted Place Notice (n=16)


• 39% of the total number of orchards tested have come back negative – these tests are on sample material taken from orchards throughout the North Island and sampling continues on orchards across all kiwifruit growing regions in NZ. A further 53% of test results are pending and 8% are positive.


• Of the 16 orchards under a Restricted Place Notice, 13 have tested positive for Psa, which represents less than 1% of the total NZ industry. 3 have tested negative.


• Some growers under a Restricted Place Notice are taking action on their own orchards to cut back affected vines, and they’re doing this in conjunction with MAF to follow correct hygiene and disposal procedures


• Over 12,580 samples have been received by the MAF laboratory for testing of Psa. Twenty-five teams of two are collecting samples throughout the Bay of Plenty today – these teams are made up of trained staff provided from ZESPRI, post-harvest operators, AsureQuality and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

• Tracing activities are underway to determine if there are any connections between the infected properties that could be linked to Psa spread
• MAF have advised that preliminary tests indicate that some pollen has tested positive for Psa. Further testing is underway and results are due tomorrow (Wednesday). As a precautionary measure, MAF is advising growers to take a cautious approach when considering using artificial pollination.

• All of these Psa-positive orchards are within a 23km area south of Te Puke township – there have been no confirmed cases outside of this area


• ZESPRI has received 615 emails through its Contact Centre – approximately 35% are reporting suspected symptoms (which are immediately being followed up) and 65% are emailing to report that their orchard is clear of Psa symptoms


• This is a strong and coordinated industry, working well together, and we’re confident that we will overcome this issue to ensure a prosperous future for the industry

ENDS

© Scoop Media