30 more cases of Psa identified
The Kiwifruit vine- killing disease Psa-V is continuing to spread throughout the Western Bay and further afield.
Thirty new cases of Psa-V have been discovered this week _ eight in Te Puke, eight in Tauranga east, five in Tauranga west, four in Katikati, two in the Whakatane region, two in the Opotiki region and one in the Franklin region.
This brings the total number of infected orchards to 1,305.
Kiwifruit Vine Health, the organisation established to lead the fight against Psa for the kiwifruit industry released the figures today.
KVH board spokesman Peter Ombler said the spread of Psa-V was worrying but expected.
"Of course we're concerned that it's spreading but it was always expected to do that,'' he said.
"It's an airborne spore that can spread through an area very easily,'' he said.
Mr Ombler said the best way to stop the movement of Psa-V throughout the Bay of Plenty was to observe the best practices in terms of preventative spray, not move plant material and keep machinery and cutting equipment clean.
