Psa-V spreads to Whangarei

Psa-V, the most virulent form of the kiwifruit vine disease, has been found on a Whangarei orchard.

Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH) has received a Psa- V positive test result on a Hort16A vine in an orchard near Maungatapere in the Whangarei region.

A verification process is underway and the result is expected on Friday.

A KVH spokesperson said assuming the result was confirmed Psa-V positive, this will be the first confirmed case of Psa-V in the Whangarei region.

KVH has established a provisional `controlled area' around the affected orchard.

This controlled area includes 32 orchards near Maungatapere in the Whangarei region. Growers within the newly established controlled area are being advised of the situation.

KVH chief executive, Barry O'Neil, said the test result was likely to be Psa- V positive.

"The symptoms on the vine sample are consistent with Psa-V symptoms," he said.

"As part of the KVH verification process in new regions, the sample is tested by two laboratories before we can confirm a positive result. At this stage only one laboratory has returned positive results.''

For more information about best-practice orchard management protocols, see the Grower sections on the KVH website www.kvh.org.nz.