First PSA case in Hawke's Bay confirmed
Kiwifruit Vine Health has confirmed the first reported case of PSA in Hawke's Bay. The agency had a…Kiwifruit Vine Health has confirmed the first reported case of PSA in Hawke's Bay.
The agency had a positive test for the virulent strain, PSA-V, on Hort16A gold variety vines in an orchard near Taradale.
KVH chief executive Barry O'Neil says the spread of the bacterial disease into Hawke's Bay is very disappointing.
Mr O'Neil says based on symptoms seen in the orchard, it is possible that infection may have been present in the area for at least six months before it was identified this week.
A control zone has been established around the orchard, with a ban on moving any kiwifruit plant material or orchard equipment out of the control zone.
The disease is continuing to spread through other kiwifruit growing areas, including the Karapiro district in Waikato and the Clevedon area in Franklin, south of Auckland, where further cases were reported this week.