A new antibiotic authorized for kiwifruit

In the fight against the Psa disease that affects kiwifruit, a new antibiotic has been authorized.

EPA (Environmental Protection Authority) approved the importation and use of Kasumin. This antibiotic containing kasugamycin is applied in spraying of crops, but has never been used in New Zealand.

Experts from the EPA imposed rules for its use. To protect people and the environment, users must be trained and receive certification to use the product. Also limitation of the quantity of product and the period of application.

The use of the antibiotic will be limited to the pre-flowering, thus limiting the risk of eating contaminated fruit for humans and animals. Moreover, as Kasumin will not be allowed to be used during flowering, the risk for bees to get in contact with the product will be minimized.

source : nz herald co nz