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Threat on kiwifruit in New Zealand
New Zealand
Wednesday 10 November 2010
FJ
These tasks on a piece of kiwifruit are the symptoms of potentially serious bacterial disease PSA.
Entire area of New Zealand kiwi, which represents approximately $ 1.5 billion is under the threat of disease.
Hitherto unknown in the country, called PSA (Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidiae) has been discovered in New Zealand.
Since last week, 2 orchards were infected in the North Island.
Producers fear that bacteria PSA is equivalent to an outbreak of FMD for cattle.
Tests and appraisals are conducted to determine whether the strain of the bacteria is identical to that which has infected Italian orchards.
PSA disease reduced by 50% yields in Italy but has been less virulent in Korea and Japan with minimal impact on production.
New Zealand provides around 30% of kiwifruit in the world and the Minister of Agriculture, David Carter, said the discovery of this disease could permanently halt exports.
"This bacterium has the potential to upset trade, but we need to be cautious and calm ... this is not the time to panic," he told Radio NZ.
source : afp, nzherald, asiaonnews
