The situation in Italy is being watched closely by the New Zealand kiwifruit industry

In New Zealand, the kiwifruit sector was severely affected by an epidemic of bacterial disease PSA in 2010. The sector is aware of the need to be vigilant in terms of biosecurity and the situation in Italy is alerting professionals.

 

 

 

In Italy since 2012, a mysterious disease called "moria" attacks the roots of kiwi plants which blacken and rot. The leaves wither and fall, the plants eventually die within 2 years. Faced with this disease, scientists are perplexed and nothing has yet been discovered to combat it.

 

 

 

At Zespri, Dr Juliet Ansell, head of scientific innovation, said the company was closely monitoring the situation overseas. His team members joined the KVDS (Kiwifruit vine decline syndrome) working group recently formed by Zespri and its partners for SunGold kiwifruit.

 

 

 

“We know that optimizing soil conditions is important for healthy root growth, and we will continue to work with the industry to ensure best practices in orchards in terms of biosecurity are maintained.”

 

 

 

The kiwifruit sector was hit hard by an outbreak of bacterial disease PSA in 2010. The cost of PSA to the sector was estimated at 885 million NZD ($581 million) in damage and loss of production.

 

 

 

In 2019 China produced 2.1 million tonnes of kiwifruit, Italy 555,000 tonnes and New Zealand 437,000 tonnes.