Ceratocystis fimbriata
Pest ranking based on the KVH risk matrix
| Likelihood of entry | Likelihood of establishment | Production impacts | Market access impacts |
| Medium | Medium | High | Very low |
Ceratocystis fimbriata is a soil-borne fungal pathogen that is causing significant damage to kiwifruit orchards in Brazil.
The first reports of a wilt disease in kiwifruit in Brazil appeared in 2010. In the following years, significant vine losses occurred, with some orchards losing 20 - 40% of vines. Over the last five years, some growers have reported 50% vine loss.
There are no efficacious control options available, and once the soil is contaminated, the replanting or re-grafting of new kiwifruit is not sustainable as the new vine will become infected. This pathogen is considered a serious biosecurity threat.
Ceratocystis fimbriata preparedness
Presentation on Ceratocystis fimbriata in Brazil by Professor Acelino Alfenas from the University of Vicosa
KVH and Zespri are funding a number of research programmes to better understand this pathogen and reduce the likelihood and consequence of impacts to the New Zealand industry.
- A report following a visit to Brazil to investigate Ceratocystis fimbriata
- Pathogenicity screening of isolates on kiwifruit cultivars
- Sequencing
Research proposals are currently being considered to sequence a number of Ceratocystis strains, including the kiwifruit and sweet potato strains. This will significantly advance our knowledge of the pathogen and enable primers to be developed for rapid and accurate detection.
