As advised in last week’s KVH Bulletin, the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) group within the Ministry for Primary Industries has approved a limited-label claim for KeyStrepto™ for use as a Psa-V protectant on producing and non-producing kiwifruit vines.

• Between 13 June and 31 July 2014, KeyStrepto™ use is permitted with a Justified Approval (JA).
• A JA is not required from 31 July 2014 until seven days before the first kiwifruit flowers opening (male or female).
• KeyStrepto™ must not be used during flowering.
• Post-flowering until 28 February 2015 – KeyStrepto use is permitted on non-producing vines only and a JA is required.

The conditions of use for KeyStrepto™ include:

• KeyStrepto™ is permitted for use in the North Island only.
• Must be applied at the label rate. For concentrate spraying adjust rates accordingly.
• AI nozzles must be used until the canopy develops. Apply with a suitable adjuvant.
• A maximum of four applications of KeyStrepto may be made per season.
• No more than six antibiotic applications (Kasumin® and KeyStrepto) in total per season can be made.
• Do not apply more than two consecutive sprays of KeyStrepto™ before applying a different Psa-V control product.

Growers must refer to the KeyStrepto™ User Guide for detailed rules of use, including sward management, notification, signage, record keeping etc.

Growers are now responsible for ensuring the conditions of use are complied with. KVH will no longer be conducting pre-use audits.

Zespri will once again test 100 percent of supplying orchards for more than 300 residues – including antibiotics – in the 2015 season.