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.

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