KVH would like to thank all growers who offered their sites for inclusion in the industry Phytophthora survey.

We’re thrilled to have 25 orchards (stretching from Waihi to Opotiki in the Bay of Plenty, and from Otorohonga to Pukemoremore in the Waikato) sampled this autumn.

The next sample round will be in spring, with focus shifting to the South Island growing region, and north to Auckland, Whangarei and Kerikeri.

This work is an important part of how we prepare for threats we don’t already have here, so that we can respond quickly and effectively to any new detections. Invasive Phytophthora are one of our Kiwifruit’s Most Unwanted, based on the likelihood of them entering and establishing in New Zealand, and the potential production impacts should this occur.

If you have vines with known or suspected Phytophthora symptoms – in any growing region – and want to talk about being included in the project, please get in touch by emailing info@kvh.org.nz.

This is a joint industry project between KVH, Zespri, Plant & Food Research, and Biosecurity New Zealand.