KVH Chief Executive Stu Hutchings discussed New Zealand’s biosecurity activities at the 37th International Kiwifruit Organisation (IKO) meeting in France last week.

Also attended by NZKGI and Zespri representatives, the annual meeting provides an opportunity for international counterparts from countries where kiwifruit is grown to share news and opportunities. Stu provided an update about progress in managing Psa in New Zealand, some information regarding copper resistance and our approach to managing other biosecurity risks.

As part of the trip, Stu witnessed first-hand the devastation that recent hail, frosts and flooding had caused and the large amounts of Psa that subsequently developed in some orchards following this. He also saw Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB) at many sites. These pests are starting to be found in larger numbers on kiwifruit orchards in both the south of France and northern Italy, with associated fruit damage and fruit drop occurring. This was especially prevalent where orchards were close to soya or maize crops.

More information about these visits will be provided at the Kiwifruit Biosecurity Grower Day to be held Thursday 18 October, as part of Biosecurity Week.