BMSB planning

20 April 2017

In recent issues of the Bulletin we’ve outlined a number of initiatives KVH is involved in to improve readiness for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB).

These initiatives have been focused on keeping the pest out, raising public awareness so that we detect any arrivals, developing an eradication approach, working towards a pre-emptive approval for the release of a biocontrol agent and developing an Operational Agreement for BMSB under GIA so that horticultural industries agree on decision making and cost sharing for this pest.

These activities are all still continuing across the horticultural sector, however we are also undertaking initiatives specific to the kiwifruit sector.

KVH has presented to industry forums to identify and work through some of the high level challenges and decisions we may face as a sector. These forums include the NZKGI Executive and forum, Industry Advisory Council (IAC), Industry Supply Group (ISG), and supply groups such as G4.

KVH is also working with Zespri to develop on-orchard management strategies for this pest should it establish, to identify the best control approach and if needed implement research to support this. KVH and Zespri are holding a small technical workshop to progress this in early May and are leveraging off the experience of Northern Hemisphere horticultural sectors and research initiatives.