This Zespri Innovation project aimed at understanding the diversity of Phytophthora species associated with kiwifruit in New Zealand as well as the risk Phytophthora species pose to the kiwifruit industry.

This project surveyed 128 kiwifruit orchards from different kiwifruit growing regions in New Zealand and identified the Phytophthora species present in leaf, and plant-associated soil and root samples. The survey found no Phytophthora species from leaf samples but often found them in the soil and root samples. There were 11 species identified, with no New-to-New Zwaland Phytophthora detected.

This research supports the kiwifruit industry to enhance our knowledge on biosecurity risks for Phytophthora species, and allows the industry to:

• Establish a comprehensive understanding of Phytophthora species present in kiwifruit orchards in New Zealand.
• Provide baseline data to rule out potential biosecurity risks from a Phytophthora species that was previously not reported to be present in New Zealand.

A full summary of the report can be found here.