KVH would like to hear from Northland (Kerikeri and Whangarei) and South Island (Motueka and Nelson) growers who would like to be included in the survey of Phytophthora pathogens in kiwifruit orchards throughout New Zealand.

This project will create a better understanding of species present across our growing regions which in turn will inform development of our industry readiness plan, a joint project between industry and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

The next survey round of 25 sites begins in September. More information is available here.

KVH is also looking for help in identifying trial sites for inclusion in a Zespri/KVH Psa research project designed to test the relative efficacy of a range of Psa spray programme options through spring.

This two-year project will run on conventional Hayward sites and will test organic options alongside conventional programmes. Six conventional Hayward sites (two from the Waikato, and four from within the Tauranga, Te Puke, Pukehina or Upper Kaimai regions) are needed, including four sites with moderate or high Psa disease risk, where bud-browning and leaf spotting are common, and two sites with low to moderate Psa risk. This will allow assessment of programme success across sites with different Psa risk. An area of around 0.4Ha is needed for each trial.

If you would like to be involved or are interested in more detail, please contact info@kvh.org.nz for more information.