It’s a story kiwifruit growers know all too well but one we need to keep reminding ourselves of: American citrus growers are warning New Zealand growers that a plant disease infestation can be a “catastrophe”, as it was for them in Florida, and disease prevention is key.

Nate and Anne Jameson were recounting their experiences with citrus greening disease at the recent Citrus New Zealand conference.

The Jamesons grew a range of citrus fruit and have run a large indoor citrus operation, Brite Leaf Nursery, for about 26 years near Tampa, in central Florida – selling to commercial and backyard customers.

But their nursery has been hit by citrus greening disease, a bacterial disease transmitted by Asian and African citrus psyllids. It spread across the state, killing trees and devastating orchards, reducing Florida’s citrus production by 75% before spreading west. Nate Jameson said the destructive disease was likely imported into the US state, but local authorities were too slow to respond, and it spread rapidly.

“I think the mistake that we made in Florida is we were not aggressive enough in trying to prevent disease from entering the country,” Jameson said.

“We sat on our laurels; we got used to the idea that we haven’t had a problem, so why should we deal with the problem?

“I think one of the messages I would like for growers in New Zealand to understand is that prevention is cheaper than reaction.”

Read the full Radio NZ article about the Jameson’s experience here.

One of the best ways to make sure biosecurity risk is being constantly well managed is by having and working to an on-orchard biosecurity plan for your site. The 5-step plan booklet from KVH is designed to be used as a template, with tips and suggestions for customising a biosecurity plan that works for your operation and that can be built on over time.

If you would like any help with putting your plan together (either on paper or online) please get in touch.