As harvest progresses and resources become stretched, growers and harvest contractors are reminded of the importance of ensuring orchard hygiene standards are maintained. KVH has received calls from growers concerned that they are seeing standards start to slip.

The recent find of a streptomycin resistant strain of Psa-V, identified through the industry resistance testing programme, is a strong reminder of how new threats can arise and growers must stay on their guard to reduce risk of spread of disease.

Clean down areas with suitable sanitisers, and check to ensure no plant material is moved on or off the orchard through people or machinery remain important strategies in protecting orchards from incursions in all regions.

Linda Peacock, KVH Operations