Hayward sites needed to test Psa spray programmes

KVH is 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, Maketu, Paengaroa, Pukehina or Upper Kaimai regions) are needed, including four sites with moderate or high Psa 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.

Findings will suggest alternative strategies should currently available tools be removed from use in the future. Learnings are expected to also inform suitable programmes for Gold and Red varieties.

The spray applications across the trial area (around 0.4Ha) will be completed by contracted researchers and will be designed to ensure spray applications relating to pest management can be included.

If you would like to be involved or are interested in more detail, please contact [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.