Investigation into an uncharacterised kiwifruit virus

MPI, KVH and P&FR have been an investigating a virus discovered in kiwifruit seed imported through Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ). There is little known about the virus although it is not associated with any specific symptoms to kiwifruit vines.

The investigation has found that this uncharacterised Betaflexiviridae virus was present on multiple seed imports dating back as far as 1996 but is not widespread across the industry and has a limited distribution, but greater than what can be feasibly eradicated. Despite not being linked to disease, KVH and P&FR are taking a conservative approach and working to limit the spread of the virus.

Matt Dyck, KVH Biosecurity