KeyStrepto™ is permitted between 15 December and 28 February on non-producing blocks but growers are advised to take extreme caution to avoid any fruit contamination in neighbouring blocks. Non-producing vines are defined as a non-producing block with shelter or barriers with a low risk of spray drift and must not contain any vines with fruit that will be harvested.

Permission to apply KeyStrepto™ on non-producing blocks will only be given to North Island growers to use on discrete blocks where drift is actively managed to ensure excess spray does not leave the block. KeyStrepto™ cannot be used on non-producing blocks between 28 February and 13 June.

• You need a Justified Approval (JA) to apply KeyStrepto™ to non-producing blocks after 15 December.
• A Site Inspection Record must be completed before and after each application
• If using KeyStrepto™ causes residues on fruit on adjacent producing blocks (either on your orchard or a neighbouring orchard), you will be liable for all costs associated with residue testing and recalling product. The affected fruit will not be accepted into Zespri inventory.
• You can apply up to four applications of KeyStrepto™ per season.
• Only two consecutive applications of KeyStrepto™ are permitted, then an alternative Psa protectant must be applied to help prevent resistance occurring with Psa bacteria.
• You do not have to register an ‘Intention to Spray’ on the Canopy or KVH website.
• Fruit with any level of antibiotic residues will not be accepted into Zespri’s inventory. To reinforce this policy, Zespri has a comprehensive residue testing programme throughout the season, which tests for over 300 different products on every orchards supplying Zespri with fruit.

More information is provided in the KeyStrepto™ User Guide on the Canopy and KVH website.