KVH hosts KiwiNet workshop

Yesterday KVH facilitated it’s third (and twice-annual) KiwiNet workshop with around 20 participants from across the industry. The aim of the workshop was to keep the group engaged, inform them of emerging biosecurity threats and activities undertaken to mitigate the risk and impact of these threats, and also to discuss ways to continually improve KiwiNet and its systems for any future responses (should they occur).

The group was presented with information on emerging risks to the industry (pests and diseases other than Psa and fruit flies) and new induction material that will provide kiwifruit staff with clarity of what is required of them during a response should they be called upon.

A highlight of the workshop was a presentation on the fungal pathogen Ceratocystis fimbriata by Dr Joy Tyson (Plant and Food Research) – click here.

Ceratocystis fimbriata is considered one of the most serious biosecurity threats to the kiwifruit industry and is causing extensive damage to the Brazilian kiwifruit industry.

Joy has visited Brazil and met with international experts in this field. Her presentation provided an overview of the impacts experienced in Brazil and the research being funded by the New Zealand kiwifruit industry to prepare for this threat should it ever arrive.

A key message for the industry from this presentation was if Ceratocystis fimbriata was to enter New Zealand there may be an opportunity to eradicate it if we are able to detect it an early stage. Therefore, unusual vine symptoms should always be reported. Tool hygiene and sourcing clean plant material will reduce the likelihood of spread, and should always be implemented as pathogens can be spread before we know they are here.

More info on Ceratocystis fimbriata and the research the KVH and Zespri are funding can be found here.