Learning more about Psa across the world

Early last week KVH and NZKGI hosted a group of growers from Spain and Portugal to learn more about the challenges and experiences of growing kiwifruit in other regions. KVH presented to the group on Monday and shared information about Psa in New Zealand, including our history with the disease and control efforts that are now in place. Most of the group are Hayward growers and were thankful for the interesting information shared with them that they can apply in their own local areas. The growers shared with KVH that in several orchards in the coldest areas of Galicia (in the north west of Spain and the main production area of the country) and northern Portugal, where during January temperatures were as low as -7 degrees, large symptoms on trunks and leaders were recorded before budburst in February and early March. Unlike previous years, symptoms appeared more frequently in female plants. In the more temperate zones however there were practically no symptoms. There was a good number of cooler hours last winter, especially in December and January, with extreme temperatures and low rainfall. Shoot dieback and cane collapse have been detected in some plants. Both regions are currently in pre-flowering (flowering in Hayward will occur in about a fortnight from now) and they are seeing spots on leaves and early signs of sepal staining on buds. The weather has been dry over spring and as a result symptoms have not yet been serious. Rainfall was expected late last week, which is likely to lead to an increase in symptoms. KVH will remain in contact with the group to ensure we keep up-to-date with seasonal changes to Psa.