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This month KVH followed up an interesting find by an observant orchard worker completing vine training in a developing Red19 block. They had previously noticed unusual breakages where canes appeared to have been cut or snapped. On closer inspection they found an insect larva had taken up residence in at least one of the canes. Images shared with Plant & Food Research Te Puke entomologists suggested the larva was likely that of a longhorn beetle, a potential visitor from surrounding bushland. Forwarded samples showed the larva had classical features of longhorn beetles with a pale body, fatter head, small mandibles, and legs also present though not obvious. It was unknown whether longhorn beetles had previously been associated with kiwifruit, and as the larva was unlikely to be successfully reared to adulthood the sample was forwarded to the Plant Health and Environmental Laboratory (PHEL) for identification. The specimen was confirmed as Oemona Hirta, a native longhorn beetle known as “lemon tree borer”. Actinidia chinensis was recorded as a known host for this pest, which tunnels into live wood and has a broad range of hosts including native and fruit trees. Protection of fresh pruning wounds with a sealant to close off the wound and form a physical barrier against the larva boring into the plant was suggested, with removal of pruning off-cuts also recommended to avoid infestations. Follow-up of these finds are interesting and potentially important as some species of longhorn beetles are on the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) list of most unwanted as they could cause serious damage for the forestry industry and these investigations have the potential to support surveillance.

A researcher we network with because of her project dedicated to learning about Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death on Hawaii and its potential impact here, is representing New Zealand in an international video contest. Watch Luna from Plant & Food Research’s video and give it a thumbs up to show your support. The contest features 15 entries from around the globe and promotes the importance of plant health research through short, engaging videos. Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death is caused by two species of Ceratocystis and is having a devastating effect on native trees on Hawaii. As well as being a major threat to our own iconic natives, Ceratocystis pathogens are near the top of KVH’s Most Unwanted list as they have caused significant impact to kiwifruit production in Brazil. In fact, recent research funded by Zespri Innovation has demonstrated that it is not only these Brazilian strains we need to be worried about - other close relatives around the world, including the species affecting Hawaii, are also pathogenic to kiwifruit. Ceratocystis pathogens are a serious emerging threat. Supporting this kind of research helps build resilience and KVH is proud to support the Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death project and the important work being done in this space.

Winter is a key time for replanting or establishing new kiwifruit blocks. Whether you're replacing old vines or developing a new area, it's vital to stay on top of biosecurity requirements - especially when moving plants between properties. Following biosecurity requirements reduces the risk of spreading pests and diseases like Psa and helps ensure a rapid, effective response if a new organism is detected. Growers must only source kiwifruit plants from nurseries that meet the National Kiwifruit Pathway Management Plan requirements. This means certification through one of the following: KVH’s Kiwifruit Plant Certification Scheme (KPCS) Plant Pass, a broad nursery certification programme for all plant types You’ll find a list of certified nurseries on the KVH website. Two levels of certification are available: Full Certification: Plants are free from Psa and other target organisms. These nurseries operate in Psa-free environments and provide plants that have tested Psa Not Detected. Restricted Certification: Plants may carry the common New Zealand strain of Psa (Psa-V) but are tested to be free from more harmful, resistant, or offshore strains. Growers can produce their own plants on the property they’ll be used on, without certification. Additionally, up to 1,000 plants per year may be moved between properties under the same ownership (KPINs). While certification isn't needed in these cases, accurate traceability records must be kept. Important reminders: Do not move any plants showing disease symptoms. Both the supplying nursery and the receiving property must maintain traceability records in case symptoms appear later and tracing is required. For further guidance or to view certified nursery lists, visit the KVH nursery web page or contact us directly.

Last week members of the American Foulbrood (AFB) Management Agency met with KVH to discuss beekeeper hive health and biosecurity practices. Being well prepared for biosecurity incursions - including the value of being a Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response (GIA) partner - was discussed and KVH described how industry can better prepare itself in addition to the added benefits of shared decision making and cost sharing. The AFB Management Agency currently undertakes a valuable role within the apiculture sector surveilling and managing AFB to prevent further spread and impact to beekeepers. This in turn helps to increase hive health, which benefits kiwifruit growers during pollination. Image: KVH Board and staff members with AFB Management Agency visitors.

Our Senior Biosecurity Advisor, Erin, has moved on from KVH after six years with us. Erin has been an integral part of the KVH team, contributing significantly to our innovation and Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response (GIA) work programmes. Her deep technical and operational knowledge of the biosecurity system has been invaluable, progressing our readiness efforts greatly and leaving the industry in a stronger position to continue moving forward. Many readers will have met Erin at events over the years, particularly biosecurity response exercises and workshops, focusing on how we would respond to detections of our most unwanted threats. While we’re sad to see her go, we’re pleased Erin is staying in the biosecurity system. She has taken on a new role at Biosecurity New Zealand, and we look forward to continuing to cross paths with her, particularly through our GIA work. As we wish Erin all the best in her exciting new chapter, we are happy to announce our new Senior Biosecurity Advisor, Roanne Sutherland. Roanne brings great experience to the team, having spent the last four years as a technical advisor at the Department of Conservation, working on Kauri Dieback and Myrtle rust. She also spent several years at Scion as a Post Border Biosecurity Researcher. We’ll introduce Roanne more fully when she starts with us at the end of July.

KVH’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place at 9am, Thursday 21 August, at Mercury Baypark in Mount Maunganui. Joining us after voting formalities will be Mike Inglis, Northern Commissioner at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to discuss the two recent fruit fly responses in Auckland and how kiwifruit industry personnel contributed to the successful outcome of both. Growers will receive their AGM packs and online voting information by email during the last week of July. This is a public meeting and anyone who is interested is welcome to attend. The NZKGI AGM will follow immediately after, and a bagged lunch will then be provided before the Zespri AGM at 1pm.