Potential new frost fan technology

KVH supports use of all technology available to growers that will avoid frost damage to vines which often results in Psa infection.

Japanese representatives of a company that develops frost protection fans are in New Zealand this week meeting with growers about their new fan systems which they first presented at the Te Puke A&P show in February.

Their fans are used widely across high value tea plantations in Japan.

The team first visited KVH and Zespri two years ago to learn more about New Zealand kiwifruit growing, climatic conditions, and how they may be able to use their technology to support orchard management.

Trial fans have since been put in two kiwifruit orchards in the Te Puke region which will be tested again this year. A trial that has been in place for three years at a vineyard in Martinborough is proving successful. The fans are most applicable to small unprotected blocks or perhaps large blocks with pockets unprotected by current windmills. Blocks with challenges re water consents or looking to avoid water frost protection due to soil issues may also benefit.

Visit Fritons to find out more about the new technology.