Protect orchards over winter

Heavy rain over the last two weeks means Psa-V inoculum levels are likely to rise, increasing the potential for infection spread.

Growers need to be proactively monitoring their orchards to detect any signs of infection early. Three new orchards have been identified with Psa-V in the Kerikeri region in the last week. All had cane dieback symptoms on Gold3.

Pruners and grafters are working on orchards during this time of year, and if trained to identify Psa-V symptoms, can provide another opportunity for symptoms to be identified and removed.

Growers must be vigilant about who they allow onto their orchards—both where they have come from and what equipment/tools they are bringing onto the orchard.

KVH have protocols in place to restrict high-risk movements and growers need to be aware of these. Strict attention to orchard hygiene will minimise the risk of disease transferring between vines, orchards and regions.

With pruning and grafting activities taking place, all growers should be familiar with the KVH Protocol—Budwood regarding movement controls.

If considering planting rootstock growers need to be sourcing plants from either KVH Accredited or KVH Registered Nurseries and ensuring that the movement protocols are adhered to.