Psa science update

More than 100 growers attended the recent KVH/Zespri-run Psa science update meeting in Te Puke.

Growers heard from a range of speakers including Dr Joel Vanneste from Plant & Food who outlined the latest understanding around the evolution of Psa resistance to copper and how use at below label rates, or when poorly applied, increases the risk of copper failing to control Psa over time.

Dr Stephen Hoyte from Plant & Food outlined the work currently being done in the Gold Futures project which is comparing management practices on Gold3 orchards with high Psa symptoms versus those with low Psa symptoms, and will be recommending changes in management practices for the challenged sites. Orchard pairings in various regions have been found for the trial.

Growers were also given an update on the trial results for a new yeast based Psa control product that is expected to be released to the market within the next 12 months. Shane Max, Global Production Manager of Zespri provided a brief overview (via video) of Psa pressures in Zespri international growing regions. The key message from Shane was don’t get complacent - you cannot predict the weather so assume every season is going to be bad for Psa.

Dr Greg Clarke from Zespri presented the latest understanding around the mode of action that is assisting the spring gridle of Hayward vines, reduced budrot, and flower drop.

A summary of the meeting along with the presentations and a video taken on the day is available on the Zespri Canopy website.