Checking canopies for Psa ahead of harvest offers the chance to remove Psa affected fruit and canes. This reduces Psa inoculum and also the risk of poor-quality fruit reaching picking bins.

Monitoring also identifies areas where Psa has crept in, such as through girdles and so where good post-harvest protection is needed as well as extra care through winter pruning.

Psa risk remained higher through November, December and again in January in comparison to previous seasons due to more rainy days, so review of blocks and particularly new development blocks is recommended. Last week red exudate was noted on young Red19 scions girdled in December and shrivelled canes also indicated progression of Psa in plants over the last couple of months.

Last week red exudate was noted on young Red19 scions girdled in December and shrivelled canes also indicated progression of Psa in plants over the last couple of months.

Image: Cane and fruit shrivel on Red19 due to Psa.