Successful workshop in the top of the South

In Motueka recently KVH met with growers, nurseries, processors, and other interested parties to describe how the Pathway Plan continues to provide strong protection to this Psa free region.

Psa is a high priority organism within the Pathway Plan with strong North Island – South Island movement controls ongoing to ensure plant material and high-risk vehicle and machinery movements remain well managed. KVH emphasised the value of local intel, prompting growers to flag possible movements of risk items into the area for follow-up.

Monitoring rounds directed by KVH will continue in the South Island, to independently confirm freedom from Psa. Routine diagnostic testing by nurseries and from sites supplying budwood and pollen also means ongoing surveillance is in place.

Growers can contact KVH or local technical support staff if unusual Psa-V like disease symptoms are seen at any time. Diagnostic testing is important as a lower virulence Pseudomonas bacterium Pfm (previously referred to as Psa-LV) is present in the region and shows similar symptoms to Psa-V, including leaf-spotting, with or without halos. Pfm is not known to cause dieback so this symptom would prompt urgent follow-up.

Thank you to all those who attended - it was inspiring to reflect on the significance of the area remaining free of Psa for more than 12 years. Thanks also to the AgFirst team who joined us and reported results of a recently completed Neonectria research project; and Richard Clarkson, Tasman farm advisory officer for the Ministry for Primary Industries who joined the workshop too.