In 2019 after extensive consultation KVH developed a pathway standard to enable kiwifruit plant material to move from a Recovery region into Exclusion and Containment regions via tissue culture, with negligible risk of introducing Psa into the region.

This was to enable growers access to new varieties which weren’t available in their region (particularly the South Island).

The first plants entered this process in May 2019 and have just been released from quarantine after passing all testing requirements and being confirmed Psa not detected at each stage.

The budwood will now be bulked up by Zespri at two South Island nurseries, with the intention of being available to licensed growers for grafting next winter. Zespri will be putting out communications with more details shortly.