New Zealand: Further spread of Psa-V
Wet weather over the Christmas period is being blamed for heightening the impact of the disease. In the past week 11 new infected orchards were identified, taking the total across all growing regions to 939. Of those, 777 are in the Te Puke region.
To combat the disease's hyperactivity growers are having to cut out infected plants parts, including fruit bearing canes. In some cases plants are so badly affected that the plants are having to be taken back to ground level.
Estimates on 2012 crop levels are expected to be available next month. Psa-V does not affect the fruit itself.
Source: www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz