NZ: Zespri announcement best chance for PSA recovery
Licences to grow the variety will be granted to anyone who currently grows the PSA decimated Hort16A variety. It is anticipated that 500 growers will take up the new variety, extending its coverage by some 400ha.
Zespri says it is optimistic about the move, not just because of the resistance shown to PSA, but also because the fruit produce by G3 looks and tastes good.
Zespri chairman, John Loughlin said, the decision meant that today was a major milestone for the industry. However, he did sound a cautionary note also.
"Zespri is being very clear to growers that this pathway is not without risk. We do not have all the knowledge on either the PSA or the commercial performance of Gold3. However, based on what is known to date we are confident that this pathway is realistic and gives the industry its best chance of coming out of PSA."
New Zealand Kiwifruit Vine Health president, Neil Treblico also welcome the news whilst remaining cautious.
"There will be more orchardists who will need to cut their orchards out, which means they will be without income for at least a further year until their G3 vines begin to produce a crop.
"Whilst it is great to be talking about a starting point, we have to remember that many growers will be hurting for some time yet."
Once growers graft over to the new variety there will be a three year wait until they can expect to return to full production levels.
In the meantime Zespri is not resting on its laurels and will continue in its development of more varieties for the future.
Source: www.zespri.com; www.3news.co.nz