A chemical spray called streptomycin was misused on 45 different kiwfruit orchards by 26 growers. File photo / NRC
A chemical spray called streptomycin was misused on 45 different kiwfruit orchards by 26 growers. File photo / NRC
A formal warning has been issued to 26 kiwifruit growers for misusing an antibiotic spray in their fight against the Psa vine disease.
An investigation by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) found a chemical spray called streptomycin had been used illegally on 45 different orchards.
MPI compliancedirector Dean Baigent said the ministry had been mindful throughout the investigation that New Zealand kiwifruit growers were facing a desperate situation with Psa.
"The growers concerned voluntarily disclosed their wrong-doing and those who misused product on a larger scale sustained the largest losses through the disposal of their affected crop."
The investigation's main purpose was to identify every case of misuse so all potentially affected fruit could be isolated and withheld from sale.
"In this we were successful and both domestic and international markets were able to be assured that no fruit with streptomycin residues was in the supply chain."
Kiwifruit marketing body Zespri was involved in the investigation, co-ordinating a declaration process for growers if they felt they had breached the conditions.
"There was a 100 per cent response from growers and those concerned have co-operated fully throughout the investigation," Baigent said.