Gold release renews hope for kiwifruit growers

Kiwifruit growers struck down by the vine-killing disease Psa have been given renewed hope after global marketer Zespri International decided on a full-scale release of its new Gold3 variety.

Zespri chairman John Loughlin said Gold3 had been showing good Psa tolerance combined with proven characteristics to make it a commercial success, and its roll-out marked the turning point at which the industry would begin to rebuild.

Neil Trebilco, president of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers, said: "This is a fantastic day. The release indicates we have a future and that's a lot better than looking at the stumps in the ground after the vines in the orchards have been cut out because of Psa.

"This coming winter growers will be able to put something on top of those stumps and be back in business."

Up to 500 growers, many in the most-affected Te Puke area, were expected to convert to Gold3, replacing Gold Hort16A which had been struck down by Psa.

The hardier Hayward green variety had been largely unaffected. Gold3 had a different genetic make-up and higher acid balance than Hort16A.

Since Psa was confirmed in November 2010, it had infected 40 per cent of the country's kiwifruit hectares, ranging from leaf spotting to vine removal.

One-third of the Hort16A orchards, representing 850 hectares, were expected to be cut out by the end of this year's harvest. "That's a colossal impact," said Mr Loughlin.

Zespri was providing favourable interest-free terms to convert orchards.

Growers could buy Gold3 licences at a cost of $8000 an hectare, down from $12,000 for Hort16A, and the full payment would be deferred.

They would pay a deposit of 20 per cent and the next payment would be due in two years when the new crop was into production.

"We want to align cash flow with the payment of the licences," said Zespri chief executive Lain Jager.