Editorial: Growing concern over spray for Psa

The kiwifruit vine disease Psa has caused a huge amount of damage and worry in this important Bay industry since it was first discovered here last November.

Orchards across the Bay have been infected and the kiwifruit industry has been grappling with how best to deal with the dreaded disease.

Its latest weapon in the fight is to use an antibiotic spray, streptomycin.

Zespri is obviously backed into a corner and I have a huge amount of sympathy for its plight.

The industry is under huge pressure and many see the antibiotic as the best way to control Psa. The company also says it is well aware of stringent requirements there be no residue on export fruit.

But there is a growing sense of unease over use of this product.

The Independent Kiwifruit Growers organisation is alarmed, saying the spray could do more harm than Psa itself.

In yesterday's edition, pregnant Te Puke woman Rachael Sexton, who has a kiwifruit orchard at the end of her road, revealed she is thinking of moving to keep her unborn child safe after a medical book stated streptomycin had the potential to cause increased rates of human fetal malformations or irreversible damage.

In Katikati, a public meeting is planned after concerns were raised. Chemicals and sprays have long been controversial and it is only natural people are worried.

The agency which approved the use of streptomycin says warnings over its dangers only apply to human medication - not agrichemicals.

The medical officer of health has also tried to allay fears, saying it is unlikely to harm human health.

But after reading about Mrs Sexton, I couldn't help but sympathise with her.

Who can blame her for being worried? Who would knowingly take any risks with their unborn baby?

Personally, I strongly dislike any kind of spray and shudder to think what the use of this antibiotic might mean for our so-called clean and green image and whether there is some unseen downstream consequence.

But, having said this, I think more needs to be known before we condemn it. Sound community education and debate is needed.

It is important Zespri publicly addresses these concerns and independent information that is factual and free of emotion is also available so people can make up their own mind.