Psa spreads to Coromandel kiwifruit

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The vine disease devastating New Zealand kiwifruit crops has spread to the Coromandel.

Kiwifruit Vine Health has received provisional test results confirming Psa-V at an orchard in the Coromandel town of Whenuakite.

It has established a 10km containment zone around the infected vines.

The discovery follows the first confirmed case of Psa-V in Waikato two weeks ago.

Chief executive Barry O'Neil said news of the spread of Psa-V into the Coromandel region was not unexpected.

The region was close to the Bay of Plenty, where the vine disease was widespread, he said.

"As the sap starts to flow in early spring, Psa-V symptoms become more obvious. There was a marked increase in Psa-V identifications at this time last year."

Mr O'Neal said all the infected and adjoining vines in the Whenuakite orchard had been destroyed.

"To find an incursion in another region is very disappointing. However, growers have learnt a great deal over the past 18 months and have responded swiftly and responsibly."

Psa-V has been found on 1305 orchards, most in the Te Puke region.

Nearly 50 per cent of kiwifruit crops are on an infected orchard.