As part of the global research and development programme into the kiwifruit vine killing disease Psa, Zespri is partnering with a world-leading bacteriophage producer.
The Utah-based business, OmniLytics Incorporated is expected to provide help as Bacteriophage (phage) are viruses that infect and kill bacteria.
A Psa infected leaf.
As the natural predator to bacteria, phage are found in almost every environment in nature, including within the food we eat and the water we drink.
OmniLytics is the world-leader in phage technology, especially in the control of plant pathogens in horticultural crops.
This includes developing phage-based solutions for bacterial disease in tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, cabbage, melons, strawberry, apples, pears, citrus and ornamentals.
OmniLytics CEO Justin Reber says his company feels the sense of urgency from the kiwifruit industry to develop a solution to Psa.
'We are moving forward with urgency on this project to help provide the kiwifruit industry with a viable, long-term bacterial control solution,” says Justin.
'Our relationship with Zespri is a perfect illustration of OmniLytics' partnering strategy to team with ‘world leaders' in their respective markets with a goal to jointly develop and commercialise innovative bacteriophage solutions.”
Zespri innovation manager Bryan Parkes says the partnership with OmniLytics is an example of the global scope of the research and development programme underway into Psa, which is being led by Zespri in coordination with Kiwifruit Vine Health Inc.
Bryan says as biological control phage are good because they are non-toxic to humans, plants and animals, leave no residues and are perfectly safe with no harmful side effects.
In addition, phage have proven effective in controlling some plant bacterial diseases and are relatively inexpensive to produce.
Bryan says it was for these reasons that the development of a biological control using Psa-specific phage is being explored for the control of Psa-V.
2 comments
UNbelievable.
Posted on 11-07-2011 14:02 | By sojourner
Now we are not only being doused with stronger bacteria than PSA to try and control it, we are ALSO going to be subjected to a virus in the air and wind-drift for the same purpose. It is time to move. It is obvious the Kiwifruit industry puts its produce, which nobody needs to eat for any good reason, above the health and welfare of human beings who live here. Where is the PROOF that ANY of this is safe around humans and animals? I think that should be required to be proven first and in public.
@ sojourner
Posted on 11-07-2011 16:36 | By mr mizprint
Unbelievable is right! A potential solution to PSA that is safe, non-toxic, non-GM, not man-made but derived from nature. What more could you ask for in a solution, yet the naysayers are out providing unfounded critisism. Moving on is a great idea, go live with the flatearthers & those who believe in pixies & Im sure you will feel right at home.
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