In the last week, 43 new cases of Psa-V have been confirmed on kiwifruit orchards across the Bay of Plenty – the largest weekly increase so far.

These swelling numbers come as the top heads of the kiwifruit industry amalgamate at the Zespri Momentum conference today to discuss how to go forward ‘living with Psa'.

Psa infected vines are leaking a red ooze.

This jump in Psa numbers brings the total number of Psa-V positive KPINs (Kiwifruit Property Identification Numbers) to 369.

Second Psa-V results have been confirmed on orchards in Whakatane, Katikati and Oropi.
The existing Tauranga Priority Zone has been extended further south to include Oropi, Pyes Pa, Omanawa and Kaimai.

Yesterday Zespri general manager Psa Innovation Dr David Tanner told the Momentum conference they are building towards a long-term strategy for Psa.

'It will be a permanent part of our landscape for many years to come.
'We have to learn to live and eventually breed our way out of this situation.”