The vine killing disease Psa-V is now infecting all but five kiwifruit growing regions in New Zealand following the discovery of the disease in Hawke's Bay.

Kiwifruit Vine Health has received a Psa-V positive test result from Hort16A gold vines at an orchard near Taradale making this the first reported case Psa-V in Hawkes Bay.

KVH chief executive Barry O'Neill says is it possible Psa-V may have been present in the Hawke's Bay orchard for at least six months.

This leaves only five growing regions believed to be free of the disease – Kerikeri, Whangarei, Poverty Bay, Wanganuin/Horowhenua and the South Island.

Kiwifruit Vine Health chief executive Barry O'Neil says the disease may have been there for at least six months without detection.

'Based on the symptoms seen in the Hawke's Bay orchard, it is possible infection may have been present, but undetected in the area, for at least six months prior to identification this week.

'In many cases, symptoms are not visible for some time after infection, particularly during the winter dormancy period. Therefore, growers can't afford to be complacent, and should act as though Psa-V could be present in their area. Growers must be proactive to protect their orchards. Doing nothing is not an option,” says Barry.

The Hawke's Bay case comes on top of 33 new Psa-V identifications last week: one in the Te Puke region; one in Whakatane; three in Tauranga East; four in Tauranga West; eight in Opotiki; 12 in Katikati; one in Coromandel; two in Franklin and one in Waikato.

The total number of orchards with some infected vines is now 1626 meaning 58 per cent of the land on which kiwifruit is grown in New Zealand is now impacted by the disease.

'Psa is without doubt a major challenge and it's having a huge impact on growers. Unfortunately autumn and spring are times of the year when we see the very worst of both its spread and impacts,” says Barry.

KVH representatives are working with Hawke's Bay growers to ensure extensive monitoring of orchards is carried out. A plan for the region will be developed in consultation with local growers and industry.