Forty-seven abandoned kiwifruit orchards, mostly in the Bay of Plenty, may be harbouring the vine disease Psa-V, putting neighbouring orchards at risk.

Abandoned Psa infected orchards pose a threat.

KVH CEO Barry O'Neil says the organisation is working with owners of the orchards it has been informed of by regional councils, KVH regional coordinators, growers and postharvest companies.

'Due to the disease risks these orchards present, and the unlikelihood they receive any form of crop protection, abandoned and unmanaged orchards are high risk sites for potential establishment and spread of Psa-V within a region.

'They can have a severe impact on the establishment of new varieties and the productivity of producing orchards.”

While these orchards are currently considered abandoned, Barry says there is an opportunity to restore orchards like these to viable, economic businesses with the ability to increase the capital value of the properties.

'This could involve transitioning over to a new variety, or by a new leasing and/or management arrangement.”

Under newly introduced National Psa-V Pest Management Plan, every landowner or occupier responsible for management of a kiwifruit orchard must ensure that kiwifruit vines are winter pruned and tied by October 1 each year and that the majority of commercially-viable kiwifruit is harvested by July 1 each year.

This rule is to address abandoned orchards which are potential reservoirs of Psa-V.

Growers who feel they may be in a position of owning a block that could be classified as abandoned, or know of a potentially abandoned orchard, are encouraged to contact KVH via email or phone 0800 665 825, or a post-harvest facility to discuss further options.