An insect found on imported Italian kiwifruit at a Tauranga supermarket could pose a serious threat to this country's newest gold kiwifruit variety, says Barry O'Neill of Kiwifruit Vine Health.

Two White Peach Scale insects, a species which has caused significant problems for the industry in Italy, were spotted by a Plant and Food Research scientist in a Tauranga supermarket.

An example of White Peach Scale pest. Photo: KVH.

They were reported to KVH and the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Following its investigation MPI decided the insects were 'not-viable” and that the controls currently in place for the importation of Italian kiwifruit do not require upgrading, but Barry says KVH is questioning that assessment.

'MPI says there is a low risk but we don't see it that way,” says Barry.

'White Peach Scale is of major concern, especially as it could easily adapt to New Zealand conditions; and our new gold kiwifruit variety G3 is more susceptible to scale than other varieties.

'The last thing we want to have is a more significant scale problem.”

'Other scale insects are already an issue for growers; and controlling them with oils and sprays is a challenge, especially as some markets have a zero tolerance to the importation of fruit which carry scale insects, dead or alive.”

Barry has no argument with Italian kiwifruit with more than 800,000 kg each year being imported in New Zealand's off-season, so long as it meets Import Health Standards.

In turn, NZ exports kiwifruit to Italy under world trade rules, which state fruit cannot be prevented from crossing borders so long as it meets import standards.

Barry says the scientist who spotted the insects was sure they were alive, but as scale don't move, MPI conducted a biochemical test that indicated the scales were not-viable; and therefore not considered a direct threat to the New Zealand industry on this occasion.

Remaining fruit at the supply and distribution centres was held while it was inspected, with no further scale insects identified.

As a result, no further action was taken, and the remaining fruit from the consignment was released.

The current Import Health Standard for Italian kiwifruit requires a pre-export inspection for any visually detectable pests and cold disinfestation for fruit fly but no specific treatment for White Peach Scale.

KVH has asked MPI for increased vigilance for NZ border staff, which MPI has agreed to. It also wants Italian authorities to be notified of this find so they can increase their inspection vigilance.

'KVH has requested that MPI provide the risk assessment used to conclude that this pathway does not require further controls. In light of the seriousness of this pest, we believe controls should be put in place,” says Barry.

'KVH will continue to monitor the situation and encourage growers to be vigilant and to keep an eye out for potential pests and diseases on imported supermarket fruit that can cause harm to the New Zealand horticultural industry.”

White Peach Scale (Pseudaulacaspis pentagona) has caused significant impact to the kiwifruit industry in Latina, Italy.

During the 2004 season, it caused an estimated fruit loss of 10 – 20 per cent to Hort16A crops. The insect could easily adapt to New Zealand conditions and is considered a serious threat to kiwifruit.

If you see anything suspicious, immediately contact MPI on 0800 80 99 66 or KVH on 0800 665 825.