Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry test results on vine specimens from a Te Puke kiwifruit orchard have returned positive for a strain of the disease Pseudomonas syringae pv (Psa).

The precise strain is yet to be determined, but Psa is a deadly virus which in some strain forms has devastated kiwifruit crops in Italy and Chile in recent years.

Images of leaf spot similar to that identified in Te Puke as Psa.

Further testing is underway to determine exactly which strain of Psa is found in Te Puke, which will then assist in determining the weight of risk of this discovery.

In a statement released by MAF, it says it is working closely with Zespri, Plant & Food Research and New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated to better understand and mitigate any risks associated with the spread of Psa.

Industry meetings are being held in Te Puke and in Tauranga to advise growers of the situation, how to recognise symptoms and encourage best practice orchard hygiene.

Advice from Zespri CEO Lain Jager here.