The Kiwifruit Industry Advisory Council has approved $25 million to match an equivalent sum from the government in a package to support growers affected by the Psa disease.

Psa infected leaves and vines being destroyed at the TECT All Terrain Park.

At a meeting held on Friday, growers gave the council overwhelming support to issue the $25 million to help support the Psa management strategy.

The number of orchards infected with Psa has risen from 51 to 55.

One of the new infected orchards is in Te Puke and the three others are in the Motueka area near Nelson.

The majority of infected orchards are within a 23km area south of Te Puke.

Zespri says 18 of the 55 are Green orchards, 33 per cent of the total.
Zespri's Grower Contact Centre has now received about 1300 emails about Psa infections from growers.

About 43 per cent are reporting suspected symptoms, and are immediately being followed up, and 57 per cent are emailing to report their orchards are clear of Psa.