Detection of bacterial canker of kiwifruit (Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidiae) in New Zealand
9 November 2010
Biosecurity Australia Advice 2010/33
This Biosecurity Australia Advice is to inform that a review of import conditions for Actinidia spp. to Australia is underway. This review was initiated in May 2010 in response to the detection of bacterial canker of kiwifruit plants, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, in Italy. This review will now be extended to include New Zealand, with the recent confirmation of the occurrence of this disease in that country.
Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae has been detected in one kiwifruit orchard on the North Island of New Zealand.
Plant Biosecurity has been monitoring an outbreak of this disease in Italy for some time. The preliminary review highlighted that the disease only attacks wood and foliage of Actinidia spp. and that nursery stock is the main pathway for transmission. Imports of nursery stock from Italy and now New Zealand have been suspended pending the finalisation of the review.
Studies conducted overseas have shown that fruit cannot be infected, even under laboratory conditions.
New Zealand has confirmed the identification of Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidiae. New Zealand is currently conducting research on the pathogen and delimiting surveys to establish the extent of the disease occurrence, as well as trace back to determine the pathway for its introduction.
Plant Biosecurity is working closely with Biosecurity New Zealand on this issue and is in close contact with Australian kiwifruit industry representatives and importers to keep them informed of this developing situation.
Dr Colin J Grant
Chief Executive
Contact: Vanessa Findlay
Telephone: +61 2 6272 3933
Facsimile: +61 2 6272 4333
Email: Plant Biosecurity