New Zealand kiwifruit industry threatened by PSA virus

The multimillion-dollar kiwifruit industry in New Zealand is under threat by the PSA virus, with biochemistry results suggesting that it could have originated in China.

Otago University Department of Biochemistry scientists have been working with bacterium found 16 months ago in a Te Puke orchard.  The source of the bacterium has been a key area of contention, with suggestions that it could have originated in Chile, China or Europe.

Associate professor Russell Poulter said: "It's unlikely to be on someone's boots or via quarantined channels. We need to know the pathway, so we can help other countries - and ourselves - avoid similar mistakes in future."

The government has committed multi-millions of dollars to aid scientists carrying out genomics research, with Otago biochemists selected to carry out advance research. Technology and funding allowed them to conduct sequencing test in New Zealand itself, avoiding the need to courier the samples abroad.

This research is particularly important for economies such as New Zealand which have a heavy reliance on agriculture and horticulture. The ability to act and respond in real-time can save acres of land and lots of money.

Posted by Neil Clark