Terrible kiwi-fruit bacterial disease imports must be stopped
November 9, 2010
In a terrible reminder of the Apple and Pear Fire Blight problem, it has now been confirmed that an incurable bacterial canker is affecting New Zealand kiwi-fruit.
Dr Sharman Stone, Member for Murray, said unfortunately Australia imports huge quantities of fresh kiwi-fruit into Australia each year.
“We also import kiwi-fruit from Italy which has this incurable bacterial canker, Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidae infecting their kiwi-fruit plantations.”
“This is disastrous for New Zealand and Italy which are major exporters of kiwi-fruit around the world.
“It is also a potential disaster for the Australian kiwi fruit industry unless we can stop fruit being imported from these infested areas.”
“Over 80% of Australia’s kiwi-fruit is grown in the Goulburn Valley.”
“Biosecurity Australia has now put a ban on kiwi-fruit plant material entering the country from Italy, however they have not stopped the importation of the five or more containers of Italian kiwi fruit now on ships heading for Australia. One of these containers is due to arrive in the next 10 days.
“Clearly there could be leaves or other kiwi-fruit plant material included in these containers, but at this point Biosecurity Australia is denying that this trash could be a problem.
Sharman Stone said that she has asked the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Joe Ludwig, to urgently intervene to stop the kiwi-fruit imports from countries now with the disease.
“Our kiwi-fruit industry’s future is at stake. Biosecurity Australia must take urgent action now,” Dr Stone said.
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