Science Media Centre

A genetic analysis of several strains of the Psa bacterium, conducted by American and Italian scientists, suggests a Chinese origin for the bacterium that has caused millions of dollars of damage to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry. However, more data from affected New Zealand kiwifruit are needed to complete the picture.  The new research, published [...]

Both local and national eyes are closely trained on kiwifruit orchards in New Zealand, with the news that some have been infected by Pseudomonas syringae pv actinidiae (PSA), a vine-killing disease. The disease is caused by a bacterium (PSA) which can be spread through the air and on equipment.  Fears have arisen that the infection [...]