The agriculture authorities in New Zealand were informed of the discovery in a non-commercial plum tree in Waikato last week. Initial tests have been negative, but samples have also been sent to US plant health laboratories with results due in two weeks. In the meantime, plant material cannot be transported from the premises of the discovery and nearby properties are also being investigated.

The disease could pose a serious threat to the future of the stone-fruit industry in New Zealand and it can take infected trees up to three years to show symptoms of the virus. Eradication of the disease by destroying infected trees is the only effective treatment.

Topics