NSure, the Netherlands-based group specialising in the analysis of genetic activity in the agricultural chain, has announced the launch of a new test for New Zealand Hayward kiwifruit growers that it says 'takes the guesswork out of budbreak'.
The group has extended its range of tests by introducing the BreakNSure Hayward test, which NSure says provides kiwifruit growers with a practical and reliable tool to determine the optimal moment for a budbreak treatment – thus optimising flowering, fruit set and kiwfruit quality.
Budbreak enhancers are used to stimulate and synchronise budbreak in numerous food crops across the world, and are necessary to maximise potential production and subsequent economic returns.
According to NSure, precise timing of the application has been found crucial to achieve optimal results, and the BreakNSure Hayward test provides a reliable tool to determine this moment, based on the status of a grower's orchard.
In kiwifruit, an optimal budbreak treatment results in a 10 per cent increase of flowering (= fruits) compared to a sub-optimal treatment. In close collaboration with Zespri International, NSure has developed a molecular test providing insight in the actual status of an orchard.
As a consequence of the close correlation between the activity of a number of selected kiwifruit genes and the result of a budbreak treatment, it is possible to determine whether an orchard is ready for an optimal treatment or it’s better to wait a little longer.
Only a few drops of fluid from some buds of kiwi vines are needed to know whether an orchard is ready for an optimal budbreak treatment.
Due to a local collaboration with Hill Laboratories in Hamilton, NSure is able to provide the test result within 48 hours after the sample was delivered at the laboratory. This easy to use test is currently available for Hayward, the largest, green kiwifruit variety.
A BreakNSure test for “Gold3” is under construction, a prototype test has been developed and will be further validated this winter ahead of an intended release in New Zealand in 2017.
