Chile’s phytosanitary agency SAG has discovered the kiwifruit disease Psa on a further 16 orchards in the South American country, according to a statement on the organisation's website.
The development brings to 30 the total number of infected orchards in Chile, with the vast majority located in the Maule region, as well as one in Biobío.
SAG has called on the kiwifruit industry, including producers located in other regions of the country, to adopt preventative measures in order to contain the disease.
In an effort to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading further, the agency has also urged growers to implement a plan of action including the strict control of the movement of plant materials and personnel, the disinfection of tools, the installation of santising baths for hands and feet, among other measures.
SAG, meanwhile, said it will strengthen its own phytosanitary measures to be applied in the affected orchards and in those areas which are found to be close to risk areas.
