Scientists investigating the origins of the Psa-V disease devastating New Zealand's kiwifruit vines believe China is the most likely source of the outbreak, reports www.stuff.co.nz.
Biochemists at New Zealand's Otago University have mapped the New Zealand bacterium's genetic code, and samples of the Chinese Psa strain have also been sequenced, with results indicating China is the source of outbreaks in New Zealand and historic outbreaks in Italy, the article said.
The team is also testing Psa samples from Chile, with premliminary data showing that the Chilean strain also originated from China.
Psa-V was first detected in New Zealand in November 2010.
University of Otago's department of biochemistry associate professor Russell Poulter said how the disease entered New Zealand needs to be established.
'We need to know the pathway so we can help other countries - and ourselves - avoid similar mistakes in future,' he said.
The Otago team is also researching the optimal treatment of Psa with antibiotic sprays.
'The kiwifruit industry will survive, but it may take some time to detemine a cost effective treatment,' Poulter said. 'The priority is sustaining the industry in the meantime.'
