Jens Liesebach, KGI Lower North Island Representative
The green carpet has been laid, as dormant buds have developed into nice green shoots. Shoot and flower bud thinning is well underway in the region – as growers start determining their target crop in order to grow the best quality fruit for the international markets. Signals from the markets have suggested limited preference for size 39 fruit. For this reason the weight bands of size 33 and size 36 fruit have been widened and size 39 has become non-standard supply (NSS). Half of the old size 39 weight band has become part of new size 36 weight band. Now is a good time to incorporate the new weight standards into your decision making.
The Environmental Protection Authority is considering phasing out the use of hydrogen cyanamide over the next five years. The initial recommendation suggests that buffer zones will need to be created, a maximum application rate of 25 kg ai/ha and an update of the hazard classifications. The commercial consequences are extensive and will also impact the pipfruit industry. NZKGI is working on a submission paper and growers input is welcomed. Further information can be found here.
Zespri’s upcoming Grower Roadshow is on Monday 1 November, 8:30am at the Crown Hotel, Napier. This is an opportunity for growers to be informed on this season’s progress, labour and planning for the 2022 season. Due to Covid requirements, Zespri has asked growers to register for the event here.
KVH is hosting a series of regional biosecurity workshops in the coming weeks. Biosecurity experts from the kiwifruit industry will talk through the benefits of having an on-orchard biosecurity plan and identify key practices to help growers enhance biosecurity measures on the orchard as well as how to manage the threat of unwanted pests and diseases. The Hawke’s Bay workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, 17 November, 9am at the Crown Hotel, Napier.
See you at the meetings.
