Growers in Hawke's Bay are being asked to monitor their kiwifruit after an orchard near Taradale testde positive for the Psa virus.
Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH) said the positive test result on Hort16A vines in an orchard near Taradale was the first reported case of Psa-V in Hawkes Bay.
KVH Chief Executive, Barry O'Neil, said news of the spread into Hawkes Bay was very disappointing.
"Psa is without doubt a major challenge and it's having a huge impact on growers. Unfortunately autumn and spring are times of the year when we see the very worst of both its spread and impacts."
"Based on the symptoms seen in the orchard, it is possible infection may have been present, but undetected in the area, for at least six months prior to identification this week. In many cases, symptoms are not visible for some time after infection, particularly over the winter dormancy period.