Rogue kiwifruit vines growing pest

By ROSALEEN MacBRAYNE

Bay of Plenty farmers and orchardists are being urged to cover stockpiles of this season's reject kiwifruit crop.

Animals such as rats and birds are spreading the seeds and creating rogue vines by eating the fruit.

The rogue vines are destroying native bush and forests, says Environment Bay of Plenty's plant pest co-ordinator, John Mather.

The fight against wild kiwifruit infestation, now in its third year, has been stepped up with warnings across the Bay of Plenty over the fruit.

Some of the fruit is left on the vine or accumulated for feeding out to cattle and deer.

The extent of naturalised wild kiwifruit patches in areas where the commercial crop is grown resulted in a combined control programme two years ago, funded by kiwifruit exporter Zespri International, HortResearch and the regional council.

One way to discourage seed dispersal by flocks of waxeyes and sparrows is to cover reject fruit piles.

Mr Mather said that in line with the "good old Kiwi No 8 wire mentality", shelterbelt material served the purpose well without hastening fermentation.

"It's available, practical and does a good job."