Apple plants released from biosecurity restrictions

Almost 48,000 affected apple and stonefruit plants and small trees were secured at 50 sites. Photo / File

Around 20,000 apple plants and 400 stonefruit plants imported from a US testing facility have been released from all restrictions, says the Ministry for Primary Industries.

The plant material was seized following an MPI audit in March which found a number of significant failures at Clean Plant Centre Northwest. MPI said it had little confidence in the testing carried out. An investigation by US authorities confirmed MPI's findings.

MPI had now completed additional testing for pests and diseases of concern on the affected apple plants as well as a small number of stonefruit plants, said director of plant and pathways, Pete Thomson.

"As all the test results were negative and we are satisfied the biosecurity risk has been minimised, we're pleased to be in the position to release these plants back to their owners.

"Throughout this process, our decisions have been based on protecting New Zealand and our wider horticultural industry. Some of the diseases, if present, could impact significantly on our wider horticultural industry."

Nearly 20,000 stonefruit plants required further testing over spring and summer when diseases of concern would be most evident if they were present.

MPI had worked with affected nurseries, importers, and growers to develop detailed individual testing plans for each owner. These plans took into account testing that had already been done in New Zealand.

Almost 48,000 affected apple and stonefruit plants and small trees were secured at 50 sites in Hawke's Bay, Waikato, Nelson and Central Otago. In total, 32 nurseries, importers, and growers were affected.

Just over 1000 apple plants had been voluntarily destroyed by 12 owners. Twenty owners opted to destroy over 6000 stonefruit plants.

"MPI remains open to receiving requests for payment for direct and verifiable losses incurred as a result of destroyed or contained plant material," Thomson said.

"We've written to all affected owners on this, and we are offering one-on-one meetings to talk through the process."