Summerfruit's most unwanted pests and diseases feature on a poster recently sent out to help people identify these nasties that lurk beyond New Zealand's borders. While developing Summerfruit NZ's biosecurity strategy, an assessment of the risks posed by exotic organisms affecting the industry was carried out by biosecurity and export manager, Juan Rosales. A list of high priority pests and diseases was identified, and a handy reference poster published.
'Currently none of these organisms are present in New Zealand, however they have the potential to reach our country through different pathways,' says Juan.
'The Ministry for Primary Industries has strict biosecurity procedures to prevent the introduction of unwanted pests and diseases, but we should all remain vigilant and help our industry to prevent the effects of any biosecurity incursion.'
Any suspected exotic organisms should be reported to MPI on their hotline 0800 80 99 66.
If you have any queries regarding biosecurity, please contact Juan Rosales by email to juan@summerfruitnz.co.nz