A New Zealand diagnostics company which focuses on the primary sector is supplying the Chilean kiwifruit industry with test that rapidly identifies the PSA-V bacteria.
The rapid testing kit uses DNA technology and has been developed by Gisborne-based company dnature
Technical director John Mackay said the test allows growers get a step ahead of the disease, by detecting the presence of bacteria before symptoms appear in the canes.
"It allows you to potentially remove that infected reservoir of canes before it in turn can spread the bacteria to other vines."
Mr Mackay said Chile's Ministry of Agriculture has ordered supplies of the kit. The company is already selling the test to the New Zealand and French kiwifruit industries.
