In April, the Pepino Mosaic Virus was found in a greenhouse in Auckland. This contagious disease can affect the yield of crops and delay fruit growth. The Ministry for Primary Industries said that, following the initial detection, the virus had since spread to four more glasshouses.
Exports have been p
ut on hold for eight countries where the disease is a biosecurity concern, including Australia and some Pacific nations. Tomatoes NZ general manager Helen Barnes said while its biggest market, Japan, was still open for business, the situation was not ideal given Covid-related freight problems were already testing growers. Barnes said, because the virus had only been on the industry's radar for six months, it was unclear what impact it would have on New Zealand's tomato crops.
Read the complete article at rnz.co.nz.
