This project is focusing on bacterial disease control in three crops, passionfruit, broccoli and summerfruit.

Trial work in spring and summer of 2024/25 will evaluate biologicals and some fungicides for bacterial disease control in these crops. Bacterial diseases are ranked the third highest common priority gap for crop protection by A Lighter Touch product group partners.

This year, two passionfruit trials in Bay of Plenty will evaluate control options for brown spot (Alternaria passiflorae). Four summerfruit trials are being undertaken in Hawkes Bay and Central Otago and two broccoli trials in Pukekohe will evaluate control options for pseudomonas and xanthomonas.

The summerfruit trials started in August, and the broccoli and passionfruit trials will begin in spring.