Fungicide flaw hits crops

Contamination of a spray used to protect apple crops has caused damage to 150 hectares of Tasman orchards.

Another 35 hectares of apple crops have been damaged in Hawkes Bay.

Crop protection company Adama New Zealand yesterday announced that another fungicide was mistakenly present in the Mancozeb cover spray used to protect apple trees from fungal infections.

The fungicide, azoxystrobin, instead caused damage to royal gala apple trees and its clones. It made leaves crinkle and burn, and caused blemishes on the fruit, making them unsellable.

Azoxystrobin is commonly used on wheat, grapes and vegetables but is not intended for use on apples.

David MacGibbon, chief executive of Nelson-based Adama New Zealand, said the company had imported Mancozeb from its Indian manufacturer without incident for 10 years.

But on October 5 a Hawkes Bay grower found blemishes on the leaves and young buds of royal gala varieties.

An investigation identified Mancozeb as a possible cause and it was recalled as a pre-emptive measure two weeks ago.

MacGibbon said tests this week confirmed the presence of azoxystrobin in Mancozeb. The contamination had not occurred in New Zealand, he said, and the exact cause was not yet known.

Twenty apple growers were affected in the Tasman district and nine in Hawkes Bay.

The orchards had varying levels of damage, with some trees unable to produce sellable fruit, and others able to produce some.

MacGibbon said the trees would not have to be removed.

‘‘We are just absolutely gutted. The primary message is one of apology to growers and customers.

‘‘It’s a difficult time of year for growing and this will cause more anxiety,’’ MacGibbon said.

‘‘We are doing everything we can to support growers as we work through testing and monitoring.’’