September 23, 2022
Bud starter critical for Māori kiwifruit growers
The Environmental Protection Authority is reassessing the use of hydrogen cyanamide, in the wake of significant new scientific data and risk assessments completed by overseas regulators.
It’s used to help buds form by simulating the effects of frost.
Submitters raised concerns about water contamination, the effects on animals, and the impact on human health for those in communities where spraying occurs.
Chris Hill, the EPA’s hazardous substances and new organism manager, says there were also submissions from Maori growers that the spray has enabled orchards to be successful in rural areas with less favourable climates.
Hydrogen cyanamide is particularly important in warm coastal climates for ensuring bud break of the Hayward green variety, which Māori growers are disproportionately reliant on as they faced financial barriers to access SunGold variety licences.