Zespri general manager Dr David Tanner claims the kiwifruit industry's ultimate solution to the virulent strain of Psa is to develop vines that are resistant to the disease, Radio New Zealand reported.

Tanner told delegates at Tauranga's kiwifruit conference that spraying vines with chemicals would only ever be a short-term measure to address the problem, the story reported.

Tanner said before the crisis industry groups were conducting a breeding program of 100,000 seedlings a year to find out which were resistant, or tolerant, to the disease.

He said since the crisis the size of the program had been significantly increased and that the industry was optimistic about overcoming the Psa issue.

Other attributes which growers are looking for in their prototype vines include productivity and taste.

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