This project is investigating pathogenic issues for four crops indigenous to New Zealand:

• kamokamo (Cucurbita spp.)
• kanga (localised cultivars of Indian corn; Zea mays)
• kokihi (New Zealand spinach; Tetragonia tetragonioides)
• hue (bottle gourds; Lagenaria siceraria)

Three trial grounds were planted at Massey University in November 2007 and design is now underway for a further kamokamo glasshouse trial being established for the winter.

The glasshouse trial will investigate the management of plant pests and diseases aligned to kamokamo. For example, the use of Stand SKH as a preventative measure and treatment of powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea) and the control of the glasshouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum).  The trial will also examine the continual production of kamokamo based on conventional cucumber production systems in glasshouses.

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