Why Does My Kiwi Look Unhealthy?

Are the vines collapsing, white mycelial mats may be present under bark close to the soil line?

Are there any brown, sunken lesions on petals covering flower buds, yellow-orange discoloration of petals is present?

Are the plants wilting, rust-colored cankers on branches that may exude red discharge are present?

Do the vines have swollen, tumor-like growths on them?

Is the shoot growth reduced, leaves are small and chlorotic, vines may collapse suddenly, or show a gradual decline in productivity?

Are the leaves rolled up?

Are the leaves discolored, fine webbing may be present on the leaves?

Do the leaves and flowers have holes?

Are the leaves covered in coarse stippling and may appear silvery?

Armillaria root rot is a fungal disease that cannot be effectively controlled once it has become established in an orchard. Diseased or dead plants should be uprooted and removed. Planting resistant rootstocks isare the most effective method of preventing the disease.

These symptoms indicate bacterial blight. The spread of the disease is greatest during humid, wet weather conditions. The copper spray will only reduce the spread of the disease. Avoid injuring the plant because bacteria enter through wounds.

Bleeding canker is a bacterial disease that overwinters on vines. Infected areas should be pruned by cutting 1 foot below the edge of the canker. Disease severity can be reduced by protecting plants from freeze injuries over winter.

Bacterial disease Crown gall causes wartlike swellings on kiwi vines. Gall bacteria are introduced into plants that are vulnerable due to wounds. If the plant is only slightly infected, prune off diseased growth. Destroy severely infected plants and avoid replanting kiwis or any susceptible plant species in the same spot.

These symptoms indicate Phytophthora heart and root rot. Other symptoms include red-brown discoloration of roots and root crowns which is visible when the root is cut in two. Kiwi should be planted in well-draining soils where water does not pool after rain or irrigation. Plants should be allowed to dry out between irrigations.

Rolled leaves are caused by leafroller caterpillars. These dark to light green or cream to yellow caterpillars feed on the enclosed leaves and buds. If the infestation isn't severe, handpick the rolled leaves with caterpillars. For severe infestations, spray plants with BTK as soon as hungry young caterpillars are visibly feeding on it.

Spider mites are small spider-like insects that are hard to see with the naked eye. You can control spider mites by spraying plants thoroughly with water 2-3 times a day for several days. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin.

Holes in kiwi leaves and flowers are caused by Japanese beetles. Adults of these insects devour leaves, stalks, and flowers of nearly 300 plant species. Their larvae feed on the roots of the plants. Handpick adult beetles into a can of soapy water but make sure to wear gloves as Japanese beetles are blister beetles. Apply parasitic nematodes to the soil to limit beetle grub populations. Use pyrethrin powder or neem oil as a last resort.

These symptoms indicate thrips. Thrips are tiny, yellow to black flying insects. They hide under the leaves. Severely infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Control thrips by introducing lady beetles or lacewings, their natural predators. Insecticidal soap helps in severe infestations.

Yellow, stunted plants and roots that have swollen galls indicate root-knot nematodes. Other symptoms are plants wilting during bright, hot days. Prevent root-knot nematodes by applying chitin or introducing parasitic nematodes to the soil before planting. Solarizing the soil also helps in preventing root-knot nematodes.