This document discusses several diseases that affect kiwi fruit plants: 1. Root rot is caused by a fungus and results in collapsed vines with mycelial mats under the bark. It is favored by continually damp soil. Management involves clearing roots from new planting areas and proper irrigation. 2. Phytophthora root rot is caused by an oomycete and leads to chlorotic leaves and collapsed vines. It is favored by poorly drained soils. Management focuses on good water management and fungicides. 3. Bacterial flower spot causes brown lesions on petals. It enters through wounds. Avoiding plant injuries is the only recommended control. 4. Bacterial gall causes reduced growth and

2. Kiwi Fruit Diseases
A
Lecture To ToT trainees ( FFS)
By
Mr. Allah Dad Khan
Provincial Coordinator IPM KPK
MINFAL Pakistan

4. Symptoms
 Vines may completely collapse; whit
mycelial mats may be present under
bark close to the soil line; cortical tissue
has a dark discoloration and white
mycelial strands are present; root-like
rhizomorphs extend from roots into soil
 Cause
 Fungus
 Comments
 Disease emergence favored by
continually damp soil
 Management
 Ensure that land to be used for new kiwi
plantings is completely cleared of roots
which are greater than 1 inch in
diameter; ensure kiwi vines are
adequately irrigated but not
overwatered

5. Symptoms

 Reduced shoot growth; small, chlorotic
leaves; vines may collapse suddenly or
show a gradual decline in productivity
over several seasons; red-brown
discoloration of roots and root crowns
which is visible when root is cut in two
 Cause
 Oomycete
 Comments
 Disease emergence favored by poorly
drained soils and flood irrigation
 Management
 Control of the disease is reliant on good
water management and application of
appropriate fungicides; 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

6. Symptoms
 Brown, sunken lesions on petals
covering flower buds; yellow-
orange discoloration of petals;
small yellow spots may appear on
leaves after periods of rain
 Cause
 Bacteria
 Comments
 Bacteria enter plants through
wounds
 Management
 Control of the disease relies on the
avoidance of injuries to the plant
which allow bacteria to enter;
there are currently no
recommended chemical control
strategies for the disease

7. Symptoms
 Reduced plant vigor; small
leaves; poor growth; open
canopy; reduced yield; galls
may be too small to see
 Cause
 Bacterium
 Comments
 Bacteria enter the plant
through wounds
 Management
 Control of the disease relies
on the avoidance of injury
to kiwi vines; existing galls
can be surgically removed

8. Symptoms
 Wilting plants; blighting of
canes; red, rust colored
cankers on branches which may
exude red colored discharge
 Cause
 Bacterium
 Comments
 Disease has a wide host range;
bacteria overwinter on vines
 Management
 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

9. SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
Kiwifruit
Pathogen:Botrytis cinerea
 Botrytis fruit rot, also known
as gray mold decay, is a soft
fruit rot that can result in
significant crop losses during
storage. Symptoms of decay
and signs of the pathogen
develop as shriveled fruit that
may have gray fungal growth
mostly at the stem end and
occasionally around the sepals
or over the entire surface of
the fruit.Diseased internal fruit
tissues appear water-soaked
and dark green. In advanced
stages of the disease black,
irregular-shaped sclerotia of
the fungus up to about 0.2 inch
(5 mm) in diameter may form
on the infected fruit.