Fighting Kiwi Chlorosis: Symptoms, Prevention and Professional Solutions

Kiwifruit chlorosis, also known as iron deficiency, is a common disease that can cause significant losses in orchards if not treated promptly. Often linked to inadequate soils or improper cultivation practices, chlorosis directly affects plant health and fruit quality. Fortunately, effective solutions exist.

In this article, we'll discuss the causes of chlorosis, its symptoms, and possible treatments. In partnership with Kiwiverse, a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants, discover how to replenish your orchards and optimize your production with tailored solutions.

What is Chlorosis?

Chlorosis is a nutritional deficiency that prevents normal chlorophyll production in leaves, causing them to turn yellow. In kiwi, it is often caused by a blockage in the uptake of iron by the roots. This condition typically occurs in calcareous, poorly drained, or high pH soils.

If left unchecked, chlorosis weakens plants, reduces yields, and compromises the commercial quality of the fruit. To prevent these effects, it is recommended to purchase resistant kiwi plants adapted to your soil, available from Kiwiverse.

Symptoms of Kiwi Chlorosis

On the leaves

• Visible discoloration: Leaves turn yellow, but their main veins remain partially green.
• Abnormal structure: Leaves become smaller, stiff and wrinkled.
• Premature shedding: Significant defoliation may occur in advanced cases.

On branches and roots

• Weakened branches: Twigs dry out, while roots turn brown, limiting their ability to absorb nutrients.
• Shortened internodes: Plants appear less vigorous.

On fruits

• Small fruits: Kiwis do not fully develop and remain small in size.
• Incomplete ripening: Fruits ripen unevenly or remain hard.
• Wilting: In severe cases, fruits lose their freshness and commercial value.

Causes of Kiwi Chlorosis

Iron deficiency

• Chalky soils: Excess lime prevents roots from absorbing iron.
• Nutrient Imbalance: Too much phosphorus or potassium makes the problem worse.

Soil problems

• High pH: Kiwis prefer slightly acidic soil. A pH above 7 prevents iron absorption.
• Insufficient drainage: Soils that are too wet or poorly aerated are detrimental to root activity.

Aggravating factors

• Use of hard water for irrigation.
• Prolonged drought increasing water stress.
• Lack of organic matter reducing soil fertility.

Prevention of Chlorosis

Soil analysis and management

• Regular analysis: Test pH and nutrient levels to adjust your intake.
• Organic Amendments: Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.

Improved drainage

• Grow on berms: Planting on mounds promotes water runoff.
• Resistant rootstocks: Choose rootstocks suitable for calcareous soils.

Watering management

• Soft water: Avoid hard water if possible.
• Moderate watering: Avoid excess watering, which can suffocate the roots.

Biological Treatments for Chlorosis

Iron chelates

Apply products enriched with iron chelates to the soil or as a foliar spray. These compounds facilitate iron absorption, even in difficult soils.

Nettle manure

Naturally rich in minerals, nettle manure stimulates plants. Apply it diluted (10%) regularly during the growing season.

Foliar fertilizers

Spray an anti-chlorosis fertilizer on the leaves every 3 weeks for fast results.

Conventional Treatments for Chlorosis

Anti-chlorosis products

These solutions, containing iron in chelated form, are ideal for rapid treatment, especially in spring.

Specialized fertilizers

Fertilizers containing iron, magnesium and manganese effectively rebalance soil nutrients.

Ground iron chelates

Incorporate these elements directly around the roots for prolonged action.

Kiwiverse: A Professional Solution to Replace Your Plants

In the event of losses due to chlorosis, it is crucial to renew your crops with healthy, adapted plants. At Kiwiverse, a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants, we offer a wide range of high-quality plants, adapted to various soil types and climates.

Why choose Kiwiverse?

• Professional quality guaranteed: All our plants are produced by specialized nurseries to ensure optimal growth.
• Personalized technical advice: Our kiwi growing experts will help you choose the varieties best suited to your region.
• Fast and careful delivery: Receive your plants within 15 days directly to your farm.

Discover our tailor-made services

• Large selection of plants in pots, cells or bare roots.
• Resistant varieties, particularly suited to calcareous soils.
• Complete technical itinerary for designing or rehabilitating your orchard.

Need to renew your plants? Buying kiwi plants from Kiwiverse is a key solution for protecting and growing your production.

FAQs

What are the specific symptoms of kiwifruit chlorosis?

The leaves turn yellow while their veins remain green, and the fruits ripen irregularly.

Can chlorosis be prevented without chemicals?

Yes, by adjusting soil pH, improving drainage and enriching organic matter.

Which kiwi varieties are most tolerant?

Certain varieties grafted onto rootstocks adapted to calcareous soils are ideal.

How long does treatment for chlorosis take?

The first results appear after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment.

Does Kiwiverse deliver everywhere in France?

Yes, we provide fast and reliable delivery directly to your orchards.

Can I get technical advice before I buy?

Absolutely, our team offers free quotes and advice within 48 hours.

Conclusion

Kiwifruit chlorosis, although common, can be effectively managed through a combination of prevention, biological or chemical treatments, and appropriate cultural practices.

For growers facing this disease, Kiwiverse, a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants, offers recognized expertise and tailor-made solutions to revive your orchards. Purchasing resilient, high-quality kiwi plants is the key to ensuring abundant and sustainable harvests. Contact us today to learn more about our services and products!