Fighting Kiwi Scab: Symptoms, Prevention and Professional Solutions

Kiwi scab, although often associated with apple and pear trees, also poses a serious threat to kiwi crops. This fungal disease, caused by fungi of the genus Venturia , affects leaves, fruits and twigs, compromising the production and commercial quality of the crops.

In this article, we'll examine the symptoms of scab, the factors that promote its development, and preventative solutions. In collaboration with Kiwiverse, a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants, we're highlighting practices and products to help growers restore their orchards and optimize their yields.

What is Kiwi Scab?

Scab is a fungal disease caused by fungi of the genus Venturia . These pathogens grow in plant debris left on the ground and release their spores in the spring, infecting leaves, fruit and twigs.

The fungal life cycle often begins with overwintering spores which, under favorable conditions, spread rapidly and cause significant damage.

To minimize the risk, it's essential to replant with healthy plants from specialized nurseries. Buying kiwi plants from an expert like Kiwiverse ensures a healthy foundation to fight this disease.

Symptoms and Visible Signs of Kiwi Scab

On the leaves

• Translucent spots: The first spots appear 3 to 4 weeks after the spores have spread.
• Olive brown color: The spots evolve to become velvety and distinct.
• Premature defoliation: Affected leaves turn yellow and fall before maturity.

On fruits

• Small olive-brown spots: These become corky and cracked over time.
• Deformations: Severely infected fruits have cracks, making them difficult to market.

On the branches and flowers

• Blackish spots: These spots can develop into pustules, sometimes accompanied by a lifting of the bark.
• Floral abortion: Infected flowers may fail to produce fruit.

Advanced fruiting

In severe cases, brown pads appear on fruits, leaves and twigs.

Factors Promoting the Development of Scab

• Prolonged humidity: Rainy periods create ideal conditions for spore germination.
• Plant debris on the ground: Fallen leaves and fruit act as reservoirs for fungi.
• Poor ventilation in orchards: Dense foliage increases humidity levels.

To mitigate these factors, it's recommended to choose varieties that are suited to your region. Kiwiverse, a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants, offers a wide range of plants to ensure greater resilience against disease.

Prevention of Scab in Organic Agriculture

Plant debris management

• Collect and destroy fallen leaves and fruit: This reduces the presence of spores.
• Crush plant debris before bud break: This practice limits the survival of the fungus.

Tree size

Regular pruning promotes air circulation and reduces humidity within orchards.

Preventive copper treatments

• Fall: Apply copper hydroxide before leaf fall.
• Spring: Repeat when buds burst and just before flowering.

Natural alternatives

• Baking soda: Slows down the growth of fungus.
• Horsetail manure or willow infusion: Strengthens the natural resistance of plants.

Prevention of Scab in Conventional Agriculture

Essential cultural practices

• Crushing plant debris: Reduce inoculum by crushing residues before bud break.
• Orchard Aeration: Prune trees to maintain a dry microclimate.

Chemical treatments

• Preventive fungicides: Apply contact or systemic products (triazoles) before critical periods.
• Curative fungicides: Act quickly after an infection to stop the fungus from growing.
• Bordeaux mixture: Remains a versatile and effective solution against scab.

Commercial Solutions to Restore Your Orchards

Why choose Kiwiverse?

• Wide selection of kiwi plants: Grafted plants, in pots or in cells to meet your specific needs.
• Professional quality: Our plants come from certified nurseries, ensuring robustness and high yield.
• Personalized service: Fast and careful delivery directly to your farm.

Our advantages

• Competitive producer prices: Buying kiwi plants has never been more affordable.
• Personalized technical advice: Our team supports you to optimize your production.
• Responsiveness: Free quote and response within 48 hours.

FAQs

How to recognize kiwi scab?

Early signs include olive-brown spots on leaves, followed by deformations on the fruit.

What are the best organic solutions?

Treatments with copper (Bordeaux mixture), baking soda and horsetail manure are very effective.

Can infected fruits be eaten?

No, affected fruits lose their commercial quality and are not suitable for consumption.

When should chemical treatments be applied?

Preventive treatments should be applied before critical periods (spring), while curative treatments should be applied immediately after an infection.

What types of plants does Kiwiverse offer?

We offer a wide range of plants, including grafted, potted and bare root plants, suitable for your region.

Do you offer technical support?

Yes, our team of experts offers a complete service to maximize the productivity of your orchards.

Conclusion

Kiwi scab is a serious threat, but with proactive management and the right solutions, its impact can be limited. At Kiwiverse, we offer our expertise and range of plants to help you revive your orchards.

Plant or replant your orchards with confidence thanks to Kiwiverse , a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants. Buying robust and adapted kiwi plants is the key to ensuring healthy and prosperous harvests.