Fighting Kiwi Anthracnose: Symptoms, Prevention and Professional Solutions

Anthracnose is a serious fungal disease that can cause significant losses in kiwifruit crops. Although more common on other fruits, its impact on kiwifruit is significant, especially in conditions of high humidity and heat. The fungi responsible, such as Colletotrichum and Gloeosporium , infect leaves, fruit, and twigs, reducing crop quality and overall yield.

This article will guide you through the symptoms, contributing factors, and best practices for controlling anthracnose. In collaboration with Kiwiverse, a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants, we offer solutions to replenish your orchards and protect your future harvests.

What is Kiwi Anthracnose?

Anthracnose is a disease caused by pathogenic fungi such as Colletotrichum , which thrive in warm, humid conditions. These fungi attack kiwi plant tissues, including leaves, fruit, and twigs, and can persist in plant debris, making their management difficult without appropriate measures.

For affected growers, the key is prevention. Buying healthy, resilient kiwi plants from Kiwiverse is an excellent starting point for mitigating risks and ensuring sustainable harvests.

Symptoms of Anthracnose on Kiwi

On the leaves

• Reddish-brown or blackish spots: Often surrounded by a yellow halo, these spots gradually enlarge.
• Premature drop: Infected leaves dry up and fall off, weakening the plant.

On fruits

• Sunken spots: Small dark areas appear, developing into soft or rotten lesions.
• Cracks and deformations: Severely affected fruits become unsaleable.

On the stems and branches

• Black or brownish cankers: These lesions weaken the branches and sometimes cause them to dry out.
• Branch deformation: Infected parts become fragile and twisted.

Global impact

Left unchecked, severe infection can weaken the entire plant, significantly reducing fruit production and quality.

Factors Favoring Anthracnose

Climates

• High humidity: The disease develops rapidly after prolonged rainfall or excessive irrigation.
• Warm temperatures: The fungus thrives between 25 and 30°C.

Cultural practices

• Poor irrigation management: Excessive moisture on leaves and roots promotes infection.
• Presence of plant debris: Fallen leaves and fruit serve as a reservoir for the fungus.

Mechanical factors

• Plant injuries: Cuts from pruning or insect damage facilitate pathogen entry.

To limit these risks, opt for rigorous management practices and quality certified plants, available from Kiwiverse, a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants.

Prevention of Anthracnose in Organic Agriculture

Plant debris management

• Thorough cleaning: Collect and destroy fallen leaves and fruit to reduce pathogen load.
• Crop rotation: Alternate with less susceptible crops to limit the accumulation of fungi in the soil.

Pruning and aerating trees

Prune regularly to promote air circulation and reduce humidity in the foliage.

Natural treatments

• Bordeaux mixture: This natural copper-based fungicide blocks the development of fungi.
• Horsetail manure: Strengthens the natural defenses of plants.
• Garlic or nettle extracts: These antifungal solutions slow the spread of infections.

Prevention of Anthracnose in Conventional Agriculture

Essential cultural practices

• Efficient drainage: Avoid water accumulation around the roots to limit prolonged humidity.
• Orchard Aeration: Prune to improve wind and light circulation.

Chemicals

• Preventive fungicides: Apply systemic or contact products (triazoles) before critical infection periods.
• Curative fungicides: Use solutions such as boscalid or iprodione as soon as symptoms appear.

Effective combinations

Sulfur and potassium bicarbonate: Prevent spore germination and limit spread.

Commercial Solutions to Restore Your Orchards

Why choose Kiwiverse?

• Wide range of kiwi plants: Grafted plants, in pots or in cells, selected for their quality and robustness.
• Fast delivery: Careful shipments directly to your farm.
• Competitive Prices: With Kiwiverse, buying kiwi plants becomes simple and affordable.

Our commitments

• Tailor-made technical advice: Our experts will help you choose plants and cultivation practices.
• Commercial responsiveness: Receive a free quote within 48 hours.
• Turnkey solution: From establishment to production, we help you design a high-performance orchard.

FAQs

What are the first signs of anthracnose?

Reddish-brown spots on leaves and sunken fruits are the first visible symptoms.

How to prevent anthracnose naturally?

Use Bordeaux mixture, horsetail manure, and prune trees regularly to improve air circulation.

What are the recommended chemical treatments?

Systemic fungicides such as triazoles are effective in prevention, while boscalid works well in curative action.

Can anthracnose recur every year?

Yes, especially if infected plant debris is not removed and if climatic conditions remain favorable.

Do you offer plants suitable for disease control?

Yes, our kiwi plants are selected for their quality and robustness, adapted to local conditions.

Conclusion

Anthracnose is a serious threat to kiwifruit crops, but proactive, integrated management can minimize its impact. By combining preventative practices, biological or chemical treatments, and regular monitoring, you can protect your orchards and ensure quality harvests.

With Kiwiverse, benefit from quality plants, personalized technical support, and solutions tailored to your needs. Purchasing robust and certified kiwi plants from Kiwiverse, a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants, is the key to ensuring the sustainability of your orchards and prosperous harvests.