Fighting Kiwi Botrytis: Symptoms, Prevention and Professional Solutions

Botrytis cinerea, commonly known as gray mold, is one of the most feared enemies of kiwi growers. Favored by humid climates, this fungal disease can cause significant losses, particularly during fruit storage. Effective control of this threat relies on an integrated approach combining prevention, biological solutions, and, if necessary, chemical treatments.

At Kiwiverse, a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants, we understand the economic and logistical impact that Botrytis can have on your production. We offer tailored solutions to help growers rebuild their orchards and restart their business with quality plants.

What is Botrytis (Gray Mold)?

Botrytis cinerea is a ubiquitous fungal pathogen that affects several crops, including kiwifruit. This pest primarily attacks fruit, twigs, and flowers, causing visible symptoms that deteriorate crops. Without proper management, it spreads rapidly and causes significant losses, particularly during wet autumn periods and during storage.

To limit these impacts, growers are advised to replant with certified, resilient plants. Purchasing kiwi plants from reliable suppliers like Kiwiverse ensures a healthy and secure supply for your orchards.

Identification and Symptoms of Botrytis

Symptoms on fruits

• Soft tissue appearing at the end of the peduncle.
• Fruits with wrinkles and a dark green color inside.
• Black, irregular sclerotia visible on infected fruits.

Symptoms on branches and other organs

• Withered or dried-up branches.
• Dead leaves that serve as a breeding ground for the proliferation of the fungus.
• Attacks flower scars, allowing the fungus to penetrate the tissues.

Causes and Contributing Factors

The development of Botrytis is favored by the following factors:

• High humidity: The fungus thrives in humid, poorly ventilated climates.
• Plant injuries: Scars from pruning or weathering serve as entry points for infection.
• Excess Nitrogen: Excessive fertilization promotes dense vegetation, creating humid microclimates conducive to fungus.
• Poor orchard management: Lack of regular cleaning and poor ventilation increase the risk of infection.

A preventative approach, combined with quality plants, is essential to control these factors. Growers can turn to Kiwiverse, a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants, to benefit from plants selected for their disease tolerance.

Prevention of Botrytis in Kiwi Crops

Good orchard management

• Moderate fertilization: Limit nitrogen to avoid overly dense vegetative growth.
• Improved aeration: Regular pruning helps prevent stagnant wet areas.
• Drip irrigation: This method reduces leaf wetting and limits the development of fungus.

Hygiene and cleaning

• Remove infected fruit immediately after harvest.
• Clean equipment and storage areas to eliminate sources of contamination.
• Remove dead leaves and plant debris to reduce spore proliferation.

Curing method

After harvesting, allow the kiwis to air dry to promote healing. This method limits spore growth and extends the fruit's shelf life.

Biological Control of Botrytis

Antagonistic fungi

• Trichoderma spp.: It competes with Botrytis and limits its spread.
• Gliocladium roseum: Effective in reducing the development of pathogenic fungi.

Microorganisms and natural extracts

• Bacillus subtilis: A biological solution well known for its effectiveness against fungal diseases.
• Plant extracts: Garlic, thyme essential oil and propolis have antifungal properties.
• Natural defense stimulators: Products like chitosan strengthen the plants' defenses against infections.

Conventional Control of Botrytis

Contact fungicides

Products such as chlorothalonil and captan act on the surface to limit the spread of the fungus.

Systemic fungicides

Boscalid or fenhexamid penetrate plant tissues to provide deep protection. These solutions should be used sparingly, in addition to biological approaches.

Business Solutions to Revive Your Kiwi Orchards

Why choose Kiwiverse?

• Wide range of kiwi plants: We offer grafted plants, in pots or in cells, suitable for all needs.
• Professional quality: All our plants and rootstocks come from specialized and rigorously controlled nurseries.
• Fast and careful delivery: We ensure direct and reliable delivery to your farm.
• Personalized technical support: Our experts will help you design a technical itinerary adapted to your local conditions.

Our key offers

• Take advantage of our competitive prices to buy high-quality kiwi plants .
• Get a free quote within 48 hours for the restoration of your orchards.
• Benefit from tailor-made technical advice to optimize your yields.

FAQs

What are the first signs of Botrytis on kiwis?

Early signs include soft tissue, watery spots and black sclerotia on fruit.

Can Botrytis be completely prevented?

Although it is difficult to eliminate completely, careful management of humidity, ventilation and hygiene significantly reduces the risks.

Are biological solutions sufficient?

Biological products work well as a preventative measure, but a chemical supplement may be necessary in cases of severe infestation.

Do you offer Botrytis resistant plants?

Yes, at Kiwiverse we breed kiwi plant varieties with increased tolerance to fungal diseases.

Why buy from Kiwiverse?

With our wide range of quality plants, expert technical support and fast delivery, Kiwiverse is your trusted partner.

What types of plants do you offer?

We offer grafted, cell-based, or bare-rooted plants, adapted to your specific needs.

Conclusion

Botrytis is a serious threat to kiwi crops, but with preventative management, organic solutions, and a supply of quality plants, it's possible to limit its impact. If your orchards have been affected, trust Kiwiverse, a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants, to help you get your production back on track.

Plant or replant your orchards today with robust, certified plants. Buying kiwi plants has never been easier or safer than with Kiwiverse!