Fighting Kiwi Bacterial Canker: Symptoms, Prevention, and Professional Solutions

Kiwifruit canker, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), is a serious disease that threatens kiwifruit growers in France and internationally. In addition to wreaking havoc on orchards, it causes colossal economic losses. This article will guide you through a better understanding of the disease, its symptoms, prevention, and appropriate solutions. In collaboration with Kiwiverse , a wholesale supplier of kiwifruit plants, discover how to restore your affected orchards and secure the sustainability of your farm.

What is Kiwi Bacterial Canker?

Bacterial canker is an infection caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa). It primarily attacks the above-ground tissues of kiwi plants, such as leaves, branches, trunk, and fruit. This disease can cause irreversible damage, especially in susceptible varieties such as yellow- or red-fleshed kiwifruit.

Even green kiwi varieties, such as the famous Hayward variety, while somewhat more resistant, are not immune. Bacterial canker thrives particularly well in temperate climates with frequent rainfall, making its management complex.

For affected growers, replanting with healthy, high-quality plants is essential. Purchasing kiwi plants from a reliable supplier, such as Kiwiverse , is a crucial first step in avoiding contamination and ensuring the health of new orchards.

Identification and Symptoms of Kiwi Bacterial Canker

Symptoms visible on the leaves

• Necrotic spots with yellow halo: These characteristic spots can merge, forming large dead areas on the leaves.
• Internal discolorations: The interior of leaf tissues may show brown areas.

Signs of infection on the trunk and branches

• Weeping cankers: On twigs and trunks, these cankers produce a brownish, gummy exudate.
• Dark streaks under the bark: By lightly scratching the bark, you can see brown streaks typical of the infection.

Impact on flowers and fruits

• Flowers: The anthers turn brown and the petals wilt.
• Fruits: They can dry out prematurely, sometimes accompanied by the death of the branches.

These symptoms are particularly noticeable during rainy or humid periods, in spring or autumn.

Spread and Risk Factors

The Psa bacteria is spread by several vectors, including:

• Contaminated plant material: Infected plants, grafts, or even pollen are major sources of contamination. This underlines the importance of purchasing kiwi plants from a certified supplier like Kiwiverse .
• Agricultural tools: Undisinfected pruning shears or tools are common vectors of spread.
• Climatic factors: Wind, rain, frost and hail increase the vulnerability of plants.

Wounds caused by pruning or weather are ideal entry points for infection. Careful management of agricultural practices, as well as regular plant inspection, is crucial to limit the risks.

How to Prevent Bacterial Canker in Organic Farming?

• Regular plant inspection: Inspect your orchards frequently, especially after rain or frost. Watch for the first signs of cankers and take immediate action.
• Disinfecting agricultural tools: After each use, systematically disinfect your tools with suitable solutions, such as isopropyl alcohol or a diluted bleach solution.
• Removal of infected parts: Cut and burn the affected branches to prevent any spread of the bacteria.
• Preventive biological products: Bordeaux mixture, clay, and copper form effective protective barriers.

Conventional Control of Bacterial Canker

• Copper treatments: Applied after pruning or during winter to slow bacterial spread.
• Removal of infected branches: Cut and burn infected branches away from the orchard.
• Antibiotic use: In severe cases, streptomycin sulfate may be used, subject to regulation.

Economic Impact and Innovative Solutions

Bacterial canker can cause yield losses exceeding 70%, as observed in Italy. To address this scourge, new approaches are emerging:

• Genetic editing: Development of Psa-resistant plants using biotechnology.
• Innovative biological products: Microorganisms such as Bacillus subtilis inhibit bacterial growth.

Kiwiverse: Your Partner to Restore Your Orchards

Kiwiverse offers a wide range of kiwi plants selected for their quality and resilience. Purchasing robust and healthy kiwi plants is an essential solution for boosting your production.

FAQs

What is kiwifruit bacterial canker?

A serious disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae .

How to recognize the symptoms?

Necrotic spots on leaves, oozing cankers on branches and browning of flowers.

Does Kiwiverse offer resistant plants?

Yes, Kiwiverse offers a full range of suitable plants.

Thanks to Kiwiverse , buying robust kiwi plants adapted to your needs becomes an essential solution for bouncing back from bacterial canker. Don't let the disease slow down your production: rebuild your orchards with trusted partners.