Optimizing the lignification / Heightening of kiwis

Lignification, also known as wooding, is a key stage in the growth cycle of kiwi plants. This process, which transforms soft stems into hard wood, is crucial to ensuring the plants' strength, frost resistance, and ability to produce quality fruit. For professional kiwi growers, managing this phase properly is essential to optimizing the health and productivity of their orchards.

In this article, we explore best practices to promote lignification, the risks of insufficient wood hardening, and technical solutions tailored to your needs.

What is lignification and why is it essential?

Lignification refers to the process by which kiwifruit stem tissues change from a grassy to a woody state. This transformation, which occurs mainly during the summer months (July-August), is a key indicator of the plants' readiness for winter and the following production season.

The advantages of optimal lignification:

• Frost resistance: Woody stems are more resistant to winter temperatures, preventing frost damage.
• Disease Protection: Hardened tissues are less susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections.
• Structural support: The rigidity of the stems allows them to support the weight of the fruit without breakage or sagging.
• Improved production: Good lignification ensures better circulation of nutrients, essential for an abundant and quality harvest.

Risks associated with a lack of lignification

An incomplete or insufficient woodification process can put your kiwi plants at risk and affect their production capacity:

• Low disease resistance: Soft stems are more vulnerable to infections, including botrytis and bacterial canker.
• Frost vulnerability: Non-lignified tissues may burst or die after exposure to cold.
• Fragile structure: The herbaceous stems cannot support the weight of the fruit, leading to premature breakage.
• Poor nutrient circulation: Insufficient lignification hinders the transport of water and minerals, affecting growth and fruiting.

How to promote wood formation in your kiwi plants?

1. Irrigation management

Balanced watering plays a crucial role in the hardening process:

• Reduce excess water: Excess moisture retards lignification by keeping tissues in a herbaceous state.
• Encourage deep but spaced watering: This encourages deep rooting and limits water stress.
• Monitor weather conditions: Adjust irrigation based on periods of heavy rain or drought.

2. Adaptation of fertilization

Plant nutrition must be adjusted to support the lignification process:

• Reducing nitrogen inputs: At the end of the season, reduce nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which stimulate grass growth.
• Increased potassium intake: Potassium is essential for strengthening tissues and supporting wood transformation.
• Calcium-potassium balance: This duo strengthens cell walls and improves stem strength.

3. Size in green

Proper pruning during the summer promotes better maturation of the stems:

• Removing excess branches: Remove unnecessary branches to concentrate the plant's energy on the main branches.
• Pinching the tips: This slows excessive vegetative growth and encourages tissue maturation.

4. Exposure and microclimate

• Maximize sunlight: Good sun exposure promotes lignification. Avoid planting in shaded areas.
• Limit cold winds: Use windbreak hedges to protect your plants.

5. Suitable trellising

Well-thought-out training facilitates the development of the stems and their exposure to light:

• Adjust the height of the wires to match the growth of the main branches.
• Avoid overloading the wires to prevent breakage due to the weight of the fruit.

Recognizing the signs of a lack of lignification

Certain indicators can alert you to a lignification problem:

• Soft and pliable stems: The branches remain grassy and do not harden properly.
• Visible damage after freezing: Burst or necrotic tissue.
• Branches susceptible to disease: Appearance of spots or cankers caused by pathogens.
• Untidy structure: The stems cannot support the weight of the fruit and sag.
• Slowed growth: Poor circulation of nutrients leads to stunted growth.

Kiwiverse Solutions for Successful Lignification

1. Quality products for your orchards

• Wide range of grafted kiwi plants: Available in pots or cells, specially selected for their resistance.
• Bare-root rootstocks: Perfect for optimizing plant health and longevity.

2. Personalized technical advice

• Fertilization planning: Schedule your applications according to the specific needs of your plot.
• Irrigation strategies: Reduce excess water without compromising growth.
• Disease Management: Protect your plants with preventative treatments and organic solutions.

3. Commercial and logistics services

• Delivery to your orchard: Fast and careful logistics throughout France.
• Quote within 48 hours: Adapted to your specific needs and your budget.

Kiwifruit Woodiness FAQ

When does kiwifruit woodification occur?

It begins in summer, mainly in July and August, when the stems change from a herbaceous to a woody state.

How to promote lignification with fertilization?

Reduce nitrogen inputs at the end of the season and favor potassium, which supports the maturation of woody tissues.

What are the risks of poor lignification?

A lack of lignification increases susceptibility to frost, disease and results in a fragile structure, compromising future production.

What preventive treatments do you recommend?

Use copper treatments to prevent fungal diseases and biostimulants to strengthen stems.

Should irrigation be reduced during lignification?

Yes, limit excess water to encourage stem maturation while maintaining balanced watering.

Do you offer plants adapted to French conditions?

Absolutely! We offer plants and rootstocks adapted to French climates and soils, for optimal production.

Conclusion

Lignification is an essential phase in kiwifruit cultivation, directly impacting their resilience and productivity. By implementing appropriate cultivation practices, you ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. With Kiwiverse, benefit from quality products, personalized technical advice, and reliable services to ensure success at every stage of your production.

Plant your kiwi plants today with our quality rootstocks and benefit from our producer prices for direct delivery to your orchard!