Kiwi Fruit Pests and Diseases Biological Control Management

Pests and diseases are a myriad of problems that Kiwi growers have to deal with to ensure the health, performance, and quality of their fruits in the marketplace. Some of the main pest issues include the leafrollers- the brown headed and the green headed variety- that feed very well on young leaves and fruits and can cause a lot of damage during the growing season rolling the leaves into sheltering structures.

Besides insect pests, the kiwi plants are also susceptible to various life threatening diseases. Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actiniae is the bacterial pathogen that causes bacterial canker causing lesions, cankers and wilting that cause significant crop damage. Likewise, soil-borne pathogens like Phytophthora spp. that cause root rot and other fungi like Armillaria and Sclerotinia cause root and stem decay weakening plant foundations. The most prevalent foliar diseases are anthracnose and powdery mildew, which lead to spotting of the leaf, stem lesions, and bleaching of fruits, which deteriorate the quality of crops even more.

Further, there is a set of insect pests, such as aphids, aphid-like psyllids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which cause sap-sucking damages, infection of the viral diseases, and general stress of the plants. New complexities of such management have been posed by emerging invasive species such as brown marmorated stink bugs.

Nutrient imbalances or environmental issues conditions like chlorosis are physiological ailments which highlight the value of holistic orchard care methods. To achieve effective kiwi pest control of kiwi fruit pests and diseases, there is a need to have a combination of cultural, biological and chemical tools with a local orientation.

With knowledge of the biology and ecology of the primary predators of kiwi, including scales and leafrollers, bacterial wilts and fungal rots, growers may apply specific, sustainable management approaches that protect orchard productivity and long-term survival. In the article, we will discuss about kiwi fruit pests and diseases​, kiwifruit disease control and kiwi pesticides to control them. 

 

Kiwi Fruit Pests

Brown-headed Leafroller	Green-headed Leafroller	Leafroller	Greedy Scale	Passion Vine Hopper	Two-spotted Spider Mite
Thrips	Armored Scale Insects	Aphids	Mealybugs	Whiteflies	Root-knot Nematode

 

Kiwi Diseases

Powdery Mildew	Leaf Spots Diseases	Canker Diseases	Bacterial Canker	Phytophthora Root Rot	Armillaria Root Rot
Sclerotinia Rot	Rhizoctonia Stem Rot	Anthracnose

 

Kiwi Nutrition

Sustainable Nitrogen Fixation

Potassium and Silicon Absorbtion

Inorganic Phosphorus Uptake

Soil Health for Kiwi

 

 

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Common Kiwi Pests Control

Target Pests: Brown-headed leafroller, Green-headed leafroller, Leafrollers

Recommended Product: BT Thuricide 

Active ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis (BT)

Leafrollers are one of the major pest groups that have led to damage to kiwi growers during the growing season. Prominent ones are the brown-headed leafroller and the green-headed leafroller species that are members of the same family the Tortricidae. These caterpillars destroy young leaves, buds and developing fruit, curling leaves to form protective shelters and result in loss of tender tissue and undermined quality of fruit.

Sustainable farming practices would dictate a solution to handle these devastating pests and at the same time use BT Thuricide as an ideal solution. The bioinsecticide is based on the naturally found bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Bt) that specifically attacks the leafroller caterpillar larvae but does not hurt the useful insects. Bt is a stomach poison; infectious larvae that ingest Bt spores absorb the crystal proteins produced by the bacterium into receptors in their midgut, which interferes with the digestive process causing death in a few days.

The mode of action of BT Thuricide predisposes it to organic and integrated pest management (IPM) programs. It is provided in a wettable form in foliar spraying, so the pests are attacked at the most vulnerable stage of early instar stage. The highest kiwi pest control efficacy is obtained when intervals of application of 7-10 days are used during the periods of the peak infestations.

Field trials and scientific work have confirmed the usefulness of Bt in reducing the numbers of leafroller and limiting the damage caused by them in kiwifruit orchards. Mass surveillance in both New Zealand and California attests to lower rates of infestation and quality of fruit under programs based on Bt. In addition, Bt products are non-toxic to workers, consumers and the environment and form part of sustainable pest management in high value crops such as kiwifruits.

Application of BT Thuricide as a regular component of pest management plans will allow kiwi growers to reduce the use of synthetic chemicals, gain advantageous insect populations, and enhance organic certification. To growers struggling with leafrollers, BT Thuricide is a time-tested, eco-friendly and viable weapon to healthier orchards and higher yields.

 

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Target Pests: Greedy scale, Passion vine hopper, Two-spotted spider mite, Thrips, Armored scale insects, Aphids, Mealybugs, Whiteflies, Caterpillars

Recommended Product: Beaveria WP

Active ingredient: Beauveria bassiana

BEVERIA WP is one of the most effective biologically active insecticides which is made of the fungus Beauveria bassiana which grows naturally. It offers a great control of a wide spectrum of insect pests, such as, greedy scale, passion vine hopper, two-spotted spider mite, thrips, armored scale insects, aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and caterpillars. When the fungus spores are applied they latch on the exoskeleton of these pests and grow. The developing hyphae penetrate into the bodies of the pests and drop toxins which end up killing the pests.

Contrary to the conventional chemical kiwi pesticides, BEVERIA WP is a contact agent, which implies that pests are not required to ingest the product to make it work. This feature results in the fact that it is a perfect choice regarding the organic farming practice and the sustainable agriculture, aimed at minimizing the pesticide residue, and preserving the useful organisms.

The product could be sprayed on the foliage or sprayed into the soil as a drench and this will guarantee a full coverage and an assault on the pests in various parts of the plants. To be effectively controlled, it is advised that it be applied every 7-10 days when the pest activity is at the highest level. The selectivity of BEVERIA WP to diverse chemical as well as biological products is what makes it the preferred constituent of integrated pest management (IPM) programs.

BEVERIA WP allows farmers to manage the population of pests, increase the quality of plant growth, improve the yield, and retain biodiversity in their cultivating systems, all through its focused and environmentally-friendly pest management.

 

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Target Pests: Beetles 

Recommended Product: Myco Pestop

Active Ingredient: Metarhizium anisopliae

Myco pestop is a very efficient organic insecticide that is used to treat a wide scope of beetle pests that are harmful to vegetable crops and fruit crops. The active one, Metarhizium anisopliae, is a naturally-occurring entomopathic fungus, which infects beetle pests adhering the spores to the cuticle. The spores germinate once they attack and invade the exoskeleton, colonizing and in turn killing the insect usually between 3 and 7 days.

The fungal mode of action, unlike chemical kiwi pesticides, causes an eco-friendly, sustainable alternative of pest management that only affects the pest species leaving the harmless insects intact. The fungus spreads in the surroundings through spores upon dead insects to produce an effect of self-dissemination which can alleviate the pressure of reinfestation with time.

Product is used as foliar sprays and soil drenches and this guarantees all-rounding attack on the beetle pests at all the stages of the pest life cycle. The interval of 5 to 10 days between applications is effective, since it is applied often during the highest levels of pest activity. The compatibility of Myco Pestop with other organic inputs and safe residue profile positions it as the one to use in integrated pest management programs aimed at using fewer chemicals.

Experiments in the field show that Metarhizium anisopliae preparations are an effective way of reducing beetle populations and lead to better crop health and increased yield. This microbial insecticide is a very important part of sustainable agriculture when it is combined with cultural practices like crop rotation and sanitation.

 

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Nematodes Organic Kiwi Pest Control

Target Pests: Nematodes

Recommended Product: Nema Pro / Nema ProMax

Active Ingredient: Paecilomyces lilacinus/burkholderia spp. and bacillus pumilus

Nema Pro and Nema ProMax rely on organic nematicides (Nema ProMax and Nema Pro) to combat a large scale of nematodes, including root-knot nematodes, which are a major threat to crop quality and yield. Nema Pro utilizes the strength of the natural soil dwelling fungus, Paecilomyces lilacinus, which is a known parasite of nematode eggs, juveniles, and adults. The fungus sticks to nematode eggs, enters their shells with enzymes such as chitinase and proteases as well as interrupts physiological processes and the nematode dies. It is complemented with the generation of growth promoting metabolites that increase the root development and overall plant vigor thus a perfect choice in organic and sustainable agriculture.

Nema ProMax that contains Burkholderia spp. and Bacillus pumilus provides a strong antibacterial and nematicidal action. This formulation is lethal to second instar larvae of nematodes as within 24 hours it produces toxic metabolites that disrupt cell integrity of the nematode and prevent hatching of nematodes eggs. The joint biological effect of these microbes does not only help to inhibit the infestation of nematodes, but also the health of the soil through nutrient availability elevation.

The two products are supplied in wettable powders or liquids which can be used to drench soil, drip irrigate or apply in furrows. Dosages and application timetables suggested will keep nematodes in check during the growing season. They minimize the use of chemical nematicides and therefore their application helps in environmental concerns and resistance.

Much scientific research illustrates the effectiveness of Paecilomyces lilacinus and Burkholderia spp. in reducing the number of nematodes to boost crop output. Use of these biocontrol agents on fields results in reduced root galling, improved plant health and higher productivity, thus justifying their use as critical components of an integrated nematode management program.

 

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Kiwi Leaf Diseases​

Target Kiwi Diseases: Powdery Mildew, Leaf Spots Diseases, Canker diseases

Recommended Product: FloraEgis 

Active Ingredient: Trichoderma harzianum   

FloraEgis is a natural organic foliar fungicide that is developed using an effective active ingredient Trichoderma harzianum strain (TH17), which is aimed at treating a wide range of foliar diseases: powdery mildew, kiwi leaf diseases​ like spot diseases, canker, botrytis, and other fungi. The mode of action of the fungicide is colonization of the leaf surfaces, where under the systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and induced systemic resistance (ISR) the fungicide induces self-protection in the plant.

When applied, Trichoderma harzianum is more competitive than pathogenic fungi as it colonizes the phylloplane and produces enzymes to degrade pathogenic fungal hyphae. It also induces heightened synthesis of defense-related proteins, antioxidants, phytoalexins, and other substances in the plant in order to enhance resistance to later infections.

FloraEgis is used in powder and wetable preparation, which is sprayed on the leaf in the form of the foliar spray at 2-3 grams per liter at a 7-10 days interval, determined by the pressure of disease. It can be used on a wide range of crops as follows: citrus, grapes, potatoes, leafy greens and berries among others. Because it is a biological fungicide, it is environmental and non-target organism-safe - and can easily integrate into organic and integrated disease management programs.

Applied repeatedly at early stages of the disease or pre-empting crop infection enhances plant vigor and quality of production. The eco-friendly character of the product and its widespread activity precondition its importance as an essential tool of sustainable agriculture.

 

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Kiwifruit Disease Control

Target Diseases:  Bacterial Wilt, Bacterial Canker

Recommended Product: Bactonus

Active Ingredient:  Bacillus safensis, Bacillus velezensis and Pseudomonas chlororaphis

Bactonus is a successful bactericide that uses the power of friendly bacteria to fight significant bacterial and fungal infections in common kiwi plant diseases such as bacterial canker and bacterial wilt. A combination of Bacillus safensis, Bacillus velezensis, and Pseudomonas chlororaphis (vigorous microorganisms that colonize the root zone and subdue pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actiniae (cause bacterial canker) and Ralstonia solanacearum (cause bacterial wilt) are being used in the product.

The bacteria generate bacteriolytic compounds and metabolites which are ribosomal peptides and antibiotics such as phenazines which target pathogens that are harmful. Also, these useful microbes can improve the health of the roots by creating biofilms on the roots and production of growth-promoting compounds like indole acetic acid (IAA) and jasmonic acid, which leads to enhanced nutrient uptake and vegetative vigor.

Bactonus may be used as a soil dose, spray, or drip spray at the recommended doses which are normally 3 kg/hectare, application made 20-30 days apart. It can be used in most kiwi pesticides in the integrated pest management programs and does not leave any harmful residues hence it is ideal in organic farming.

Recent research and field trials have shown that Bactonus has been shown to have a significant impact of lowering disease incidence and also enhancing healthier and more resilient kiwi plants, resulting in improved yields and cost effective management of orchards.

 

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Target Diseases: Phytophthora Root Rot, Armillaria Root Rot, Sclerotinia Rot, Rhizoctonia Stem Rot, Anthracnose 

Recommend Product:  HarzShield

Active Ingredient: Trichoderma harzianum

HarzShield is an excellent biological fungicide for kiwi containing Trichoderma harzianum as the active active ingredient, which has been known to provide an excellent broad spectrum against soil-borne pathogens such as Phytophthora, Armillaria, Sclerotinia, Rhizoctonia, and Colletotrichum species that cause anthracnose. This biofungicide enhances plant growth by inhabiting the rhizosphere and root surfaces thus inhibiting the pathogenic fungi in a variety of ways including; competition of nutrients and space, mycoparasitism and stimulation of plant defense mechanisms.

The fungus thrives quickly in the soil, effectively competing with harmful pathogens, and it produces enzymes with the ability to degrade cell walls of pathogens. In addition, Trichoderma harzianum improves nutrient uptake and root development through the release of plant growth hormones and the promotion of a better soil structure. Reduction by several folds (as much as 70% or more) in disease incidence, plus increased crop vigor and crop yield, have been demonstrated in field applications.

HarzShield is easily administered by soil drench, drip irrigation or root substrate treatment at a rate of 3 kg/acre and applied twice or thrice to the soil at vital periods of crop growth. It can be used on a broad variety of crops such as vegetables, fruits, ornamental, and fiber crops.

HarzShield is an effective biological kiwifruit disease control agent that can be actively involved in sustainable agriculture by reducing the use of chemicals in the form of fungicides, maintaining valuable microbiota in the soil, and decreasing toxicity levels. Its use alongside integrated pest and disease management programs allows it to be considered a tool that is indispensable by growers who want to have healthier soils and produce of higher quality.

 

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Kiwi Biostimulant Treatment

Purpose:  Improve Kiwi Growth with a sustainable fixation of nitrogen

Recommend Product: Metilo

Active Ingredient: Methylobacterium

Metilo is an effective bio stimulant that stimulates growth in kiwi trees by enhancing sustainable fixation of nitrogen. Its active ingredient of importance, Methylobacterium, is a naturally occurring bacterium that has the ability to convert nitrogen in the atmosphere to a form that is easily taken up by the Kiwi roots. Upon application, Metilo settles on the Kiwi plant surfaces-leaf and root-surface- giving a stable long-term supply of nitrogen during the growing season. Such a sustainable supply of nutrients helps produce stems that are stronger, densely foliaged, flower and produce in greater amounts without the use of artificial nitrogen fertilizers. Also, Metilo strengthens positive microflora in the soil and decreases the reliance on chemical inputs, which is why it is a great option that should be chosen by eco-friendly Kiwi growers.

 

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Purpose: To market Potassium and Silicon Uptake in Kiwi

Active Ingredient: Bacillus mucilaginosus

The Bacillus mucilinosus has a significant effect of enhancing the Kiwi crops to absorb necessary potassium and silicon. This advantageous soil microbe releases organic acids and enzymes to liberate potassium and silicate minerals so that they can be more accessible to roots. It is applied especially at the seedling stage and this will settle in the rhizosphere so as to sustain the release of these essential nutrients. Potassium helps to regulate the amount of water and works with enzymes, silicon helps to make cell walls stronger and more resistant to stress. Application of this biofertilizer may help in decreasing the application of synthetic fertilizers, enhancing the soil fertility, and helping to sustain the overall health of plants resulting in high growth, tolerance to adverse environment, and yield and fruit quality. Its application is in line with sustainable farming as it promotes the natural recycling of nutrients and reduced use of chemicals.

 

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Purpose: Improve Phosphorus Uptake in Kiwi

Recommended Product: Cropium

Active Ingredient: Penicillium bilaiae

Cropium is a good biofertilizer that contains the fungus Penicillium bilaiae which improves the absorption of inorganic phosphorus in blueberries by mobilizing otherwise inaccessible soil phosphorus using secreted organic acids. This movement permits the blueberries to absorb more phosphorus which helps in the efficient root development and efficacy in the utilization of nutrients. The end effect will be enhanced plant development, stress tolerance, and flowering and fruit set. Adding Cropium to fertilizing methods aids in decreasing the use of synthetic phosphate fertilizers, stimulating the long-term safety of the soil and boosting sustainable output.

 

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Purpose: The Soil Strength of Sustainable Kiwi Growing

Recommended Product:  Soil Vigor

Active Ingredient: Blended microbes (Bacillus and Trichoderma species)

Soil Vigor is a combination of several positive microorganisms, including Bacillus and Trichoderma species, to strengthen the soil health and sustainability. The microbes increase the breakdown of organic matter, nutrient cycling, and the Kiwi roots availability of essential nutrients. They also reduce soilborne diseases through competition that utilizes resources and production of natural antimicrobial compounds whereby the roots become healthier and the disease resistance is better. Consistent Soil Vigor applied regularly enhances a healthy soil microbiome, which enhances soil structure, aeration, moisture retention, and less reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Its extensive application leads to long-term productivity, high crop health and sustainable agricultural systems.

 

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Common Pest and Kiwifruit Disease Control Management

Growing in Kiwi is threatened by such widespread pests as aphids, thrips, spider mites, leafrollers, and such diseases as bacterial canker, root rot and anthracnose. The effective kiwi pest control incorporates the cultural practices of pruning, irrigation management and sanitation with biological control such as kiwi pesticides. Practical predators and entomopathic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae make the suppression of pests environmentally friendly. The use of accepted chemical fungicides in the context of the integrated pest management (IPM) is judicious and minimizes the emergence in resistance and maintains desirable insect populations. This holistic strategy makes plants healthy, productive, yields to have high quality, and orchards to be manageable sustainably. Now you know that kiwi fruit pests and diseases control is not rocket science and can be done easily.