Diseases and Pests

The hardy kiwi is a relatively new crop to our area. Little information is available on the disease and insect pests that affect this crop. Disease organisms known to infect the hardy kiwi are phytophthora crown and root rot, botrytis rot, and sclerotinia blight. Phytophthora crown and root rot is reported to be one of the most serious diseases of this fruit. The symptoms, disease cycle, and control practices for this disease are described throughout this book in the chapters on various other crops.

Hardy kiwi plants also are damaged by root knot nematodes. Insect problems include two-spotted spider mites, leaf rollers, thrips, and Japanese beetles. To control these pests, refer to the control measures listed in the chapters covering other fruit crops. As with every other crop, only compounds registered for use on hardy kiwi can be used for pest control.