From Symposium podium to vine visits

KVH was delighted to co-host international scientists, visiting engineers, and New Zealand Plant & Food scientist Steve Green on a Baygold orchard visit to continue conversations about changing climate impacts on plant health shared at the recent International Symposium on Kiwifruit.

Steve and visiting members of the Italian Task Force are involved in Kiwifruit Vine Decline Syndrome (KVDS) research in Italy and Zespri-funded irrigation trials both offshore and in New Zealand.

The visitors were extremely interested in seeing the underlying pumice and sand layer of the orchard soils, something very different from the heavy clay soils of Italy. They were also interested in the young vine challenges seen in parts of the site in recent times. In December 2022, the orchard manager had reported unusually high plant losses in isolated pockets and diagnostics had identified Phytophthora and Phytophythium pathogens in root and soil samples. These results indicated water management was likely a factor in the plant deaths. It was pleasing to see improvements in structural drainage and soil management had resulted in strong replant growth. The group discussed the role of soil health, irrigation, and vine management in minimising the impact of excessive rain and weather events.

KVH would like to sincerely thank Steve Green and Nikesh Gurung from Baygold for this collaboration.

Growers can join the Zespri webinar tomorrow to hear more about the work of the Italian Task Force.

Image: Back row features Dr Steve Green (PFR); Nikesh Gurung (Baygold area manager) Professor Christos Xiloyannis (Italy), Professor Bartolo Dichio (Italy), Dr Alba Mininni (Italy), and Dr Adriano Sofo (Italy). Front row features research engineers from Argentina.