Objective 2: This project aimed to test the pathogenicity of three species/groups of the most prevalent Fusarium species identified in Objective 1. The project demonstrated that the Fusarium solani complex was the most pathogenic to kiwifruit, of those species tested. Although the other two species were able to establish in the vines, they did not move far from the inoculation site, and it was unclear whether these species are primary pathogens in kiwifruit. These tests validate what is being observed on-orchard, where Fusarium solani is being isolated from a greater proportion of Kiwifruit Trunk Disease symptoms than many other organisms.

Objective 3: A literature review was completed to identify potential management options for Fusarium to support and inform management decisions by growers. There is no published information on control options for Fusarium solani in kiwifruit vines and little for other hosts. So, most of the management is centered around good biosecurity practices on-orchard which reduce inoculum and spread of the pathogen.

Read the report here.