Kiwi Diseases: How to Spot, Prevent, and Handle Them

So, you’ve got yourself some kiwi vines, and they’re growing all fine and dandy. That is, until one day you notice something…off. Maybe it’s a weird spot on the leaves or a suspicious fuzz growing on the fruit. Yep, kiwi diseases are real, and they can mess with your gardening plans if you’re not careful. Don’t worry, though. You’re not alone in this, and keeping your kiwi vines healthy isn’t rocket science. Let’s talk about some common kiwi diseases, how to recognize them, and what you can do to keep those fuzzy fruits coming.

First Off, Why Do Kiwi Plants Get Sick?

Plants, like people, can’t just stay healthy by sheer luck. Kiwi vines, in particular, need the right balance of care—good soil, proper watering, and decent air circulation. If one of these things goes haywire, diseases can creep in.

Too much moisture? Fungi have a field day. Poor soil? The vines struggle, and pests or infections take advantage. And then there’s weather. A damp, cool season might be great for some plants but an open invitation for kiwi troubles.

Think of it this way: If you skip meals, stay up late, and forget to wash your hands, you’re going to catch a cold eventually. Kiwi vines are no different—they need their basics covered to stay strong.

Common Kiwi Diseases and What to Watch Out For

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here are the most common kiwi diseases, how to recognize them, and what you can do about it.

1. Kiwi Diseases: Bacterial Canker (Pseudomonas Syringae)

This is the big bad wolf of kiwi diseases. Bacterial canker can seriously damage your vines, and if you don’t catch it early, it can spread quickly.

What It Looks Like:

  • Black or brown lesions on branches and trunks.
  • The bark might split, and you’ll see some sap oozing out.
  • The leaves might start looking droopy or wilted.

What to Do:

  • Prune out the infected parts, but only when the weather is dry (bacteria love moisture).
  • Clean your tools with something like rubbing alcohol before and after pruning, so you’re not spreading the problem.
  • Make sure your vines aren’t sitting in overly wet soil. Good drainage is key.

2. Kiwi Diseases: Gray Mold (Botrytis)

Gray Mold

Ever seen a fuzzy gray coating on your kiwi fruit? That’s probably gray mold, and it loves damp, humid conditions.

What It Looks Like:

  • Brown spots on flowers, leaves, or fruit.
  • A fuzzy gray layer that spreads quickly if left alone.
  • Rotted fruit, especially after rain or high humidity.

What to Do:

  • Remove and dispose of any affected fruit or leaves—don’t compost them, or you’ll risk spreading the mold.
  • Improve air circulation around your vines by pruning to open them up.
  • Harvest fruit as soon as it’s ripe, so it doesn’t sit around inviting mold.

3. Kiwi Diseases: Armillaria Root Rot (Honey Fungus)

Armillaria Root Rot

This one is sneaky because it starts underground. If your kiwi vines are struggling and you can’t figure out why, check the roots.

What It Looks Like:

  • Yellowing or wilting leaves.
  • Mushrooms growing at the base of the plant (a big warning sign).
  • White fungal growth under the bark or on the roots.

What to Do:

  • Sadly, there’s no saving a plant that’s too far gone with this one. You’ll need to remove it completely—roots and all.
  • Don’t plant another kiwi vine in the same spot right away. Let the area rest, or treat it to kill any remaining fungus.

4. Kiwi Diseases: Phytophthora Root Rot

Phytophthora Root Rot

If your kiwi vines are wilting and the soil around them is soggy, this water-loving fungus might be to blame.

What It Looks Like:

  • Wilted vines and yellowing leaves.
  • Dig up the roots—they’ll be black and mushy instead of firm and healthy.

What to Do:

  • Improve drainage. If your soil doesn’t drain well, consider planting on raised beds.
  • Water your vines wisely—don’t let the soil stay wet for too long.
  • Fungicides might help, but prevention is the best solution here.

5.Kiwi Diseases: Powdery Mildew

Powdery Mildew

This one’s easy to spot. Powdery mildew looks like your plant has been dusted with powdered sugar—but it’s far from sweet.

What It Looks Like:

  • White, powdery patches appear on leaves, stems, and fruit.
  • Leaves might curl up or turn yellow as the disease progresses.

What to Do:

  • Mix a simple spray with water and baking soda (about 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1 gallon of water) and use it to treat affected areas.
  • Make sure your vines get plenty of sun and airflow.
  • Cut off and get rid of infected leaves to stop the mildew from spreading.

Keeping Kiwi Vines Healthy: Prevention Tips

They claim that prevention is better than cure. Here’s how you can avoid dealing with kiwi diseases in the first place:

  1. Start with Healthy Plants: Choose disease-resistant kiwi varieties when you can. It makes a world of difference.
  2. Keep It Clean: Dead leaves, fallen fruit, and debris around your plants can be breeding grounds for trouble. Keep the area tidy.
  3. Prune Regularly: Not only does this keep your vines looking good, but it also improves air circulation and reduces the chances of fungal infections.
  4. Water Wisely: Kiwi vines need consistent watering, but don’t drown them. Soggy soil is a breeding ground for all sorts of problems.
  5. Feed the Soil: Healthy soil equals healthy plants. Add compost or organic fertilizer to keep things balanced and nutrient-rich.

When to Call in Backup

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, a disease gets the upper hand. Don’t hesitate to reach out to local plant experts, gardening clubs, or agricultural extension offices for advice. They’ve likely seen it all before and can help you figure out a solution.

In the End…

Growing kiwi vines isn’t always smooth sailing, but it’s worth it when you bite into a fresh, homegrown kiwi. Keeping an eye on your plants and catching problems early can make all the difference.

References

  1. Jones, R. & Miller, P. (2020). Fruit and Vine Disease Management. Agricultural Science Press.
  2. New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. (2022). Common Kiwi Pests and Diseases.
  3. Organic Gardening Association. (n.d.). Preventing and Managing Plant Diseases Naturally.
  4. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (n.d.). Kiwi Health and Maintenance Tips.

Categorized in:

Horticulture, Urban Agriculture,

Last Update: January 31, 2025