Plant guide:ðĨ Kiwi
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Fungal
Botrytis Grey Mould on Kiwi Fruit
Commonly affects: Actinidia deliciosa, A. chinensis (Kiwi)
A fuzzy grey mould develops on fruit, often starting at the stem end, spreading rapidly especially on fruit in storage or during cool, humid weather near harvest.
Potential Causes
- 1Botrytis cinerea fungus, favoured by cool, humid conditions
- 2Fruit damaged during harvest providing an entry point
- 3Poor air circulation in storage after picking
Solution Steps
- 1Harvest fruit carefully to avoid bruising or stem damage that gives Botrytis an entry point
- 2Store harvested fruit in cool, well-ventilated conditions
- 3Remove and destroy any fruit showing early signs of grey mould before it spreads to others in storage
- 4Improve airflow around vines during the final weeks before harvest
Prevention Tip
Careful, damage-free harvesting is the single biggest factor in preventing Botrytis rot during storage, since wounds are the fungus's main entry point.
