Kiwifruit is a delicious and nutritious fruit that originated in China and has become popular worldwide. However, growing kiwifruit is not an easy task, as it requires careful planning, preparation, and maintenance. In this article, we will discuss some of the different mechanisms for planting kiwifruit and controlling kiwifruit pests.
Planting Kiwifruit
The first step in planting kiwifruit is to choose a suitable variety and rootstock. There are many varieties of kiwifruit, such as Hayward, Bruno, Abbott, and Monty, each with different characteristics and preferences. Some of the factors to consider when choosing a variety are the climate, the soil, the pollination, the disease resistance, and the fruit quality. The rootstock is the part of the plant that provides the roots and affects the size, vigor, and productivity of the vine. There are different types of rootstocks, such as Malling, Tomuri, and Bruno, each with different advantages and disadvantages.
The second step in planting kiwifruit is to prepare the site and the soil. The site should be well-drained, sunny, and protected from strong winds. The soil should be fertile, loamy, and slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should also be tested and amended with organic matter and fertilizer if needed. The best time to plant kiwifruit is in early spring, before the buds break, or in late fall, after the leaves drop.
The third step in planting kiwifruit is to dig the hole and plant the vine. The hole should be twice as wide and as deep as the root ball, and the soil should be loosened at the bottom and the sides. The vine should be placed in the center of the hole, with the graft union about 2 inches (5 cm) above the soil surface. The roots should be spread evenly and the soil should be filled and firmed around them. The vine should be watered thoroughly and staked if necessary. A layer of mulch should be applied around the base of the vine, but not touching the trunk, to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.
Read more: Export Kiwi to India
Controlling Kiwifruit Pests
The second challenge in growing kiwifruit is to control the pests that can damage the vine and the fruit. There are many pests that can attack kiwifruit, such as aphids, mites, scales, thrips, leafrollers, borers, and psyllids. Some of the different mechanisms for controlling kiwifruit pests are:
– Cultural control: This involves using practices that prevent or reduce the pest infestation, such as pruning, thinning, weeding, mulching, and sanitation. For example, pruning the vine to improve air circulation and light penetration can reduce the risk of fungal diseases and insect pests. Thinning the fruit to avoid overcrowding can improve the fruit quality and size, and reduce the attraction of pests. Weeding and mulching the soil can prevent the emergence of weeds and soil-borne pests. Sanitation involves removing and destroying the infected or infested plant parts, such as leaves, branches, and fruits, to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
– Biological control: This involves using natural enemies, such as predators, parasitoids, and pathogens, to suppress the pest population. For example, ladybugs, lacewings, and spiders can feed on aphids and mites. Parasitic wasps can lay eggs inside the larvae of leafrollers and borers, killing them. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium that can infect and kill the caterpillars of leafrollers and butterflies. Biological control can be enhanced by providing habitats and food sources for the natural enemies, such as flowers, shrubs, and water.
– Chemical control: This involves using pesticides, such as insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides, to kill or repel the pests. Chemical control should be used as a last resort, when the pest infestation is severe and the other methods are ineffective. Chemical control should also be used with caution, as it can have negative impacts on the environment, the human health, and the natural enemies. Chemical control should be based on the pest identification, the pest life cycle, the pest threshold, and the pesticide label. Chemical control should be applied at the right time, the right rate, and the right method, to achieve the best results and minimize the risks.
Read more: Export Apples to India
Conclusion
Kiwifruit is a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be grown in many regions of the world. However, growing kiwifruit requires careful planning, preparation, and maintenance. Some of the different mechanisms for planting kiwifruit and controlling kiwifruit pests are choosing a suitable variety and rootstock, preparing the site and the soil, digging the hole and planting the vine, using cultural, biological, and chemical methods to prevent or reduce the pest infestation. By following these mechanisms, kiwifruit growers can enjoy a healthy and productive harvest.
