Pest & Disease Control for Kiwi Berry Vines
Every plant has the future potential for disease and insect damage. Factors such as location and weather will play a part in which issues your plants encounters. If available, disease-resistant varieties are the best option for easy care; and for all types of plants, proper maintenance (such as watering, pruning, spraying, weeding, and cleanup) can help keep most insects and diseases at bay.
NOTE: This is part 5 in a series of 9 articles. For a complete background on how to grow kiwi berry vines, we recommend starting from the beginning.
Phytophthora Crown and Root Rot
It causes weak plant growth and the development of small yellow leaves. Terminal growth may be stunted or die back. Plants often collapse and die during hot weather.
Natural Control
- Avoid over irrigation and heavy wet clay soil.
Other Control Options
- Consult County Extension Agent
Root Knot Nematode
Small worms like insects causing swollen or knotted roots with above ground symptoms, yellowing, wilting, stunting and reduced yield.
Natural Control
- Pest free plants
Other Control Options
- Consult County Extension Agent
Japanese Beetle
Adult is metallic green beetle, which skeletonizes leaves. Larvae are a grub, which feeds on turf roots. Check turf product labels for timing of control of grubs. This is more of a problem east of the Mississippi River.
Control
- Consult County Extension Agent
Spider Mites
Pinpoint size, many different colors. Found on undersides of leaves. Sap feeding causes bronzing of leaves. Severe infestations have some silken webbing.
Natural Control
- Keep your plant moist.
Other Control Options
- Consult County Extension Agent
