Support next season's growth with YaraVita Bud Builder FL—essential post-harvest nutrients for strong buds, foliage,... Read More
Our Kiwifruit Knowledge
Fruitfed Supplies has worked with kiwifruit growers from the very early days, focusing a good portion of their research and development on this important crop to the New Zealand economy.
Our Fruitfed Supplies team also works with Kiwifruit Vine Health and postharvest facilities. These relationships ensure our Technical Specialists are up to date on issues and topics affecting the kiwifruit sector, allowing them to work collaboratively and share this information to the wider industry, including growers.
Our Growers | KW Kiwi Ltd
Katikati kiwifruit growers Stephen Kenna and Phillipa Wright aren’t spouting a mere catchphrase when they talk about ‘continual improvement’. It’s a philosophy they have embraced for more than 30 years as the custodians of their land who implement sustainable management practices which enhance both the environment and crop quality.
Our Growers | Kiwicare Horticulture
Father and son, Steve and Cody Law grow kiwifruit in the Bay of Plenty. With Cody the third generation of growers, the family has long sought the advice and knowledge of the Fruitfed Supplies team. Both Steve and Cody appreciate the up-to-date and succinct information they receive from their rep which Cody says they use to maximise their productivity on-orchard.
Kiwifruit Tech-Know Tips For March & April
- Red19 harvest will be completed in March, with Gold3 and Hayward harvest continues through April.
- Continue foliar applications of YaraVita Croplift-K or Valagro 0-25-50 (0-11-41.5 elemental basis). Both products have a 7-day pre-harvest interval and are formulated to provide an elevated level of potassium for the later part of the season. Potassium is a key component of fruit growth and maturation.
- If monitoring indicates the four percent scale threshold has been exceeded, apply one percent Excel® Organic Oil for control on Hayward. Avoid applying mineral oils to Gold3 during March, as they may cause fruit marking or premature fruit drop."
- Leafroller, including orange fruit borer (OFB), can be controlled with Delfin® WG or Proclaim Opti®. Be aware of the latter’s 42-day pre-harvest interval (PHI) if harvest is anticipated within the next six weeks.
- Look for signs of sooty mould on fruit. Passionvine hoppers are a major cause of it and can be controlled with ZETaPy®. Multiple applications of TripleX® may help prevent sooty mould development.
- Psa can be managed with coppers such as Kocide® Opti™, Tri-Base Blue® or Nordox™. Application of Psa control products is important around wet weather events. If harvest has been completed, Actigard can be applied, but avoid spray drift to unharvested blocks.
- Ensure load-out areas are free of weeds, which can host wheat bugs. If spraying herbicide, do so a couple of weeks before harvest to ensure weeds are dead. Record all actions in the Spray Diary, as they are essential for China market access.
- Where needed, ZETaPy will also control greenhouse thrips.
- Prior to harvest, fruit stain removal can be achieved through applications of KiwiLustre® LF or citric acid.
*ACVM registration numbers apply. Read registered label before use.
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