7 Major Issues To Solve the Kiwi Issai Problems

Kiwi Issai is a popular and hardy kiwi variety that requires attention to overcome common issues. You must ensure a healthy and productive plant life.

So, what are the Kiwi Issai problems?

The significant problems in Kiwi Issais are leaves turning yellow and brown, leaves getting too wet or dry, and damaged leaves. Other issues include pests, bugs, and disease infestations. Solutions include proper fertilization and regular irrigation for proper soil moisture management. 

Let’s dive deep, as there is more to read. 

7 Major Kiwi Issai Problems With Reasons And Solutions

Problems	Reasons	Solutions
Leaves Turning Yellow	Nitrogen Deficiency	Fertilize With Sufficient Nitrogen Levels
Leaves Turning Brown	Leaf Scorch	Regular Irrigation
Wilting Leaves	Botrytis Cinerea Fungus Growth	Treat Leaves With A Fungicide
Leaves Too Dry	Excessive Sunlight	Increase Humidity by Misting The Leaves
Damaged Leaves	Spring Frosts	Cover The Kiwi Issai
Pests or Bugs Infestation on Barks And Roots	High Humidity	Soap And Water Treatment, or Neem Oil Spray
Phytophthora Crown and Root Rot	Bad Soil Moisture	Manage The Soil Moisture Properly

The Kiwi Issai faces several problems and to address all these issues, growers can attempt specific techniques to fix. Remember, it is good to prune all leaves-related problems and apply measures to prevent these issues.

Let’s find out more about what more can be done. 

Problem 1: Leaves Turning Yellow

A Kiwi leaf turning yellow will generally have yellow pigmentation starting at the edges or tips of the leaf and spreading inward. This potentially turns the entire leaf yellow and carries similar properties to Pride of Barbados leaves turning yellow. 

This color change can occur gradually or quickly, depending on the cause. The yellowing may be uniform or patchy. Moreover, the leaf would exhibit other symptoms such as wilting, brown spots, or curling. 

With all these symptoms, the leaf may also eventually drop off the plant. 

Reason: Nitrogen Deficiency 

The yellowing is a warning sign that the plant is not receiving enough nitrogen. Kiwi plants require a significant amount of nitrogen to thrive. 

Solution: Fertilize With Sufficient Nitrogen Levels

To treat yellowing Kiwi leaves caused by a nitrogen deficiency, increase nitrogen fertilizer application during the initial stages of the plant’s growing season. Fertilizers such as Ultimate Palm Nitrogen Fertilizer and Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food are excellent. 

• Spread granular fertilizer around the vine in spring and add more in summer. The amount of nitrogen fertilizer to be applied depends on the size of the plant. Generally, a granular fertilizer with a nitrogen content of 10-20% should be applied at the rate of 1-2 lbs per 100 square feet.
• Apply the fertilizer in the spring and summer, with a light application every 4-6 weeks.
• Mulch with organic matter such as compost or manure, providing a consistent nitrogen source. 
• Keep the stem of the leaves clear of mulch.

Fertilizing the Kiwis may require adjusting the amount of nitrogen applied as it matures with nutritional needs. 

• In the first year, apply 1 tablespoon of nitrogen fertilizer to the soil surrounding the tree and thoroughly water the fertilizer. 
• In the second year, apply ¼ pound of nitrogen in three applications.
• Then, increase the amount by ¼ pound for each subsequent year in three applications. 

This guarantees the tree receives sufficient nutrients during its growth. Not exceeding the recommended fertilizer is essential, as too much can harm the tree.

Problem 2: Leaves Turning Brown

When the leaves of a kiwi plant turn brown, it signifies a lack of proper irrigation and stress on the leaves. This color change may appear as spots.

This results in wilted leaves and eventual detachment from the plant.

Reason: Leaf Scorch

If you notice the edges of Kiwi leaves turning brown, examine the location where the plant is grown. Kiwis require plenty of sunlight to grow well and produce fruit, but excessive heat can be harmful, causing leaf scorch.

This can also happen if the plant does not receive enough water during the drought.

Solution: Regular Irrigation

To prevent Kiwi hardy vines from turning brown due to a lack of irrigation, check the soil moisture regularly to ensure the plant receives sufficient water. Follow these steps for regular watering:

• Water once or twice a week should be sufficient. The soil should be moist all the time but not logged by water. The amount of water should be at least 1-2 inches.
• Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation slowly and deeply soak the soil.
• Spread out a layer of organic mulching materials over the area you want to cover with a depth between two and four inches. 

Implementing these measures will aid in providing adequate water to your Kiwi vines, promoting their well-being, and avoiding leaf discoloration.

Problem 3: Wilting Leaves

Wilting is caused by a decrease in turgor pressure, which is the pressure that makes cells swell and expand. The plant will start to sag, and the leaves will discolor because they are too wet. 

Reason: Botrytis Cinerea Fungus Growth

Botrytis cinerea is a fungus that thrives in humid environments and infects the Kiwi plant’s leaves, stems, and fruit. If conditions are suitable for the fungus, it can lead to leaf drop and plant death.

Solution: Treat Leaves With A Fungicide

• Determine which fungicide to use. In this case, Fludioxonil or Spectracide Immunox Fungus products should prevent Botrytis Cinerea fungus growth.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions in mixing the fungicide.
• Ensure that every part of the Kiwi plant is evenly coated with the fungicide by applying it to the leaves.
• Apply the fungicide at the correct time, either during a period of dormancy or when the initial signs of fungal growth are visible.

Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for the treatment and continue to do so as necessary to prevent further fungal growth.

Problem 4: Leaves Too Dry

A Kiwi leaf lacking moisture can be wilted, brittle, or brown at the edges. It can also curl and crack, appearing dull or faded and even dropping from the plant.

Reason: Too Much Sunlight

Intense sunlight can cause a plant’s leaves to become wilted and dry due to excessive transpiration and photosynthetic inhibition. This means the Kiwi Issai will not produce enough food using light energy.

Solution: Increase Humidity by Misting The Leaves

• Gather a spray bottle and water. 
• Thoroughly mist the plant’s top and bottom leaves with water early in the day, before the sun is at its peak. 
• Repeat the misting process as needed, such as once or twice a day, to maintain a proper humidity level around the plant.

Do not over-mist the plant, as too much water can lead to other issues, such as fungal growth or root rot. Avoid misting the leaves during the hottest parts of the day, as this increases the risk of sunburn. 

Problem 5: Damaged Leaves

Damage to the leaves include spots, blisters, holes, and deformity. Extreme temperatures or chemical exposures may cause the symptoms. Diagnosing the source of leaf damage is essential for implementing the most effective treatment and prevention.

Reason: Spring Frosts

When temperatures drop suddenly during a spring frost, the Kiwi Issai leaves can become damaged. 

This is because they are not yet acclimated to the colder weather. In cases of extreme cold, the leaves may suffer from tissue necrosis. This is followed by loss of turgor pressure and reduced growth and productivity.

Mostly, the cells of these leaves become damaged due to sudden temperature drops during spring frost. And so, reasonable indications should be followed to keep plants active in colder conditions. 

Solution: Cover The Kiwi Issai

• Place a frost cloth or blanket over the plant, ensuring it reaches the ground and is held to prevent it from blowing away.
• Use a heating element, like a heating lamp or a portable electric heater, to increase the temperature of the environment surrounding the plant.
• Water the soil surrounding the plant to dissipate heat when the water freezes.
• Create a microclimate for the Kiwi plant, which can be done by planting it in a sheltered area. Locations near a south-facing wall or a greenhouse are susceptible to this.

Be proactive in protecting the plants; once frost damage occurs, it can be challenging to recover from. 

Problem 6: Pests or Bugs Infestation on Barks And Roots

Kiwi plants can suffer from various pest and bug infestations. This can manifest as holes in the bark where the wounds secrete saps. A proper diagnosis to identify pest infestation is necessary as the symptoms can be similar to disease or environmental stress.

Reason: High Humidity

High humidity can create favorable conditions for pests and bugs, such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. This is achieved by reducing the rate at which foliage and other parts of the plant dry out.

Solution: Soap And Water Treatment, or Neem Oil Spray

Soap and water treatment and Neem oil spray are two methods that can be used to control pests and bug infestations on Kiwi Issai.

Here is how the process works for soap and water treatment or Neem oil spray:

• Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of neem oil with 1 gallon of water for neem oil spray. Make sure to shake the mixture well before each use. For soap water, mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of mild dish soap in 1 gallon of water for the water treatment. 
• Apply the solution to all parts of the plant, mainly the underside of the leaves where pests commonly reside.
• Repeat the treatment once a week until the pests are under control. 

Also, good cultural practices like proper plant spacing can help prevent future pest and bug infestations.

Problem 7: Phytophthora Crown and Root Rot

Phytophthora crown and root rot is a common disease that affects Kiwi Issai. The symptom of this disease mainly includes root decay, stem cankers, and stunted growth. When these diseases happen, it results in smaller leaves and fruit sizes compared to healthy plants. 

Reason: Bad Soil Moisture

Bad soil moisture, either too much or too little, can contribute to disease infestations in Kiwi Issai in several ways. For example, over-watering can lead to water-logged soil. This creates an environment that fosters the growth of Phytophthora.

Solution: Manage The Soil Moisture Properly

• Ensure the soil is adequately drained to avoid water logging and root rot.
• Water the plant when the soil is dry.
• Spread a layer of organic material on the soil to regulate moisture
• Remove and dispose of any diseased leaves or branches.

With these steps, you can effectively manage soil moisture and minimize the risk of disease infestations. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Do kiwi plants need a lot of water?

Kiwi plants require moderate watering, and the soil should be kept consistently moist but not soggy. A good watering schedule is to water deeply once a week, adjusting for weather conditions. 

When should hardy kiwi fruit be harvested?

Hardy Kiwi fruit is typically harvested in late autumn when the fruit has fully ripened and turned a dark brown. A simple way to check for ripeness is to taste a fruit; if it’s sweet and juicy, it’s ready to be harvested. 

What are some landscaping applications for hardy kiwi vines?

Hardy Kiwi Vines are favored in landscaping for their vigorous growth and attractive foliage. It can be used as a trellis accent or ground cover, providing dense foliage and edible fruit.

Final Words

We have figured out 7 Kiwi Issai problems and provided good insights on the reasons and solutions. Implement appropriate measures when encountering any of these issues. We hope you find success with your ventures.

It’s time to go.

Adios!