Boosting kiwifruit vine health

Growers will be looking forward to the new season after an extraordinarily challenging season.

Orchard management planning is more critical than ever.

Growers must be cautious and avoid trying to make up for last season’s low production by hanging more fruit than the average load the vines are able to carry.

Production of a much lower-thanaverage crop in one year, followed by a much higher-than-average crop the next season, will induce biennial bearing syndrome, says a Zest Biotech spokesperson.

“Biennial bearing or alternate bearing is a physiological problem that is di cult to manage once induced.” e incidence and severity of vine decline syndrome is increasing.

Zest Biotech says last season’s high rainfall has accelerated the incidence.

“Now the vine decline seen in orchards is being falsely blamed on waterlogging. We have studied soil test results and have found that fertiliser (potassium, boron) and copper levels in the soil are in the high (salinity) range in orchards with vine decline syndrome.

“We recommend that orchardists be careful with fertiliser and copper applications. Use them only if the levels are low (de cient).

“ e same also applies to nitrogen.

“You should not use nitrogen to blow up the size of fruit. Remember PSA is resistant to copper and copper is toxic when applied on foliage.

“We have trial data to show that

Preventing winter blues

Getting at least two servings of fruit each day is a great way to improve your health and wellbeing. is is the latest advice from Dr Carolyn Lister from Plant and Food Research and 5+ A Day.

“Winter fruit such as kiwifruit, lemons, Navel oranges and tamarillos provide important immunity support.” evening meal is a great way to make sure the whole whānau gets at least two servings of fruit every day for

With the huge variety of fresh fruit available through the winter months, it’s easy to grab a kiwifruit or a Navel orange for a healthy snack on the go, but why not try adding your favourites to a main meal?

Agrizest can increase OGR in orchards and deliver optimum fruit yield even in orchards with toxic fertiliser and/ or copper levels. Leading growers have been boosting vine health and maximising their returns with Agrizest and Primazest for more than 15 years.”

Fresh Kiwifruit Salad with Orange dressing.

“Fresh is best when it comes to winter fruit. Buying the varieties that are in season now will not only provide you with the biggest nutritional punch, but they’ll also provide the best value.

“ e delicious fruit grown here in Aotearoa are one of the best sources of the essential nutrients our bodies need. ey’re packed full of vitamins, antioxidants, bre and water that support repair and recovery, immunity, energy levels and mental wellbeing.

“Incorporating fresh fruit into your onion. Add a tangy Navel orange dressing for a quick weeknight salad. Switch out salads for salsa if you prefer a spicier addition to your meal. Try a mix of gold and green kiwifruit diced and combined with garlic, chilli, lemon juice, red onion and your favourite fresh winter herbs. Taco night will be so much tastier with this tangy kiwi twist.

For more exciting recipe ideas and inspiration for making the best of fresh seasonal fruit, the 5+ A Day Charitable Trust website has a database with plenty of delicious options: www.5aday.co.nz or follow their social media channels @5adaynz