Orchard Microclimate Control as a Way to Prevent Kiwifruit Decline Syndrome Onset.

ABSTRACT: A syndrome called "Kiwifruit Decline Syndrome" (KiDS) affects kiwifruit in several Mediterranean areas, causing growth arrest and wilt that rapidly progress to desiccation, scarce root growth, absence of fibrous roots, brown soft-rotting areas, and cortical detachment from the central cylinder. The origin is considered multifactorial, and a correlation with hydraulic conductance impairment caused by a high vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and temperature was detected. In this work, over-tree micro-sprinkler irrigation and shading nets were tested to protect leaves from overheating and locally decrease VPD. Leaf gas exchanges, leaf temperature, stem water potential, stem growth, root starch content, root xylem vessel diameter, density, and vulnerability to cavitation were assessed. A positive e

SUBMITTER: Mandala C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11991025 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature