ISHS Acta Horticulturae 297: II International Symposium on Kiwifruit
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ARMILLARIA ROOT-ROT OF KIWIFRUIT |
| Author: | Ian J. Homer |
| Keywords: | Armillaria novae-zelandiae, Actinidia deliciosa, basidiospore infection, willow |
| Abstract:
Armillaria novae-zelandiae causes root rot and death of kiwifruit vines. Some outbreaks were traced to infected wood remaining in the soil after land was cleared of trees to establish orchards. Other outbreaks were traced to roots of shelterbelt trees that had been felled, and whose stumps had been colonised by basidiospores. Patterns of Armillaria clone distribution in orchards gave evidence for both types of infection. Willow stumps inoculated with basidiospores were colonised only when poisoned with herbicide. Scanning Electron Microscope studies showed that basidiospores germinated but failed to colonise healthy willow stumps. Spread of the fungus within orchards is by root contact and rhizomorph growth. Risk of establishment of infections in kiwifruit orchards will be substantially reduced by complete removal of stumps when shelterbelts are felled. | |
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