Kiwi

A balanced fertilization program is the key to obtain a high yield and fruits of the highest quality

Basic Information

Kiwifruit can be grown in most temperate climates with adequate summer conditions. Most kiwifruits, with the exception of rootstock and new cultivars, are propagated asexually. This is done by grafting the fruit producing plant onto rootstock grown from seedlings or, if the plant is desired to be a true cultivar, rootstock grown from cuttings of a mature plant.

Crop Stage Program

Important instructions for use: If several products are mixed while using our product, unforeseen reciprocal effects may occur. It is not possible to foresee all conditions that can occur in practice (e.g. temperature, kind of water, crop protection agents). Therefore, it is highly recommended to test the compatibility and the application of the intended products on a small scale first. We disclaim any responsibilities for damages which may ensue from interactions based on mixtures – especially – with other products, crop protection agents, plant protection products or fertilizers and/or from unusual conditions (temperature, kind of water, etc.). In case of doubt and for information on application data please get in touch with your local supplier, visit our website: www.compo-expert.com or get in touch by e-mail: info@compo-expert.com.

Detailed Description

Kiwifruit vines require vigorous pruning, similar to that of grapevines. The fruit is set on one-year-old and older canes, but production declines as each cane ages. Canes should be pruned off and replaced after their third year. In the northern hemisphere the fruit ripens in November, while in the southern hemisphere it ripens in May. The plants produce their maximum when they are 8 to 10 years old. The seasonal yields are variable; a heavy crop on a vine one season is generally followed by a light crop the following season.

All nutrients should be applied in plant-available forms. K should preferably be applied as chloride (unless the soil Cl is high, i.e. > 150 ppm and/or soil N is low). K is much more readily absorbed by the kiwifruit in chloride form than as sulfate. Yield differences of up to 30% have been recorded as a benefit of the chloride. Special attention should be paid to boron (B) and sodium (Na), as the kiwifruit is extremely sensitive to the excess of both of these elements in the soil.

Another very important element is Mn, as the kiwi is very susceptible to the deficiencies of this element; it is a precursor for the production of vitamin C, of which the kiwi has a high content.

From sprouting to early flowering, fruit set, fruit growth and harvest, COMPO EXPERT offers a fertigation program for kiwi cultivation with NovaTec^® Solub, and for foliar application Basfoliar^® Kelp SL, for the flowering (a very delicate stage for kiwis) Basfoliar^® ZnMn Flo as well as the NKP Original GOLD.