Hardy Kiwi Actinidia arguta "Issai" Pest or Disease? - Ask Extension
About a month ago I planted two of the above kiwi plants. Now I am noticing the leaves have some sort of problem. I was wondering if someone could tel...
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Hardy Kiwi Actinidia arguta "Issai" Pest or Disease? #867229
Asked May 06, 2024, 12:25 PM EDT
About a month ago I planted two of the above kiwi plants. Now I am noticing the leaves have some sort of problem. I was wondering if someone could tell me what is causing it and what, if anything, I should do about it.
Douglas County Oregon
Expert Response
It is likely your kiwis are suffering from damage by thrips. These tiny kiwi fruit pests generally don’t kill the plant, but they can do their fair share of leaf damage, causing stunted growth when they suck out the succulent plant juices. Slender insects with fringed wings, thrips are often kept in check by blasting the affected areas with a strong stream of water. Insecticidal soap sprays are usually effective but must be repeated regularly.
Thank you for your response. I will try blasting with strong stream of water and see if that helps.
Barbara
Thanks for your question.