See:
Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) - Root and Crown Rot
Grape (Vitis spp.) - Grapevine Trunk Disease
Cause The syndrome has been known as vine decline, swollen trunk disorder, crown decay disorder, kiwifruit wood decay and leader dieback. A complex of fungi are associated with the symptoms including the Fusarium solani species complex, the Ilyonectria species group, and Neonectria microconidia. In addition to these, Neobulgaria alba and Cadophora dextrinospora (syn. Mollisia dextrinospora) are commonly found in the discolored tissues.
The OSU Plant Clinic has found Cylindrocarpon and Fusarium species from hardy kiwiberry with these symptoms. Other fungi found associated with these symptoms include those in the Botryosphaeriaceae (Neofusicoccum parvum/Botryosphaeria dothidea) and the usual Fusarium sp., Alternaria, Epicoccum and Boeremia among others. There is much more to be investigated but the research is similar to the situation with grapes.
Symptoms Collar rot/crown decay, sparse canopies, small fruit, uniformly swollen trunks, cracking, cankers or discrete bulges of the trunk or leader, and the sudden death of a leader or the entire vine. When the affected part is cut open, the internal wood is discolored.
Cultural control These are only suggested until more research occurs.
- Plant on raised berms in well-drained soil to allow for rapid water drainage.
- Practice good irrigation management since overwatering can lead to root rot problems.
- Remove and destroy affected plants.
Reference Tyson, J. L. and Mellow, K. D. 2025. Kiwifruit trunk disease in New Zealand. Acta Hortic. 1431, 295-300.