Side photo: prof. Costa during Agri kiwi Expo.
So far, it seems like plastic covers can help - "the better we cover the trees, the better the results. It makes it possible to create a microclimate where trees can grow."
"I must say it is not easy to research covers because one must consider many variables. In addition, it is always hard to assess the behaviour of a bacteria."
On the other hand, some of the first results look promising - in those affected orchards, divided into covered and non-covered parts, the protection provided by covers proved effective to contain the disease.
Oroplus cover on Dorì kiwi orchard.
"Of course it is not like in the beginning, when growers did not know what to do to save their orchards. At first, everybody thought kiwi trees were doomed. Now, thanks to the introduction of golden and red cultivars, the situation has improved."
On the other hand, some of the first results look promising - in those affected orchards, divided into covered and non-covered parts, the protection provided by covers proved effective to contain the disease.
Oroplus cover on Dorì kiwi orchard.
"Of course it is not like in the beginning, when growers did not know what to do to save their orchards. At first, everybody thought kiwi trees were doomed. Now, thanks to the introduction of golden and red cultivars, the situation has improved."
Those who do not cover their orchards will be more exposed. While it is true that covers represent a cost, the benefit they bring must be kept in mind.
Marco Scortichini and Gianni Tacconi duringAgri kiwi Expo.
Bacteriologist, Marco Scortichini, also thinks covers might be the perfect solution, especially after visiting an orchard in Chile. "Even though the cover installed was very basic, recovery times reported were amazing - we are talking around 8 months to 1 year. I did not expect to see such a recovery for plants that were already sick. Maybe it is because there is less inocculum and leaves don't get wet as much. People looking to make investments in this sector need to consider covers."
Covers in Chile
Professor Costa added, that at the moment, it is very important to collect data in order to have more information on how the orchards react to covers.