Dario Miretti
Green Angel is not a new variety, but the result of a spontaneous stable genetic mutation of Psa-tolerant Hayward kiwi (Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidiae) with an extremely different type.
"It's a Piedmont variety. I didn't invent it, I only discovered it. We're proud of having found something of interest here in Piedmont, one of the leading regions in the world for kiwi production," explained Miretti.
The discovery of Green Angel
"Around 25 years ago, I had just started working as a nursery gardener and I also produced kiwi plants. I probably cut branches from a plant that was mutating. I did notice some young plants were different but I initially didn't pay much attention to it as the fruit was identical and the plants were smaller, so I wasn't interested in introducing them on the market."
"Things changed in 2010-2011 with bacteriosis - these plants that didn't seem interesting were not affected! They continued not showing symptoms so I had them analysed by Società Agricola Venturi in Cesena, which multiplied them. I grew them in a protected environment and delivered them to Mr Monchiero from Ant-Net srl for experimentation."
"I have already delivered the material to Venturi, who can multiply it and sell Green Angel produce. Another important partner is Vivai Zanzi. Both will sell Green Angel in Emilia Romagna".
Matteo Monchiero
Matteo Monchiero then presented the experiments carried out to assess the tolerance of this new Actinidia deliciosa selection. "Tests on potted plants were carried out in 2015 and 2016 at the Centro di Competenza Agroinnova in Grugliasco (TO). The objective was to assess Green Angle's tolerance towards Psa compared with varieties such as Hayward. Outside of greenhouses, both 25-30 years old plants and brand-new ones planted in diseased orchards didn't show any symptoms."
Amleto Venturi
"The clone was supplied by Vivai Miretti in 2013 and so far the variety was classified as clone CM 2018. Production has been limited (15-20 thousand plants) because we wanted to analyse the resistance, productivity and planting layout, which was bound to be different from Hayward," explained Amleto Venturi.
Characteristics of Green Angel
Compared to Hayward, Green Angel is a smaller plant with a smaller leaf system. It does not produce watersprouts and the trunk has a smaller diameter with a non-linear shape, shorter branches with close internodes and a smaller root system.
Considering the dimensions, a plant layout of 5x1 m (2000-2500 plants per hectare) is recommended, which in turn means lower costs. Summer thinning is unnecessary.
Bilateral cordon pergola layouts are not recommended for Green Angel, so far the pot assurgent method is recommended instead. Some plants have been recently delivered to Agrion Piemonte for agronomic experimentation which also includes an assessment of the most suitable growing method.
Plants blossom at the same time as Hayward and AGR-FR1 males are recommended for pollination. No need for thinning and no flat or triple fruits. Minor pesticide treatments needed thanks to its tolerance to Psa.
Fruits are similar to Hayward, but the sugar and dry matter content is higher thanks to the better exposure to sunlight due to the smaller leaves. Production is smaller, i.e. 15 kg/plant with fruits weighing 100-120 grams on average.
Green Angel will be presented at Macfrut in Rimini.
The Dario Miretti family with the partners working on Green Angel.