Kiwifruit vine decline syndrome and other emerging and re-emerging biosecurity challenges

Summary

This paper reviews the emergence of kiwifruit vine decline syndrome (KVDS) in Italian Actinidia chinensis production, characterizing it as a rapid decline disorder linked to both physiological stress (particularly in waterlogged, poorly aerated soils) and dysbiosis of the rhizosphere microbial community. The authors situate KVDS within the broader context of emerging plant diseases globally, driven by climate change and globalization, arguing for urgent surveillance and integrated management strategies to safeguard agricultural productivity and food security.

Regional applicability

Whilst this study focuses on Italian kiwifruit production, the mechanistic insights regarding soil-related root stress and rhizosphere dysbiosis may be transferable to kiwifruit cultivation in the United Kingdom and northern Europe, particularly in regions with heavy soils prone to waterlogging. However, direct applicability would depend on whether KVDS occurs in UK kiwifruit crops and the extent to which local soil and climate conditions mirror those in affected Italian regions.

Key measures

Rhizosphere microbial community composition in healthy versus KVDS-affected kiwifruit vines; association with soil waterlogging and aeration conditions

Outcomes reported

The study examined the characterization of kiwifruit vine decline syndrome (KVDS) in Italy and analysed differences in rhizosphere microbial communities between healthy and affected plants. The research also contextualizes KVDS within broader emerging and re-emerging plant diseases globally that threaten crop sustainability and food security.

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