The season of new beginnings

Spring is a season of rebirth and renewal, and nowhere is this more evident than in kiwifruit orchards around the world. As winter's chill gives way to the gentle warmth of spring, kiwifruit growers begin their annual rituals of tending to their vines and preparing for the growing season ahead.

1.    Pruning: Spring is the ideal time for pruning kiwifruit vines. Pruning serves several purposes, including shaping the vines, removing dead or diseased wood, and encouraging new growth. It helps to maintain the right balance between vegetative and fruiting growth and improves sunlight penetration into the canopy.

2.    Fertilisation: Spring is the time to supply the kiwifruit vines with the necessary nutrients to support their growth and development. Growers carefully assess soil nutrient levels and apply fertilisers as needed. This ensures the vines have access to the nutrients required to produce healthy, high-quality fruit.

3.    Training and Trellising: Kiwifruit vines are trained to grow along trellises, which aids in better fruit exposure to sunlight and improves air circulation. Spring is when growers adjust and repair trellising systems, guiding the young vines as they begin their upward climb.

4.    Weed Control: Spring is a critical time to manage weeds. Weeds compete with kiwifruit vines for water and nutrients, and their presence can impede vine growth. Effective weed control methods, including herbicide application or manual weeding, are employed to keep the orchard clean and free of competition.

5.    Pest and Disease Management: As temperatures rise, so does the risk of pests and diseases. Vigilant monitoring is crucial in the spring, and growers may implement pest control measures as needed to protect the vines from potential threats.

6.    Blossom Thinning: To ensure a balanced crop load and high-quality fruit, growers often thin blossoms in the spring. This process helps to avoid overloading the vines with fruit, ensuring that the remaining kiwifruit receive the nutrients they need to grow to the desired size.

7.    Irrigation Management: Adequate irrigation is vital for kiwifruit orchards, particularly in the spring when the weather can be unpredictable. Growers must manage irrigation systems effectively, ensuring vines receive sufficient water without the risk of waterlogged soil.

8.    Pollination: Kiwifruit is dioecious, which means male and female vines are required for pollination. In spring, male vines produce pollen that must be distributed to the female vines for fruit set. Growers may employ various pollination methods, including bees or mechanical pollinators, to facilitate this process.

9.    Record-Keeping: Keeping accurate records of all spring work activities, from pruning schedules to pest control applications, is crucial for managing the orchard efficiently and for future reference.

In conclusion, spring is a bustling and critical time in kiwifruit orchards. The care and attention provided during this season lay the foundation for a successful harvest later in the year. With proper pruning, nutrient management, pest control, and other tasks, growers ensure their kiwifruit vines flourish, providing us with the delicious and nutritious fruit we enjoy. Spring's work in kiwifruit orchards embodies the essence of the season itself—a time of growth, vitality, and the promise of a fruitful future.