Occurrence of Phytophthora Root Rot on Kiwifruit in Korea

A severe root rot of kiwifruit caused by a species of Phytophthora occurred in 1-to 5-year-old vines at the south coast region of Korea in 1997. Infected vines exhibited leaf chlorosis, scorch and defoliation, root and stem rot, and eventual death. The disease was relatively severe in poorly drained lowlands, of which 19 out of 23 fields were damaged by the disease. Meanwhile, only one among 58 upland fields was infected by the disease. Incidence of infected vines reached over 80% in heavily damaged fields and a species of Phytophthora was isolated from inner tissues of roots, stems, and rhizosphere soils of the plants. The causal pathogen was identified as P. drechsleri based on its mycological characteristics. Pathogenicity of the fungus was confirmed by artificial inoculation to seedlings of kiwifruit 'Hayward'. The pathogen was re-isolated from the inoculated plants showing symptoms similar to those observed in the fields. Root rot of kiwifruit caused by P. drechsleri has not been reported previously in Korea.