Neofabraea actinidiae in New Zealand kiwifruit orchards: current status and knowledge gaps

Neofabraea actinidiae (syn. Cryptosporiopsis actinidiae) is a member of a suite of fungi associated with ‘ripe rots’ of kiwifruit. Although it has been recorded regularly from kiwifruit in New Zealand over the past 30-40 years, initially as ‘Cryptosporiopsis sp.’, there is a general lack of knowledge of this fungus. This paper provides a review of the current records and available literature on the taxonomy and biology of the organism, and assesses the knowledge gaps in the disease cycle and epidemiology of N. actinidiae in kiwifruit orchards. The conidia of the fungus are likely to be water borne, infect fruit during or near to flowering and remain latent until harvest and subsequent ripening. The source of inoculum remains unknown. This review may stimulate new research into this pathogen and give insights into potential control strategies.