Wise Words

As spring growth gets underway, now is the time to be monitoring orchards for Psa. In this episode, we discuss the symptoms growers should be looking for, why spring conditions can increase risk, and the practical steps that help minimise infection. We also touch on Psa biology, the Psa risk model, and why protecting vines before infection events remains the key to successful control.

In this episode, we share key takeaways from the Kiwi Pollen Field Day, including insights on pollen quality, viability testing, application techniques, and the pollination work Shane presented from last season's Hayward orchard assessments. It's a practical discussion on what growers can do to better understand and manage pollination performance in their orchards.

In this Wise Words episode, Shane and I discuss real-world approaches to managing soil compaction, drawing on recent visits with innovative orchardists. We share examples of growers implementing smart solutions—from installing drainage systems and using gravel to improve water flow, to fitting dual wheels on tractors to reduce soil pressure. The discussion then dives into key cultivation technique...

With El Niño often associated with drier conditions, one aspect that receives less attention is the increased likelihood of spring southerly and southwesterly airflows that can elevate frost risk across kiwifruit growing regions. In this episode, we discuss the passive frost management options available to growers, including cold air drainage, orchard floor management, the science behind copper an...

Pollination might feel like a spring job—but the groundwork starts in winter. In this episode of Wise Words , Sophie and Shane dig into why early planning is critical for successful kiwifruit pollination. From building strong hives to strengthening relationships with beekeepers, they explore the small actions now that make a big difference later. They also unpack the latest insights from Zespri-ba...

Biopesticides and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) have come up in a number of our recent conversations, so in this episode we step back and unpack what they really mean in practice. We explore what IPM is, how biopesticides fit into these systems, and then focus on a real-world example—the New Zealand kiwifruit industry’s KiwiGreen programme, widely recognised as a global leader in IPM. From the...

Birds can turn a promising kiwifruit crop into an expensive lesson in a matter of days. In this episode of Wise Words , we unpack why bird pressure remains one of the toughest early season challenges for growers and explore the practical strategies that can make a difference. We discuss why birds adapt so quickly to control methods, where problem flocks come from, and why relying on a single deter...

As spring arrives, kiwifruit growers face some of the most important decisions of the production year. In this episode of Wise Words , we discuss five key areas that deserve attention right now: Psa management, frost preparedness, passion vine hopper habitat control, fertiliser timing, and Zespri GAP readiness.  We share practical tips on reducing disease pressure, preparing frost protection syste...

 How much nitrogen is actually enough — and how much is literally going down the drain? Sophie and Shane unpack an 8-year kiwifruit orchard study (reported in the April / May 2026 NZ Kiwifruit Journal by Steve Green, Katrina Knill and Owen Solomon) that’s changing the way growers think about nitrogen. From leaching losses to smarter timing (and yes, fewer pruning headaches), this episode is all ab...

In this episode of Wise Words, we discuss new work on compost from Bioeconomy Science Institute researcher Erin Lawrence-Smith, revisit some influential New Zealand research on mulches, and unpack how soil type, timing, and seasonal conditions can determine whether compost delivers benefits or creates unexpected nutrient losses. The key takeaway? Building soil health is a long game, but nitrogen f...

In this episode, we share our key takeaways from the recent KVH Biosecurity Symposium. The symposium highlighted the vital role biosecurity plays in protecting New Zealand horticulture, covering topics such as surveillance programmes, wild kiwifruit management, fruit fly response planning, and the ongoing threat of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB). A recurring theme was that successful biosecurit...

(A longer-than-usual episode at 20 minutes, but packed with practical insights!) Hydrogen cyanamide remains one of the most influential winter orchard decisions, yet growers can see very different results from seemingly similar applications. In this special extended episode, we take a deep dive into the factors that drive successful bud break, from spray coverage and water rates to weather conditi...

Drones are creating plenty of buzz in the kiwifruit industry, but are they really the future of spray application? In this episode of the GroWise Wise Words Podcast, Sophie and Shane unpack the key insights from the recent Zespri Safe Spray workshops. Drawing on presentations from spray application expert David Manktelow, kiwifruit growers and drone operators John and Leanna White, and the Zespri...

Many kiwifruit growers expected sooty mould pressure to be low after a wet summer, yet packout reports told a different story. In this episode of the Wise Words Podcast , Sophie and Shane unpack why sooty mould remained a significant issue across many orchards and what growers can do now to reduce the risk next season. The discussion explores the roles of passion vine hopper (PVH) and cicadas , ho...

In this WiseWords episode, Shane and I discuss real-world approaches to managing soil compaction, drawing on recent visits with innovative orchardists. We share examples of growers implementing smart solutions—from installing drainage systems and using gravel to improve water flow, to fitting dual wheels on tractors to reduce soil pressure. The discussion then dives into key cultivation techniques...

Biopesticides and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) have come up in a number of our recent conversations, so in this episode we step back and unpack what they really mean in practice. We explore what IPM is, how biopesticides fit into these systems, and then focus on a real-world example—the New Zealand kiwifruit industry’s KiwiGreen programme, widely recognised as a global leader in IPM. From the...

 How much nitrogen is actually enough — and how much is literally going down the drain? Sophie and Shane unpack an 8-year kiwifruit orchard study (reported in the April / May 2026 NZ Kiwifruit Journal by Steve Green, Katrina Knill and Owen Solomon) that’s changing the way growers think about nitrogen. From leaching losses to smarter timing (and yes, fewer pruning headaches), this episode is all ab...

Pollination might feel like a spring job—but the groundwork starts in winter. In this episode of Wise Words , Sophie and Shane dig into why early planning is critical for successful kiwifruit pollination. From building strong hives to strengthening relationships with beekeepers, they explore the small actions now that make a big difference later. They also unpack the latest insights from Zespri-ba...

Timely mid-May advice for kiwifruit growers, covering how red growers can reduce fruit drop risk next season, options for gold blocks still chasing size, key post-harvest spray considerations, and staying ahead of frost.

In this episode, Shane shares with NZ kiwifruit growers his tips for autumn Psa protection.