Kiwifruit Vine Decline Syndrome (KVDS) has been afflicting Italian kiwifruit cultivation for 10 years. Up to date, it caused dramatic yield losses, as well as plant death and replant problems. Symptoms are primary present on roots, with a widespread root rot, then a complete wilting of leaves and plant collapse appear, early in the season. The KVDS aetiology has been attributed to the presence of soil borne pathogens, enhanced by waterlogging conditions, where the Oomycotes class seem to be the most dangerous and frequently isolated in infected plant material. In this dramatic context, since there are no effective tools to control KVDS, one of the most promising measures to manage the syndrome is the use of tolerant species. For this purpose, in order to identify possible candidate genotypes suitable as rootstock or for breeding purposes, different species belonging to the Actinidia genus were tested in four experimental sites in NE Italy, where KVDS is reported since 2014. Evaluation of the genotypes behaviour one year from planting and performed for two tested years was carried out on the root system, considering different agronomic parameters (growth capability, mineral and health status, radical exudates), along with the canopy features (nutrients and water status) and vegetative plant growth. In each experimental site, the genotypes under test showed a different capability of growing in KVDS inducing soils. Yet, interesting differences in terms of both the root and aerial part were found. In fact, statistically differences appeared for all the tested parameters among the studied genotypes. Furthermore, the growth and chemical status were completely different also with regards to Actinidia deliciosa “Hayward”, already known as the most sensitive and confirmed by our study. Finally, our results reported the different genotype attitude to survive and grow under these conditions, also allowing us to select resistant genotypes which might be useful tools to control KVDS.
