Seaweed Application to Hayward Kiwifruit (Actinidia Deliciosa) Orchard Trial

We undertook this commercial orchard trial in order to investigate whether the use of seaweed soil & foliar treatments had any effect on leaf size or shape and does its use effect fruit weight, brix or dry matter to any measurable or economic amount. We found that leaf area was significantly increased by 6.4% (p=0.027) and that this was due to increase in leaf length but not the width, thus altering the leaf shape (p=<0.001). The change to leaf size and shape does not appear to be related to any increase in leaf nutrient content, but it appears to be hormonally activated. When the leaf analysis nutrient content data was subjected to compositional data analysis (CODA) with isometric log ratios, we found that the treated vines had enhanced photosynthetic efficiency. Treatment with seaweed did significantly increase fruit weight by 7.3% (p=0.010) giving a NZ$3,000 per hectare advantage through using seaweed treatments.