The battle of birds vs buds for kiwifruit growers

Birds are commonly an issue around ripening fruit such as grapes, olives and cherries where the birds take advantage of these crops as a quick source of energy and nutrition and which also help to quench their thirst in the summer heat.

But kiwifruit growers have a unique issue during the end of winter / early spring with birds eating and attacking the flower and leaf buds as other food is scarce. This is especially an issue for newer varieties like the red and gold kiwifruit which bud earlier.

The birds most commonly an issue are sparrows, finch, silver eyes and also rosella in some areas.

Bird control during bud burst is important as the loss of kiwifruit flower buds to birds can occur very quickly. This is devastating to orchards as it results in reduced crop yield and revenue.

View our guide for bird control in kiwifruit, or complete this form for a free recommendation to suit your orchard.