The newly selected Actinidia Rufa rootstock variety, Spice24, is now available for commercial use in kiwi orchards throughout Europe. "Spice24 has proven to be resistant to heavy soils that tend to retain water and to soils with higher salinity levels," says a release from Italian nursery La Quercia. "It can be used as a rootstock for A. deliciosa and A. chinensis."
The note continues: "The documentation also suggests that Spice24 may be more tolerant to soil-borne diseases such as Phytophthora and Pythium, thus helping to combat the current dieback problem in Italy."
"So far, the feedback from growers has been very positive, both in terms of the height and diameter of the plants in the first year in the field. Our goal is to provide well-formed plants with a strong root system that will give the best and fastest rooting results."
The La Quercia nursery has a total area of more than 10 hectares, 6 of which are dedicated to the nursery to ensure an adequate rotation. "The fact that the entire nursery is protected by greenhouses is one of our most distinctive features. The crop is protected from rain and hail during all phases of cultivation, which helps to prevent diseases."
The La Quercia nursery will also be present at the Macfrut exhibition (Rimini, 6-8 May 2025).
For more information:
La Quercia di Magalotti Denis e C. Soc. Agr. 
Via Provinciale Sala, 4641
Cesena 47521 (FC)
+39 0547 403961
+39 329 2157551
info@kiwilaquercia.it
www.kiwilaquercia.it