Last updated January 1, 2023.
This site is a forum created to determine where AYLS (Actinidia Yellow Leaf Spot) occurs around the world, and hopefully to find the cause.
What is AYLS?
AYLS is a condition affecting leaves of Actinidia (Kiwifruit) species that causes random yellow spots or blotches. AYLS generally occurs on the older leaves, is most visible on smooth-skinned species like Actinidia arguta (Hardy Kiwifruit), and shows more on potted plants than ones planted in the ground.
What causes AYLS?
As of January 1, 2023 the cause of AYLS is unknown. Possible causes include Bacterial, Fungal, and Viral pathogens, as well as Environmental conditions and Nutritional disorders. Testing has been conducted on samples by several Labs with all results being negative.
Where is AYLS present?
As of July 3, 2016 AYLS is PRESENT in all 21 of 21 locations observed within the City of Seattle Washington. AYLS has also been reported PRESENT in several locations elsewhere in King, Pierce, Mason, Kitsap, Jefferson, Skagit, Whatcom, and Snohomish Counties in Western Washington, reported in one location in Pennsylvania, one location in New Jersey, one location near Toronto Canada, and possibly at one location in Switzerland, France, & Belgium.
AYLS has been reported ABSENT from several locations Worldwide as shown on the Map of AYLS locations Worldwide page.
Does AYLS affect other plant families?
Possibly. The striking similarity of yellow leaf spots on other plants observed in Seattle may be a sign that AYLS affects more than just the Genus Actinidia. See the photos of other plants.
You can help identify the extent of AYLS distribution.
If you are growing Actinidia vines, please report your location, which Actinidia species you are growing, and whether AYLS is PRESENT or ABSENT in your planting using the following form:
If AYLS is PRESENT in your planting, please note the date it first appeared this year in the Comments field and send several low-resolution digital photos to the e-mail address on the “Map of AYLS locations Worldwide page”, and tell me how many years AYLS has been present.
Thanks for your help,
“Kiwibob”
Seattle, Washington USA
kiwifruitayls 