The birds ignore them, and in the 10+ years I've grown them, I have had no
insect problems and no disease problems. I don't spray at all, the only
care is to prune in late winter. It's rather remarkable, now that I think
about it. There aren't that many plants that don't have *any* problems.

We had a horrendous drought last summer, and the vines did wither towards
the end, but in a 'normal' year they don't need supplemental water.

As always, YMMV.

Sue

Zone 6, Southcentral PA

Do birds go after kiwi like they do figs? How about insects - do you
have to do a lot of spraying?
-Tiger