There is no obvious correlation between pericarp translucency and granulation since symptoms can occur independently. It appears as translucent patches in the outer pericarp tissue at the stylar end which may extend up the sides of the fruit. The presence of ethylene in the storage atmosphere exacerbates symptom development. This disease occurs in kiwifruit from all growing areas, including New Zealand, USA, Chile, Greece, and Italy. The most common symptom is a soft rot starting at the stem-end or at wound sites.
Affected tissue becomes dark and water-soaked.
Even in the absence of decay, there may be superficial white mold growth or grey-brown spores on the remains of the calyx. Initial infection can occur via senescent flower parts, at any time from the end of blossoming until harvest. Moist conditions are necessary for infection, after which the fungus may remain quiescent for several months, appearing only after a period of storage. Alternatively, or in addition, infection can occur via the cut stem at harvest time and through wounds in the skin. Grey mold is capable of slow growth even at 0 o C and, during long-term storage, can spread into healthy fruit, causing 'nesting'.