Taxonomical details
Family = Actinidiaceae
Genus = Actinidia
Species = deliciosa
Basic chromosome number = 29
Introduction
- The kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa Chev.) is a deciduous fruiting vine native to Yangtze river valley of south and central China.
- This is known as “China’s miracle fruit” and “ Horticulture wonder of New Zealand”.
- Although this fruit vine is originated in China, yet its full economic potential was exploited by the New Zelanders, which accounts for over 70 per cent of world trade.
- In other countries of the world, its cultivation gained momentum after 1960 and now it is cultivated on a commercial scale in USA, Italy China, Japan, France, Germany and Australia.
- In India, it was first introduced at Lal Bagh garden, Banglore, but the plant did not come in to bearing due to lack of chilling requirement during winter for its bud break.
- Later on, in 1963, it was introduced in Shimla hills, where the plant came in to bearing in 1969.
- Kiwifruit is rusty brown with hairy surface and looks like a spota fruit. Fruit has refreshing and delicate flavour, pleasing aroma and high nutritive and medicinal value.
- It is rich in Vitamin-C and contain more of potassium, phosphorus and iron and low in calories.
Area and Production
- Kiwifruit is mainly grown in New Zealand, China, USA, Italy, France, Australia and Israel.
- In the world, it occupies an area of 88012 ha. with a production of 1377233 MT (FAO,2009).
- In India it is grown in mid hills of Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Uttarkhand, Sikkam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Nilgiri hills of south India.
- In HP it is grown in 128 ha and production is 154 MT ( Annon, 2009-10)
Soil and climate:-
- Kiwifruit can be grown in almost all types of soil provided adequate soil moisture is available.
- Deep well drained, sandy-loam soil with good amount of organic matter is ideal for its cultivation. Heavy clay soil with poor drainage is not suitable.
- A soil pH 5.5 to 6.5 is considered ideal for vine growth and fruit production.
- Although, kiwifruit is very hardy deciduous vine can withstand a wide range of climatic conditions, yet for the production of good crop of quality fruits it has specific climatic requirements.
- It can be grown successfully in warm temperate to sub-tropical regions lying between 3000 to 5500 feet a.m.s.l, which provide 600-800 chilling hours to break dormancy.
- Low temperature (-2.5oC or below) and frost during spring and autumn is very injurious, which kills immature shoots and fruit buds.
- In summer, high temperature >380C accompanied by high insulation (loo) and low humidity may cause scorching of leaves and sunburn of fruits and even death of the plants.
- A rainfall of about 120-150 cm, well distributed throughout the growing period is sufficient for proper growth and development.
- High velocity of wind during April and May cause breakage of young tender flowering shoots, whereas low temperature, hails and rainfall during flowering hamper the fruit set.
Varietal status
- Kiwifruit is a dioecious plant, bears staminate and pistillate flowers on separate plants.
A Pistil late varieties
1. Hayward
2. Allison
3. Abbott
4. Monty
5. Bruno
(B) Staminate varieties:-
1. Allison
2. Tomuri
3. Matua
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