Characterization and Variety Selection of Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp) in Nepal

Krishna P. Paudyal

Horticulture Research Division, Khumaltar, Lalitpur
 

Abstract
 
Kiwifruit is a perennial deciduous vine plant. Actinidia deliciosa and A. chinensis are the two cultivated species of kiwifruit. Although kiwifruit was originated in china its commercial cultivation was started in New Zealand from 1930s. From 1960s kiwifruit cultivation spread to other countries of the world where suitable climate is available. Several varieties of kiwifruit were introduced in Nepal during 1990s by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development Centre (ICIMOD) and other individuals. In recent years, popularity of this crop has been increasing among the growers of Nepal. But research based information about type of varieties and their suitability in the agro-climatic condition of Nepal is not available. Therefore, this study was carried out to examine the fruit characteristics of kiwifruit varieties available in Nepal and select the suitable ones for commercial production. Location of different varieties was identified through survey and individual contact. During harvesting season of 2010 and 2011 fruit samples were collected and characterized following the Test Guidelines for Actinidia developed by International Union for the protection of new varieties of plants. Hayward, Bruno, Monty, Abbot and Allison are female varieties of A. delicious available in Nepal. Two variants of Hayward variety – round and oblong fruits and one unknown variety were also found in ICIMOD farm. Single variety of A. chinensis, Soyou, was found being grown in Nepal. Soyou had red stripe on its pulp while all other varieties had light green flesh. The varieties varied in fruit shape, size, length, width, shaped stylar end, shape of shoulder, hairiness on the fruit and maturity time. Based on maturity time, fruit size and shape Soyou, Bruno and Hayward (round) were selected for early (second week of September), mid (first week of December) and late (second week of December) season harvesting.
 

Published Year
2013

Volume
Proceeding Volume 8

Issue