Origin
Actinidia chinensis Planchon, commonly known as kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberry, is a fruit-bearing plant that is native to southern and eastern China. It is also grown in other parts of the world, including New Zealand, Italy, Greece, and Chile.
Common Names
Actinidia chinensis Planchon is commonly known by several names, including kiwifruit, kiwi, Chinese gooseberry, and yangtao. In some regions, it is also referred to as Chinese eggplant or strawberry peach.
Uses
Actinidia chinensis Planchon is primarily cultivated for its edible fruit, which is rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. The fruit is consumed fresh or used in various culinary applications, such as salads, smoothies, and desserts. The plant is also used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including asthma, indigestion, and urinary disorders.
General Appearance
Actinidia chinensis Planchon is a woody vine that can grow up to 10 meters in length. It has hairy stems and large, heart-shaped leaves that are typically green in color. The plant is dioecious, which means that male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The fruit is a small, oval-shaped berry that is covered in a brown, fuzzy skin. The flesh is bright green and contains numerous small, black seeds.
Light Conditions
Actinidia chinensis requires full sun to grow and produce fruits. It is best grown in areas where it can get at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature requirements
The plant prefers warm and humid growing conditions. The optimal temperature range for Actinidia chinensis is between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F) during the growing season. Temperatures below 0°C (32°F) can cause damage to the plant, and prolonged exposure to frost can kill it.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. It is important to avoid waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot. Actinidia chinensis prefers fertile soil that has been amended with compost or organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient availability.
Cultivation Methods
Actinidia chinensis Planchon, commonly known as Kiwifruit, is a deciduous climber that requires support to grow. It prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.0-7.0. Plant the vines in a location with full sun exposure and shelter from strong winds. The plant can withstand temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C) but optimal growth occurs in temperatures between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C).
Watering Needs
The Kiwifruit plant requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during dormancy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and underwatering can cause fruit drop and wilting.
Fertilization
Kiwifruit plants benefit from a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14. Apply the fertilizer at the start of the growing season and repeat every four to six weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during dormancy, as it can reduce bud set and flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is crucial to maintain the shape of the plant and to promote better fruit production. Prune the plant during winter dormancy by removing the side shoots, leaving the main stems intact. The plant can produce fruit on both new and old wood, so thinning out some of the older wood can encourage new growth and improve fruit production.
Propagation of Actinidia chinensis Planchon
Actinidia chinensis Planchon, commonly known as kiwi or Chinese gooseberry, can be propagated via both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The plant can be propagated sexually through seed germination. The seeds are usually collected from the ripe fruit, cleaned, and then sowed in a seed tray or pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of 1-2 cm and kept moist until germination. Germination usually takes 20-30 days, and the seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots after they have grown their first true leaves.
Asexual propagation
Actinidia chinensis Planchon can also be propagated asexually through various methods such as stem cuttings, layering, and grafting:
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are taken from the mother plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should contain at least two or three nodes. The leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept in a shaded area and misted regularly until roots have formed, after which it can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Layering
Layering involves bending a low-growing branch of the mother plant to the ground and burying a portion of it with soil. The buried portion should be wounded slightly before burying to encourage root growth. The portion above the soil should be supported with stakes to prevent it from springing back up. The buried portion should be kept moist until it has developed roots, after which it can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted.
Grafting
Grafting involves connecting a scion from a desired cultivar to a rootstock of a different plant. The scion is usually a stem or bud cutting from the desired cultivar, while the rootstock is a plant with a vigorous root system. The two are connected by making a diagonal cut on both parts and fitting them together. The graft is then secured with grafting tape or rubber bands. The grafted plant should be kept in a humid environment until the graft has healed, after which it can be transplanted.
Disease Management for Actinidia chinensis Planchon
Actinidia chinensis Planchon, commonly known as kiwifruit, is susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases. The following are some common diseases and ways to manage them.
Canker Diseases
Canker diseases are caused by fungal pathogens and are characterized by the appearance of sunken and discolored bark lesions. The cankers can girdle the stems resulting in dieback of the plant. To manage the canker diseases, prune and discard infected plant parts and apply copper-based fungicides. Maintaining good plant nutrition and avoiding plant stress can also help prevent canker formation.
Collar Rot
Collar rot is caused by fungal pathogens that infect the stem base area, resulting in the plant's death. Remove infected plants, and do not plant kiwifruit in the same location for at least five years. Maintaining well-drained soil and proper watering practices can help prevent collar rot.
Pest Management for Actinidia chinensis Planchon
Kiwifruit is also susceptible to various pests that can affect vegetative growth and fruit production. The following are some common pests and ways to manage them.
Mites and Thrips
Mites and thrips are small insects that feed on leaves and flowers, resulting in stunted growth and reduced fruit quality. Use insecticidal soaps or oils to control their population. Beneficial insects such as predatory mites and lacewings can also be introduced to the field to help with pest control.
Leafroller Caterpillars
Leafroller caterpillars feed on the fruit and leaves, causing deformities and reduced fruit quality. To control their population, monitor for leafrollers and apply insecticides if necessary. Maintaining good orchard hygiene can also help prevent infestations.
Vine Mealybug
Vine mealybug feeds on the plant's sap, resulting in stunted growth and reduced fruit quality. Monitor for vine mealybug and apply insecticides if necessary. Prune and remove infected plant parts, and avoid introducing infested plants into the field.
Implementing good cultural practices, such as proper irrigation and fertilization, can help prevent pests and disease infestations. Regular scouting and monitoring of the field can also help identify problems early, allowing for timely and effective control measures.
