Actinidia deliciosa

Common name: Kiwi

Description:

The kiwi ( Actinidia deliciosa ) is a deciduous climbing shrub belonging to the Actinidiaceae family. It is what produces the kiwi, an edible, sweet fruit with a large amount of fiber that is responsible for the fact that the crop has spread throughout the world since the beginning of the 20th century. It is, therefore, a semi-woody plant, with a climbing character that can reach 10 meters in length with the help of structures, in its natural state it acts as a low bush. There are two varieties of kiwi: Actinidia deliciosa var. chlorocarpa and Actinidia deliciosa var. delicious .

Its leaves, very petiolate, can reach 12 cm long and are oval, cut at the base and arranged alternately. When the leaves are young they are covered by a reddish hair, when adult they have a dark green upper side and a lighter underside.

The kiwi is a dioecious species, it generates a female flower of up to 5 centimeters in diameter, 5 or 6 white petals, which are arranged solitary or in groups of 3 in the axils of the leaves.

The fruit, an oval-shaped berry, is edible and very popular. Covered with a brown skin, and with villi. The flesh is bright green and very juicy, the white center is speckled with a halo of dark brown seeds.

Crop:

Kiwi cultivation has spread since the 20th century to all the temperate zones of the world. It is a relatively complex crop since the kiwis need structures to develop, like vines, from which they extend like a climber and from which the fruits later hang.

Kiwis also need effective pollination since their level of production is directly proportional to pollination. Being a dioecious species, it is necessary to put a minimum percentage of specimens with male flowers in the cultivation areas so that pollination can occur, generally this percentage is around 20%. On the other hand, pollination can be favored by facilitating the implementation of pollinating insects, for this it is necessary to plant other plant species that favor bee populations, such as rosemary, rose bushes or other species.

The kiwi, therefore, is a crop that requires exposure to full sun, with abundant irrigation, and the absence of frost and harsh winter periods. The prevailing winds must also be taken into account as they are greatly affected, in some places windbreak structures are installed to minimize the incidence and favor the correct development of the kiwi crops.

The plantation area must be prepared with a drainage system, supply of organic matter through peat, compost, etc... in such a way as to achieve a soil balance and texture that favors the development of the kiwifruit plantation. Crops must also be kept free of weeds and weeds since this climber is greatly affected by competition.

The subscriber is important in the cultivation of kiwi, must provide mineral fertilizers and organic fertilizers. The first to favor the rhythm of production, applied during flowering and fruit development. Promoting nitrogenous NPK balances for the fruit and others with a higher proportion of potassium for the development of flowers.

Organic fertilizers will be applied once or twice a year to maintain the correct levels of organic matter.

Kiwifruit can be affected by aphids, red spider mites and botrytis. Each of these pests should be treated according to the degree of affection. With conventional, cultural or biological treatments.

Multiplication:

Kiwifruit can be propagated by grafting, seed germination, or cutting planting. These can be woody, semi-woody or herbaceous, even root. Being the most used method.

Applications:

Agricultural production of the kiwi, it can also be used as an ornamental due to the beauty of its foliage and flowering.