Introduction, Cultivation, and Utilization of Chinese Kiwifruit

Author: Zhang Zhinan, Hou Zhijie (editors)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1999-04-01
Features: The kiwifruit is a precious fruit tree native to China, with cultivation records dating back over 2,000 years. Due to long-term feudal rule, isolation, and wars, the society lagged behind, leading to the neglect and underutilization of this valuable resource. In the early 20th century, kiwifruit was introduced to New Zealand. After years of trials, it was successfully cultivated and rapidly developed. By 1943, it began to be exported and entered the global market. Due to its rich nutrition, unique flavor, and high economic value, it attracted the attention of advanced countries. The United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Russia, India, and Australia all competed to develop it, earning it the title of the "emerging fruit tree of the world." To this day, New Zealand's kiwifruit still dominates the global market, becoming one of New Zealand's top three export products.
After the founding of New China, although China gradually began to investigate and research the resource, it did not develop on a large scale. Starting in 1978, the country organized a large-scale scientific research collaboration on kiwifruit, comprehensively conducting experiments and research on resource surveys, elite variety selection, cultivation techniques, and storage and processing. Significant achievements were made. The transition from wild to cultivated production gradually took place, with the cultivated area expanding from 0.66 hectares before 1978 to 12,000 hectares by 1992, strongly promoting the development of the kiwifruit industry. The main cultivated varieties are the large-fruited, high-quality "Chinese kiwifruit" (Actinidia chinensis) and "delicious kiwifruit" (Actinidia deliciosa). However, Shandong Province lacks this resource of Chinese and delicious kiwifruit. The author began research on the introduction of Chinese kiwifruit in 1974. After several twists and turns, Chinese kiwifruit was first successfully fruiting in Shandong Province in 1980. Over the past 20 years, through site selection, observation, and research, it has been proven that Chinese kiwifruit has strong adaptability, grows vigorously and produces well in most parts of Shandong, and can even overwinter outdoors (with higher winter hardiness than grapes). In terms of its own excellent characteristics, it will add a new force to Shandong's fruit industry.
To fully develop and utilize the valuable resources of our motherland and contribute to the four modernizations of the country, as well as to help rural farmers, especially those in mountainous areas, achieve early poverty alleviation and prosperity, this "emerging fruit tree" is expected to contribute to socialist construction.
To meet the current needs of fruit production development, based on the results of 20 years of kiwifruit experiments, cultivation, and research, as well as practical experience, and with reference to relevant domestic and international literature, this book has been compiled for the reference of researchers, educators, fruit science and technology workers, and kiwifruit producers and enthusiasts in various regions.
The publication of this book is greatly indebted to the enthusiastic support and assistance of leaders at all levels, teachers, colleagues, and some students over the past 20 years, as well as the many valuable suggestions provided. The authors express their gratitude here. Due to the limited level of the compilers, errors, omissions, and shortcomings in the book are inevitable. The authors sincerely invite readers to point out any mistakes or improvements.
Author: December 18, 1997