NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF KIWIFRUIT AFFECTS YIELD AND FRUIT STORAGE

Two approaches were used to evaluate the effects of mineral status in kiwifruit (cv.
Hayward) on yield and fruit storage: (i) a fertilezer trial conducted in a mature orchard from 1989 to 1991, where mineral status was varied by yearly applications of 0, 100 and 200 kg of N per ha and 100–50 kg ha^-1 of N-P; and (ii) a storage survey conducted on fruit samples collected from 20 commercial orchards.
In the fertilizer trial, carried out in a P deficient soil, interrupting N supply caused a decrease in fruit size, whereas 100–50 kg ha^-1 of N-P increased the percentage of acceptable-sized fruits.
Nitrogen concentration in leaves collected in summer was positively related to the percentage of non-marketable fruits (over-ripe and rotten) during storage.
Results of the storage survey indicate that the percentage of non-marketable fruits is positively related to the N fertilization rate (r=0.74, ^***), and the N:Ca (r=0.60, ^**) and (N+K):Ca (r=0.50 ^**) ratios in fruits at harvest.
After 14 weeks’ storage, firm fruits had more Ca, Mg and Brix degrees than those that were soft.

Mineral Nutrition of Deciduous Fruit Plants

M. Tagliavini, M. Toselli, B. Marangoni, G. Stampi, F. Pelliconi

Actinidia deliciosa, calcium, fruit size, nitrogen, phosphorus

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1995.383.23