Kiwi fruit, also known as Actinidia, is a dioecious and dichogamous fruit tree. During cultivation, artificial pollination is necessary. Failure to pollinate properly can result in premature fruit drop and the development of malformed small fruits. Below, we will introduce the methods of artificial pollination for kiwi fruit. Let's take a look.
Artificial Pollination Methods for Kiwi Fruit
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Collecting Male Flowers: When more than 70% of the female tree flowers have opened (usually 3-5 days after the initial opening of male flowers), pick the white-yellow flowers from the male tree. Choose a windless sunny morning between 8-9 am when the male flowers are in full bloom. Collect the male flowers and place them on a flat plate in a sheltered and cool area. The quantity of male flowers collected depends on the planned pollination volume for the day.
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Pollination Time: Pollination should generally be carried out between 8 am and 12 pm. During the afternoon, when temperatures are higher, pollen from male flowers has already dispersed, making pollination ineffective.
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Pollination Method: Place a small amount of collected male flowers on a small plate. Hold the flower plate with your left hand and grasp a male flower stalk with your right hand. Gently touch the stigma of the female flower with the male flower, avoiding excessive force. Typically, there's no need to repeat the process. Each male flower can pollinate 10-20 female flowers. When pollinating, move in a circular motion from inside to outside or outside to inside of the canopy to avoid repetition and omission. For initial fruiting trees, you can pollinate while collecting male flowers.
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Precautions: Under normal weather conditions, the flowering period of male and female flowers lasts for about 7-10 days. Therefore, the optimal time for artificial pollination is 3-5 days after the initial opening of female flowers, concentrating the pollination efforts over 2-3 days to ensure that most female flowers on the tree are properly pollinated. Additionally, during pollination, focus on pollinating the flowers that are white with a slight yellow tint, avoiding pure white or pure yellow flowers. During spring pollination, avoid excessive force to prevent damage to the flower organs.
Above are the methods for artificial pollination of kiwi fruit. Before pollination, it's essential to clear the area around the orchard of plants with similar flowering periods to kiwi fruit. If it's too dry before pollination, watering the orchard may be necessary. Successful pollination can be indicated by wilted stigma and color changes in the petals.
Additional Information on Kiwi Fruit Cultivation
In addition to artificial pollination, successful cultivation of kiwi fruit requires attention to several other factors:
1. Soil and Climate:
Kiwi fruit thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5. It prefers regions with mild winters and warm summers. Adequate sunlight and protection from strong winds are also essential for optimal growth.
2. Pruning:
Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the shape of the kiwi vine, promote airflow, and facilitate fruit production. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to remove dead or diseased wood and thin out excessive growth.
3. Irrigation:
Proper irrigation is crucial for kiwi fruit, especially during the growing season and fruit development stage. Kiwi vines require consistent moisture but are susceptible to waterlogging. Drip irrigation systems are recommended to deliver water directly to the roots while minimizing water wastage.
4. Pest and Disease Management:
Kiwi fruit is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including vine weevils, root rot, and powdery mildew. Implementing integrated pest management practices, such as monitoring, cultural controls, and biological controls, can help minimize damage and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
5. Harvesting:
Kiwi fruit is typically harvested when fully mature but still firm. The fruit should be carefully harvested by hand to avoid damage. Once harvested, kiwi fruit can be stored in a cool, humid environment to extend its shelf life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Kiwi Fruit Cultivation
1. When is the best time to plant kiwi fruit?
The best time to plant kiwi fruit is in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed. This allows the plant to establish itself before the onset of winter.
2. How long does it take for kiwi fruit vines to bear fruit?
Kiwi fruit vines typically start bearing fruit 3-4 years after planting. However, full production may take 5-7 years.
3. What are some common pruning techniques for kiwi fruit vines?
Common pruning techniques for kiwi fruit vines include cane pruning, spur pruning, and summer pruning. These techniques help manage vine growth, improve fruit quality, and facilitate harvesting.
4. Is it possible to grow kiwi fruit in containers?
Yes, kiwi fruit can be grown in containers, but it requires a large container with adequate support for the vine. Dwarf or miniature varieties are preferable for container cultivation.
5. How can I tell when kiwi fruit is ripe?
Kiwi fruit is ripe when it yields slightly to gentle pressure. The skin should be firm but not hard, and the fruit should have a sweet aroma.