Understanding Kiwi Fruit Pollination And Compatible Varieties
BERRIES AND VINES
Kiwi fruit (Actinidia spp.) is a popular and nutritious fruit known for its unique flavor. This long-lived, vigorous, fruiting vine is native to certain regions of China and parts of Southeast Asia, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Achieving successful kiwi fruit production requires not only an understanding of the plant’s growth habits but also a clear knowledge of its specific pollination needs and the selection of compatible pollinators.
▲Kiwi pollen processing
In this article we explain how kiwifruit pollination works, and provide a comprehensive list of known fuzzy and hardy kiwi fruit varieties and their compatible pollinators.
The Biology of Kiwi Fruit Pollination
Kiwi plants are dioecious, meaning that a plant is either male, and produces male flowers, or is female, and therefore only produces female flowers, but not both. For fruit production, both male and female plants are required, the female plants produce the fruit while the male plants pollinate them.
In kiwi plants, male flowers produce pollen, while female flowers produce the fruit. For fruit to set, pollen from the male flowers needs to be transferred to the female flowers. This process of cross-pollination is mainly carried out by wind and insects, such as bees, which help carry the pollen from male to female flowers.
▲Use of kiwi pollination tools
Generally, one male kiwi vine can pollinate up to six to eight female vines. For effective pollination and maximize fruit production, it’s important to plant the male and female vines within 9-15 meters (30-50 feet) of each other.
Pollination Compatibility in Kiwi Fruit Varieties
For successful pollination and fruit production, it’s important to select compatible male and female kiwifruit varieties, you can’t just use any one. The primary factor in determining compatibility is the timing of flowering. For pollination to occur, the blooming periods of the male and female plants need to overlap, so that pollen from the male flowers is available when the female flowers are receptive (open), allowing for effective cross-pollination.
▲Kiwi Pollination
Timing of Kiwifruit Flowering:
Kiwi varieties can be classified into early, mid, or late-season flowering types based on when they flower during the growing season. For instance, a female kiwi vine that blooms early in the season, needs to be paired with a male variety that also blooms early in the season so their flowring coincides. If the male and female plants don’t flower at the same time, the chances of successful pollination are significantly reduced, leading to poor or no fruit set.
▲KiwiPollen
Other Factors:
In addition to flowering timing, there are other factors that can influence pollination compatibility, such as:
Species Compatibility – Fuzzy vs Hardy Kiwifruit:
Different species of kiwi (e.g., Actinidia deliciosa (fuzzy kiwi) and Actinidia arguta (hardy kiwi)) may not always be cross-compatible. When selecting varieties, it’s important to choose male and female plants from the same species to ensure effective pollination.
Pollen Viability:
The viability of the pollen, or its ability to fertilize the female flowers, can vary between varieties. Some male plants produce more viable pollen than others, which can impact the pollination success rate.
Environmental Conditions:
Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can also affect the flowering period and the viability of the pollen. For example, if a male plant blooms during a cooler period while the female plant blooms in warmer weather, the mismatch in environmental conditions could reduce pollination effectiveness.
For successful kiwi fruit production, it’s essential to select male and female varieties that flower simultaneously and belong to the same species.
Known Kiwi Fruit Varieties and Their Pollinators
When purchasing and planting kiwifruit vines, it’s critical to select a compatible pair of male and female plants, to ensure successful pollination and optimal fruit production.
Below is a detailed list of to commonly and less commonly grown kiwi varieties, along with their recommended pollinators.
Commonly Grown Kiwi Fruit Varieties
Female Varieties
Hayward
Description: Large, oval, brown, and fuzzy with green flesh and a sweet-tart flavor. The most widely grown variety.
Flowering Season: Late season (typically mid to late June).
Pollinators: Matua, Tomuri
Bruno
Description: Elongated, brown, and fuzzy with a very high vitamin C content.
Flowering Season: Early to mid-season.
Pollinators: Matua, Tomuri
Monty
Description: Medium-sized, cylindrical, with good flavor and storage properties.
Flowering Season: Late season.
Pollinators: Matua, Tomuri
Jenny
Description: A self-fertile variety producing medium-sized, sweet fruits.
Flowering Season: Mid-season.
Pollinators: N/A (self-fertile)
Male Varieties
Matua
Description: Vigorous male variety, excellent pollinator for many female kiwi varieties.
Flowering Season: Early to mid-season, making it suitable for a broad range of female varieties.
Compatible Female Varieties: Hayward, Bruno, Monty
Tomuri
Description: Late-blooming male variety, used to extend the pollination period.
Flowering Season: Late season.
Compatible Female Varieties: Hayward, Bruno, Monty
Note: Both Matua and Tomuri are compatible pollinators for the female kiwi varieties Hayward, Bruno, and Monty, despite their differing flowering seasons.
▲Bounty邦迪水楊桃砧木
Matua: This is an early to mid-season male variety, which means it starts blooming earlier but continues for a sufficiently long period to overlap with the female varieties Hayward, Bruno, and Monty, which typically bloom mid to late season. This extended flowering period allows Matua to effectively pollinate these female varieties.
Tomuri: This is a late-blooming male variety. It is specifically noted for its ability to extend the pollination window, ensuring that even the later-blooming female varieties like Hayward are adequately pollinated. Despite its late start, Tomuri’s extended bloom duration ensures that it overlaps with the flowering period of these female varieties, making it an effective pollinator.
These characteristics make both Matua and Tomuri reliable choices for pollinating the common female kiwi varieties, ensuring good fruit set across different flowering periods
Less Common Kiwi Fruit Varieties
Female Varieties
Saanichton 12
Description: Cold-hardy, medium-sized fruits, good flavor.
Flowering Season: Mid-season.
Pollinators: Matua, Tomuri
Elmwood
Description: Large fruit with excellent flavor and storage properties.
Flowering Season: Mid-season.
Pollinators: Matua, Tomuri
Vincent
Description: Produces large, sweet fruits, well-suited for warmer climates.
Flowering Season: Early season.
Pollinators: Matua, Tomuri
Male Varieties
Chico
Description: Early-blooming male variety, provides pollen over an extended period.
Flowering Season: Early season.
Compatible Female Varieties: Hayward, Saanichton 12, Vincent
Ranger
Description: Hardy male variety, effective pollinator in cooler climates.
Flowering Season: Mid-season.
Compatible Female Varieties: Hayward, Bruno, Saanichton 12
Compatibility Between Fuzzy and Hardy Kiwis
Fuzzy kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) and hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta) are distinct species within the Actinidia genus and are generally not cross-compatible for pollination. This means that male fuzzy kiwi vines cannot pollinate female hardy kiwi vines and vice versa. When planning your kiwi orchard, it’s important to pair male and female plants within the same species to ensure successful fruit production.
Some hardy kiwi varieties, such as ‘Issai,’ are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit without a male pollinator. However, even in self-fertile varieties, having a compatible male plant nearby can increase yield and improve the size and quality of the fruit.
Known Hardy Kiwi Varieties and Their Pollinators
For successful cultivation and optimal fruit production of hardy kiwi, it’s important to match female varieties with their appropriate pollinators.
Below is a guide to commonly grown hardy kiwi varieties, detailing their characteristics and the best male varieties to ensure effective pollination and maximize yield.
Commonly Grown Hardy Kiwi Varieties
Female Varieties
Issai
Description: A self-fertile variety that produces small, smooth-skinned fruits with a sweet flavor.
Flowering Season: Mid-season.
Pollinators: N/A (self-fertile), though a male variety such as Meader, Hardy Male, or 74-32 Male can enhance yield by increasing both the size and quantity of the fruit produced
Ananasnaya (Anna)
Description: Produces smooth, green fruits with a sweet-tart flavor. It’s one of the most popular hardy kiwi varieties.
Flowering Season: Mid to late season.
Pollinators: Compatible with male varieties like ‘Meader,’ ‘74-32 Male,’ and ‘Hardy Male.’
Geneva
Description: An early-ripening variety with medium-sized, greenish-yellow fruits and a honey-like flavor.
Flowering Season: Early season.
Pollinators: Best pollinated by male varieties like ‘Meader’ and ‘Hardy Male.’
Ken’s Red
Description: Known for its reddish-purple skin and flesh, offering a sweet, berry-like flavor.
Flowering Season: Mid-season.
Pollinators: Compatible with male varieties like ‘Meader’ and ‘Hardy Male.’
Male Varieties
Meader
Description: A reliable male hardy kiwi variety known for a long pollen-producing period.
Flowering Season: Mid to late season.
Compatible Female Varieties: Issai, Ananasnaya (Anna), Geneva, Ken’s Red
74-32 Male
Description: An early-blooming male variety, providing pollen for a range of hardy kiwi female varieties.
Flowering Season: Early season.
Compatible Female Varieties: Geneva, Ananasnaya (Anna), Ken’s Red
Hardy Male
Description: A vigorous male variety, effective for pollinating a wide range of female hardy kiwi varieties.
Flowering Season: Mid to late season.
Compatible Female Varieties: Ananasnaya (Anna), Issai, Geneva
Pollination Mechanisms in Kiwi Plants
Pollination in kiwi plants is primarily achieved through the movement of pollen from male flowers to female flowers, a process known as cross-pollination. The most effective pollinators are bees, which transfer pollen as they move from flower to flower. Wind also plays a role, though it is less effective compared to insect pollination due to the relatively heavy pollen grains produced by kiwi plants.
To maximize pollination efficiency, it is important to maintain a healthy population of pollinators in the orchard. Encouraging native bees and other pollinating insects by planting nectar-rich flowers nearby can enhance pollination rates, leading to better fruit set.
Pollen Viability and Longevity
The viability of kiwi pollen can be influenced by several factors, including temperature, humidity, and the age of the pollen. Kiwi pollen is most viable when freshly produced and under optimal conditions, it can remain viable for several days. However, prolonged exposure to high temperatures or very dry conditions can reduce its viability, leading to lower pollination success.
To ensure effective pollination, it’s important to time the blooming periods of male and female plants so that the female flowers are receptive while the pollen is still viable. This timing is particularly critical for varieties with shorter blooming periods.
Impact of Hot and Windy Conditions:
Hot and windy conditions can further challenge pollen viability and pollination. High temperatures can cause pollen to degrade more quickly, reducing its effectiveness, while strong winds can physically displace pollen, making it less likely to reach female flowers. Additionally, these harsh conditions can create inhospitable environments for pollinators like bees, reducing their activity and further limiting successful pollination. This underscores the importance of selecting appropriate planting locations and considering environmental factors to optimize pollination.
Impact of Pollination on Fruit Quality and Yield
Successful pollination is directly linked to the quality and yield of kiwi fruit. Well-pollinated flowers tend to produce larger, more uniform fruits with better flavor and higher nutritional content. In contrast, poor pollination can result in smaller, misshapen fruits or even fruit drop.
For commercial growers, achieving consistent and thorough pollination is crucial for maximizing marketable yield. This involves not only selecting the right varieties and ensuring overlap in flowering times but also managing orchard conditions to support pollinator activity and pollen viability. Ensuring adequate shelter from harsh winds, maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels, and providing ample water sources can create a more favorable environment for pollinators like bees. Additionally, planting flowering plants that attract pollinators and minimizing the use of harmful pesticides can further enhance pollination success.
Optimizing Kiwi Vine Productivity with Pruning and Flowering Wood Management
Kiwi flowers develop on one-year-old wood, which is wood that grew during the previous season, making this growth crucial for successful fruit production. As kiwi vines are vigorous growers, they generate significant new wood each season, but older wood (more than one year old) typically becomes less productive, bearing fewer flowers and fruit. To maintain high yields, it’s essential to regularly prune the vines, focusing on removing older, non-productive wood and encouraging the growth of fresh, fruit-bearing shoots.
This practice, known as “cane replacement,” involves cutting back old canes during the winter dormancy period, allowing new canes to develop and become the primary fruiting wood for the upcoming season. By continuously replacing old wood with new growth, the vine remains vigorous and capable of producing abundant fruit each year.
Summer pruning plays an equally important role in maintaining vine health and productivity. By removing excess growth during the growing season, summer pruning improves air circulation and light penetration within the canopy, which helps to reduce the risk of fungal diseases and ensures that all parts of the vine receive adequate sunlight. This not only supports the development of high-quality fruit but also contributes to the overall vitality of the vine, making it more resilient to environmental stresses.
Regular, well-timed pruning ensures that kiwi vines remain productive year after year, producing large, flavorful fruit while maintaining their health and vigor. Understanding and implementing these practices is key to successful kiwi cultivation, whether in a commercial orchard or a home garden.
In conclusion, by carefully selecting compatible male and female varieties, ensuring their flowering periods overlap, and maintaining favorable conditions for pollination, growers can significantly enhance both the yield and quality of their kiwi fruit. Additionally, regular and strategic pruning is essential for renewing fruiting wood and sustaining long-term productivity. By integrating these practices, whether in commercial orchards or home gardens, growers can enjoy abundant and high-quality kiwi harvests year after year.
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