Actinida is a perennial vine native to Japan, Korea, Northern China and Russian Far East.

It is also referred to as Hard Kiwi or Kiwi Berry.

Major Actinida producing countries in the world are China, USA, Chile, Europe, New Zealand, Japan and Korea.

The states growing Actinidia are Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and the Nilgiri Hills.

• Kingdom:  Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Theales
• Family:  Actinidiaceae
• Genus: Actinidia 
• Species: arguta

Fruits are the most economically important part of Actinidia.

Actinidia is native to warm, forest regions of China and requires a long growing season with 8 to 9 month of no frost. 

The optimal temperature during the growing season is between 14°C and 24°C.

Actinidia can tolerate cold but is damaged by temperatures below -8°C.

Actinidia will grow best when planted in deep, well-draining, sandy loams as they are extremely sensitive to standing water.

The optimum pH for the soil is between 5.5 and 6.0.

Actinidia should be planted in full sunlight to ensure optimal productivity. 

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes
  • Major Pests: Leafroller caterpillars, Armored Scales, Box Elder Bug, Thrips and Scale Insects.  
    
  • Major Diseases: Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot, Crown Gall, Bleeding Canker, Bacterial Blight and Armillaria Root Rot.
• Abiotic Causes
  • Sunburn
  • Chlorosis
  • Brown Pith