The Kiwi fruit is borne on a vigorous, woody, twining vine or climbing shrub reaching lengths of up to 30 ft.

It is also commonly known as the Chinese Gooseberry.

Kiwi is a fruit that is native to China.

Major Kiwi growing countries in the world are China, Italy, New Zealand, Chile, Greece, France, Turkey, Iran, Japan and United States.

In India kiwi is mostly grown in mid hills of Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu &Kashmir, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttarakhand.

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

• Fruits are the most economically important part of Kiwi

Kiwi can be grown in areas experiencing 700-800 chilling hours.

The plant can be grown at 800-1500 m.

A rainfall of about 150 cm. /year is sufficient for Kiwi cultivation

The plant does not withstand strong winds and frost during the growing period because of its vigorous vegetative growth, large leaves and viny habit.

Deep, rich, well-drained sandy loam soils are ideal for cultivation of kiwi.

A soil pH slightly less than 6.9 results in maximum yield but higher pH upto 7.3 adversely affects the yield due to Mn deficiency.

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes:
  • Major Pests: Armored Scales, Boxelder Bug, Leaf Rollers and Caterpillar.
  • Major Diseases: Bleeding Canker, Crown Rot, Crown Gall, Phythophthora Rot and Armillaria Root rot.
• Abiotic Causes:
  • Leaf Drop
  • Burning of Foliage
  • Fruit Freezing Injury.