USDA Develops Cold-Hardiness Kiwifruit

Kiwifruit and their tangy green flesh are routinely purchased and devoured throughout the year by people across the nation.

Kiwifruit. Photo: Dan Bucko/Unsplash

This is no surprise. Kiwis are high in Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and potassium. The subtropical fruit is also a favorite of many southern U.S. producers since the delicious fruit is traditionally grown in warmer climates.

California produces the vast majority of kiwis that are sold in our local grocery stores, but due to recent research advancements from U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists, this may no longer be the case.

The research actually began in 1995 when scientists from the Agricultural Research Service’s Appalachian Fruit Research Service (AFRS) planted second-generation seedlings that originated in Rome, Italy.

Only two vines survived the cold winter temperatures between 1995 and 2015, with a record low temperature during that period of –5.8 F.

Of those two vines, 'Tango' (female) and 'Hombre' (male) were planted and evaluated in the AFRS’orchards before a new crop proved that these particular cultivars could grow and thrive in traditional Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern winter climates.

Researchers noted that both vines grew vigorously, and received little pruning before bearing fruit. There was also no need for supplemental irrigation, fertilizer, pesticides, or a warm climate for growth.

"This cultivar isn’t currently found in the grocery store," said Research Biologist Scientist Chris Dardick. "The flesh and texture are very similar to the kiwifruit that people already enjoy and so is the flavor. It’s easy to grow, extremely pest and disease resistant, and readily available for use by producers and nurseries in colder climate conditions."

Tango’s fruit yields high quality in terms of size and soluble solids and are comparable to the commercial A. deliciosa cultivar Hayward. It can also remain in cold storage for extended periods of time.

The male pollinizer 'Hombre' is not patented and can be publicly made available upon request. The female kiwi 'Tango' is patented by the USDA-ARS and can be distributed to nurseries or producers once they obtain a licensing agreement.

Both plants ('Hombre' and 'Tango') are essential to produce the kiwifruit. Limited quantities of budwood and/or plants from 'Tango' and 'Hombre' are also available upon request for evaluation.

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