Kiwi Cultivation Know-How Quiz

Deepen your understanding of kiwi plantation techniques, climate preferences, and horticultural practices to boost productivity and plant health. This multi-question quiz is ideal for honing your agricultural knowledge about kiwifruit cultivation.

1. Climate Requirements for Kiwi

   Which type of climate is considered most suitable for the commercial plantation of kiwifruit?

   1. Hot tropical with high humidity year-round
   2. Arid with minimal rainfall
   3. Temperate with mild winters and frost-free springs
   4. Alpine with frequent snow cover

   Explanation: Kiwifruit thrives in temperate climates with mild winters and no late frosts, as flowers are sensitive to frost damage. Hot tropical climates can stress vines and reduce fruiting. Arid conditions provide insufficient moisture for optimal growth. Alpine regions expose vines to damaging cold and snow.

2. Plant Spacing in Kiwi Orchards

   What is the recommended plant spacing for kiwi vines in an orchard to ensure healthy growth and productivity?

   1. 7–8 meters between plants and 8–10 meters between rows
   2. 4–5 meters between plants and 5–6 meters between rows
   3. 0.5–1 meter between plants and 1–2 meters between rows
   4. 1–2 meters between plants and 2–3 meters between rows

   Explanation: Spacing vines 4–5 meters apart and rows 5–6 meters apart allows adequate sunlight, air flow, and room for canopy development. Narrower spacing (options 2 and 4) can lead to overcrowding and disease; wider spacing (option 3) underutilizes land and reduces orchard yield.

3. Pollination and Fruit Set

   Why is it necessary to plant male kiwi vines among female vines in commercial orchards?

   1. Because most kiwifruits are dioecious and need cross-pollination
   2. To provide extra shade for female plants
   3. To promote faster vine growth for all plants
   4. Because male fruits are tastier than female fruits

   Explanation: Kiwifruit plants are generally dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants. For fruit set, female flowers require pollen from male vines. Males do not provide shade (option 2), male fruit is generally inedible (option 3), and vine growth is unaffected by plant gender (option 4).

4. Soil Preferences for Kiwi

   Which soil characteristic is most important for successful kiwifruit cultivation?

   1. Highly alkaline sandy soil
   2. Rocky soil with poor water retention
   3. Waterlogged clay with high sodium content
   4. Well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soil

   Explanation: Kiwifruit needs fertile soil with good drainage and a slightly acidic pH for healthy root development. Waterlogged or saline soils (option 2), alkaline or sandy soils (option 3), and rocky soils (option 4) restrict root growth and nutrient uptake, reducing plant vigor.

5. Training and Trellising System

   Which trellising system is commonly used for supporting kiwi vines in commercial plantations?

   1. Free-standing bush with no support
   2. Sunken bed method
   3. Hedge pruning like apple trees
   4. T-bar or pergola system

   Explanation: The T-bar or pergola system is favored because it supports heavy kiwi vines and fruit while maximizing light exposure. Hedge pruning (option 2) is not suitable for vigorous climbing vines. Free-standing bushes (option 3) cannot support fruit weight, and the sunken bed method (option 4) is not relevant for training or support.