Deepen your understanding of kiwi cultivation, from climate preferences to harvest techniques, with this focused horticulture quiz. Explore core concepts essential for successful kiwi farming.
Which type of climate is most suitable for the commercial cultivation of kiwi vines?
Explanation: Kiwis thrive in a subtropical climate with no severe winter frosts, as young kiwi vines are sensitive to freezing temperatures. Arid deserts are unsuitable due to low water, tropical regions are too humid and promote disease, and temperate zones with late frosts can damage buds and flowers.
For best results, kiwi vines are typically planted in soils with which characteristic?
Explanation: Well-drained, slightly acidic soils reduce the risk of root diseases and support optimal growth. Heavy clay and waterlogged soils cause poor drainage, encouraging rot. Very sandy soils typically lack needed nutrients, making them less ideal unless amended.
What is the primary reason both male and female kiwi plants must be planted together in an orchard?
Explanation: Kiwi plants are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on different plants, requiring both for fruit set. Kiwi flowers are not self-pollinating. Soil structure is unrelated, and only female plants bear fruit while males provide pollen.
Which common training system is used to support kiwi vines and maximize fruit yield?
Explanation: The T-bar trellis system is widely used for kiwi as it supports vigorous vines and allows light penetration. Bush pruning is for shrubs, central leader is for upright trees, and espalier is uncommon for high-volume kiwi production.
Kiwi fruit should be harvested when they are firm but have reached what key indicator?
Explanation: Kiwis are picked when their sugar content (measured as Brix) reaches the commercial standard, indicating maturity. Full softness and shriveled or splitting fruit suggest overripeness, and leaf yellowing is not a reliable harvesting cue.