Durham, NH: Harvest maturity is one of the most important determinants of fruit quality and postharvest performance. Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq., commonly known as the kiwi berry, is an emerging commercial crop with a long history of individual use. As a climacteric fruit, kiwi berries are typically harvested when physiologically mature but not yet ripe (i.e., ready to eat). This practice has many advantages, including reducing mechanical damage to firmer fruit when harvesting and processing, minimizing exposure to late-season stressors in the field, and improving storability. Studies on optimal harvest time have been conducted for kiwi berries , but such studies are cultivar specific and their results do not necessarily transfer to other varieties, not to mention other production regions.
A recent study, released by the University of New Hampshire, has shed new light on the critical role of harvest timing in determining the storability, ripening dynamics, and overall fruit quality of ‘Geneva 3’ kiwi berries, a popular variety known for its high nutritional value and distinctive taste.
The research explores how the timing of kiwi berry harvest influences post-harvest performance, offering valuable insights for growers, distributors, and consumers alike. With growing global interest in this nutrient-rich fruit, the findings could have significant implications for the supply chain, ensuring longer shelf life and optimal quality for consumers.
Key findings of the study reveal that the maturity stage at harvest, assessed via simple
in-field Brix measurements, is a decisive factor in determining how long ‘Geneva 3’
kiwi berries can be stored and the end quality of the fruit when brought to ready-to-eat
ripeness. Fruit harvested at the ideal maturity stage (average of 8 °Brix) exhibited
better storability and maintained higher fruit quality during extended storage periods.
When harvested too early, the berries failed to ripen fully, developing off-flavors and
exhibiting visible cold storage-induced physiological damage. Harvesting later extends
the risk of exposure to in-field stresses and shortens storage life without improving end
quality.
Unlike in this study, in which any given batch of fruit could be harvested within a very short period of time (< 1 h), large-scale commercial producers face the dual challenge of not only timing the beginning of harvest, but also completing the task while maturity continues to progress across a vineyard.
Iago Hale is Professor of Specialty Crop Improvement, Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Food Systems at the University of New Hampshire. Dr. Hale is also a plant breeder who focuses on the development of neglected and underutilized crops of potential in our food system. One such crop is the kiwi berry, a high-value specialty fruit introduced to the northeast US in 1877 that is only now emerging as a commercially cultivated species.
Participating in this study were UNH graduate student Aislinn Mumford and postharvest expert Dr. Eleni Pliakoni (Kansas State – Olathe). Recommendations for harvest timing were established for the variety ‘Geneva 3’, with the objective of optimizing storage life and fruit quality.
The full article can be found on the ASHS HortScience electronics journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI17105-23
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community – scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
