The Pollination and Fruit Quality of Two Kiwifruit Cultivars (<i>Actinidia chinensis</i> var. <i>chinensis</i> ‘AU Golden Sunshine’ and ‘AU Gulf Coast Gold’) (Ericales: Actinidiaceae) Grown in the Southeastern United States

Abstract Kiwifruit is a new emerging crop for the southeastern United States that requires cross-pollination to set fruit. However, pollination requirements varieties grown in are unknown. Through insect surveys and bagging experiment, we assessed of two female kiwifruit cultivars (Actinidia chinensis var. ‘AU Golden Sunshine’ A. Gulf Coast Gold’). For each, fruit quantity (fruit set) quality (weight, size, seed count, firmness, soluble solid content, dry matter) were compared among three treatments (wind, insect, artificial pollination). Low abundances insects observed visiting flowers both cultivars, therefore likely minimally influenced pollination. Artificial resulted greatest percentages marketable fruits, followed by wind fruits greater weight, contained more seeds, than insect- wind-pollinated fruits. Firmness content did not vary greatly between treatments, yet Sunshine’. Dry matter or each cultivar. To maximize yields optimize quality, these results suggest producers should place effort into Future research explore use managed bees (e.g., honey bumble bees) within orchards determine ways utilize them as secondary source needs.