Comparison of growth and yield of kiwifruit on different vine support structures

摘要

Abstract Vine growth, pruning requirements, yield, and postharvest storage of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) grown on five different vine support structures were compared over 5 years from grafting. Support structures were winged T‐bars and pergolas (standard structures), Lincoln T‐bars, divided T‐bars, and A‐frames. Cumulative length of fruiting canes in the 3 years to full canopy closure was greatest for Lincoln T‐bars, A‐frames, and pergolas, and least for winged and divided T‐bars. The proportion of budbreak was higher on pergolas than on the three T‐bar systems and was least on A‐frames. Floral budbreak and flowers per floral shoot were also lower on A‐frames than on the other systems. Cumulative yields of export fruit were highest for pergolas and winged T‐bars, and lowest for A‐frames. Differences in postharvest storage were detected between fruit from different structures, but these differences were not consistent among years. The time required to prune each vine was least for pergolas and winged...