New insights into the storage performance of ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit from a comparison of three cultivars

The global trade in kiwifruit started in the 1960s and was built on the good postharvest performance of a single cultivar, Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa ‘Hayward’, even though alternative cultivars were available. Even now ‘Hayward’ is still the dominant traded cultivar. So why is it that the ‘Hayward’ fruit has maintained its dominant position in the market? One key trait of ‘Hayward’ fruit is the ability to be successfully stored for long periods. In this study the storage performance of ‘Hayward’ fruit was compared with fruit of two other A. chinensis var. deliciosa cultivars, ‘Bruno’ and ‘Allison’, which were available at the start of the global kiwifruit industry. There are two key aspects for kiwifruit storage performance; firmness maintenance and resistance to chilling damage. Studies coupled investigations of the fruit structure (tissue zones) and maturation with softening and chilling expression in storage. Data showed that the good storage performance of ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit is linked to its softening pattern, whereby it does not soften too fast to a too low firmness. This may be associated with fruit structure. In addition, at an equivalent maturity, ‘Hayward’ fruit had a greater tolerance of low storage temperatures without developing chilling damage.