COMPARISON OF GROWTH AND YIELD OF KIWIFRUIT ON DIFFERENT VINE SUPPORTSTRUCTURES

Vine growth, pruning requirements, yield, and postharvest storage of k iwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) grown on five different vine support st ructures 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 pro portion of budbreak was higher on pergolas than on the three T-bar sys tems and was least on A-frames. Floral budbreak and flowers per floral shoot were also lower on A-frames than on the other systems. Cumulati ve yields of export fruit were highest for pergolas and winged T-bars, and lowest for A-frames. Differences in postharvest storage were dete cted between fruit from different structures, but these differences we re not consistent among years. The time required to prune each vine wa s least for pergolas and winged T-bars. Vines on A-frame structures to ok substantially more time to prune than vines on pergola structures.