ChileanJAR

At the Cauquenes Experiment Station (INIA), from 1981 to 1988, the performance of kiwi was evaluated, under drip irrigation. Hayward was planted with 18% of Matura and Tomuri for pollination, at 5.0 x 4.0 m, in a trellis with a crossarm of 2.0 m at 2.0 m height, and with five wires for foliage. Early, two dripers per plant, and latest, four emiters were used, with daily irrigation for 8 to 10 hours, and 4 Itjhr for each emiter. Phenology, growth and yield were controled. Soil management included a permanent mulch of grape pomace and weeds were controled manually or with herbicides. There were no sanitary problems in the foliage nor in tlle fruits, but Fusaríum and Phytophthora caused root damage and eventually plant death. Growth was poor, but phenology did not differ with that occurring in other areas. Yield, also was poor as compared to other areas, and fruit although of smaller size, in general, did not differ in its chemical and organoleptic characteristics with that produced in other areas. Wind, high summer temperature and low humidity, were Iímiting factors, as well as the poor and poorly draíned soils of the area, for kiwi.