Fungal Infection Occurrence on New Cultivars of Kiwifruit Correlated with Fruit Soluble Solids Content and Firmness

Abstract

Kiwifruit is prone to damage by frost in the harvest season and the occurrence of postharvest diseases. Accordingly, new cultivars overcoming these disadvantages have been developed. Compared to existing cultivars, studies on diseases in new cultivars are very limited. Thus, goal of this study was investigation of fungal infection occurrences in new cultivars. Kiwifruit was harvested in 2014 and 2015 year, respectively. In both years, cvs. Goldone and Redvita showed more resistance against fungal infection but cv. Gamrok was more sensitive compared with cv. Hayward. Major fungi were identified as Botryosphaeria dothidea, Phomopsis sp., Alternaria alternata and Nigrospora sp. Firmness and soluble solids content were also influenced by the occurrences. This study’s findings are important for providing practical information on new cultivars in the kiwifruit industry.