Environmental Predictors of Sugar Accumulation in Field-grown Actinidia arguta ‘Autumn Sense’: The Role of Rainfall and Soil Phosphorus

초록

Actinidia arguta Planch. (A. arguta) is a perennial vine native to East Asia, including Japan, Korea, northern China, and the Russian Far East. The cultivar ‘Autumn Sense’, developed in Korea, has gained attention for its commercial potential; however, its soluble solids content (SSC, °Brix) is highly sensitive to environmental conditions, posing challenges for growers and marketers alike. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between SSC and cultivation environmental factors to support quality optimization of the ‘Autumn Sense’ cultivar. Field data were collected from two farms with contrasting climatic and soil conditions. Variables included temperature, precipitation, soil physicochemical properties, and fruit SSC. Multivariate analyses, including network plots and heatmaps, were used to explore complex relationships among environmental variables and fruit quality. Precipitation emerged as the most influential factor affecting SSC. Notably, precipitation was strongly associated with available phosphoric acid in the soil, suggesting a potential indirect pathway influencing sugar accumulation in the fruit. The results offer insight into the environmental sensitivity of SSC in ‘Autumn Sense’ and provide a practical foundation for site-specific management strategies. This study contributes valuable knowledge for growers seeking to stabilize fruit quality under variable cultivation conditions and may inform broader strategies for climate-adaptive horticulture.

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