Effect of Controlled Pollination on Fruit Traits in Kiwifruit

To investigate the effects of controlled pollination on fruit traits and seed development in different kiwifruit species and establish quantitative indicators for adequate pollination, this study systematically analyzed controlled pollination experiments using three species: Actinidia deliciosa , Actinidia chinensis , and Actinidia arguta . The effects of different pollinated stigma numbers on fruit set rate, single fruit weight, fruit shape index, soluble solids content, and seed number were examined. Results showed that for A. deliciosa , when pollinated, stigma number ≥17, fruit set rate, single fruit weight, fruit shape index, and seed number showed no significant difference from fully pollinated controls, establishing the adequate pollination threshold at 17 stigmas. For A. chinensis , when pollinated, stigma number ≥14, fruit shape index, soluble solids content, seed number, and single fruit weight of “Qihong” were comparable to controls; however, fruit set rate for both cultivars and single fruit weight of “Nongdajinmi” required ≥17 stigmas. Therefore, the adequate pollination threshold for A. chinensis is 17 stigmas. For A. arguta , when pollinated, stigma number ≥11, single fruit weight, fruit set rate, and seed number stabilized, with fruit shape index and soluble solids reaching standard levels at ≥8 stigmas. The comprehensive recommended adequate pollination threshold is 11 stigmas. In conclusion, precise pollination is critical for achieving high‐quality, high‐yield kiwifruit production. Over‐pollination not only wastes pollen resources but also increases male vine configuration costs; inadequate pollination leads to low fruit set rate, small fruit size, high malformation rates, and insufficient seed development, severely affecting marketability and economic returns.