Harvest quality and storage characteristics of Actinidia arguta fruit pollinated with different male genotypes

Abstract

The Actinidia arguta industry encounters severe challenges due to high post-harvest deterioration and losses, which impact the supply of high-quality raw materials for the food industry. This study demonstrates that selecting specific pollination schemes can simultaneously enhance both the commercial quality and storage tolerance of fruit, offering a viable industry strategy. An extensive evaluation of 20 pollination combinations was conducted, focusing on key fruit quality indicators relevant to food marketability and processing suitability. The research findings revealed that optimal pollination treatments significantly improved fruit quality attributes. It is noteworthy that simple fruit weight increased by up to 39.22%, greatly improving both visual appeal and yield. Furthermore, the nutritional profile improved significantly with substantially elevated levels of beneficial bio-active compounds, including flavonoids and vitamin C, which rose by 113.35% and 94.99% respectively. Experiments conducted at low temperatures have further confirmed the improved storability of fruits from the optimal pollination scheme. These fruits showed a delayed respiratory peak on day 28, maintained high levels of antioxidant enzyme activity, and had the lowest rates of rot (7.87%) and weight loss (6.58%), resulting in a longer quality guarantee period and increased marketability. This research highlights the effectiveness of targeted pollination management as a preharvest strategy for enhancing the quality of the A. arguta . It also provides crucial technological support for ensuring the supply of nutritious, high-quality fruits to consumers and promoting the sustainable development of the A. arguta industry.