Abstract: Kiwifruit, native to China, has transitioned from a regional crop to a prominent global industry, with its first significant commercial development occurring in New Zealand. Over the past century, the international kiwifruit market has undergone considerable transformations; however, China has rapidly established a thriving sector in just 46 years. This rapid advancement includes a comprehensive national survey of kiwifruit germplasm resources, the establishment of an independent variety innovation system, and the implementation of production technologies specifically tailored to China's agricultural conditions. Consequently, China has emerged as the largest global producer of kiwifruit, with a productive planting area exceeding 200,000 hectares and an annual output surpassing 3.8 million tons by 2024. The development of China's kiwifruit industry can be traced back to 1978, progressing through six distinct phases marked by varying degrees of innovation and market integration. A particularly notable period of rapid growth occurred between 2008 and 2013, especially in regions like Sichuan, where the application of standardized technologies and the conversion of scientific advancements resulted in substantial improvements in both yield and quality. Since 2014, the sector has continued to accelerate, driven by national targeted poverty alleviation policies and the introduction of new varieties, with cultivation areas expanding from 100,000 hectares to an impressive 290,000 hectares. Currently, approximately 199,000 hectares are bearing fruit, which accounts for 68% of the total cultivation area in the world. Within China, Shaanxi Province leads in kiwifruit cultivation, covering 73,000 hectares, followed by Sichuan (50,000 hectares), Guizhou (43,000 hectares), Hunan (24,000 hectares), and Jiangxi (20,000 hectares). The diversity of cultivated varieties reflects the sector's expansion, with varieties exceeding 500,000 acres primarily including 'Xu Xiang' (A. deliciosa) and 'Hong Yang' (A. chinensis), while those in the range of 300,000 to 500,000 acres mainly consist of 'Cui Xiang' (A. deliciosa) and 'Dong Hong' (A. chinensis). China's cultivation areas are continually spreading, resulting in the establishment of five major production zones: (1) Northwest and North China, the largest in terms of area and yield, with over 80% of varieties being A. deliciosa; (2) Southwest, focusing primarily on red and yellow-fleshed A. chinensis varieties; (3) Central China, which includes both Chinese and A. deliciosa varieties; (4) East China, where A. chinensis varieties dominate; and (5) South China, primarily comprising A. chinensis varieties. Despite the extensive cultivation, China remains a significant importer of kiwifruit, with import volumes increasing annually while exports constitute a minimal proportion. The majority of imports are sourced from New Zealand and Italy, with New Zealand accounting for over 90% of total imports. Export activities are limited, mainly directed toward markets in Russia and Hong Kong. The advantages that underpin the development of China's kiwifruit industry are multifaceted, including resource availability, favorable ecological conditions, technological advancements, and innovations in varieties and production methods. As the natural distribution center for the genus Actinidia, China hosts 96% of the world's kiwifruit species and has identified numerous elite individual plants, leading to the development of several variety series. The diverse ecological environments, particularly in regions like Zhouzhi and Meixian in Shaanxi and the Sichuan Basin, provide optimal growth conditions for kiwifruit. Significant progress has been made in kiwifruit research, establishing a comprehensive system for the classification, identification, evaluation, and utilization of kiwifruit germplasm. Chinese scientists have successfully completed the genome sequencing of over 20 kiwifruit varieties, including 'Hong Yang' and 'Dong Hong,' and have constructed a high-density genetic map for the species. They have also identified molecular markers for several important traits and developed evolutionary and hybridization models for the genus Actinidia. Particularly during 2018-2022, research institutions such as Northwest A&F University, the Wuhan Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangxi Agricultural University, and the Zhengzhou Fruit Tree Research Institute have been actively engaged in studies related to kiwifruit germplasm resources, plant protection, postharvest preservation, and deep processing, resulting in numerous scientific achievements. Statistics indicate that the number of SCI papers in the field of kiwifruit in China has reached 1,466, accounting for a significant portion of global research on the subject. Continuous innovation in breeding methods has led to the approval of 138 varieties and the protection of 145, ensuring comprehensive industrial technology across the supply chain. However, the rapid advancement of the kiwifruit industry in China faces several challenges, including low yield per capita, inadequate regional planning, an incomplete technical service system, frequent natural disasters, and a lack of awareness regarding fruit quality. To promote sustainable and healthy development, systematic improvements are essential in areas such as planning, technological training, and market adaptability. Recommendations include conducting regional trials and suitability assessments, enhancing seedling breeding technology research and oversight, cultivating grassroots technical talent, and bolstering research and development of applied technologies throughout the supply chain. Additionally, exploring smart kiwifruit orchards and logistics centers could further enhance efficiency and productivity. By integrating technological innovation, scientific planning, and market-driven strategies, China can effectively transition from a major kiwifruit producer to a leading powerhouse in the global kiwifruit industry, particularly during the Chinese 15th Five-Year Plan period.
PDF （）