Analysis of the growth kinetic of fruits of Actinidia deliciosa

Growth rate of fruit of Actinidia deliciosa (A. Chev.) Liang and Fergusoncv. Hayward, measured as increase in fresh mass, followed a simple sigmoidal trend showing two stages in all the seasons studied (1987 - 1989). However, growth profiles were statistically different from year to year in both shape and mean reached. The data suggest an important effect of climatic factors on growth, mainly rainfall, which may explain the differences in growth curves between seasons. Significant correlations between relative growth index and length and/or diameter were found which can be used for a non-destructive determination of Actinidia deliciosa fruit growth.