ABSTRACT
Natives of eastern Asia, Actinidia are vigorous, twining, woody climbers. Most are grown for their ornamental value, but A. deliciosa is important for producing Kiwi Fruit, otherwise known as Chinese Gooseberry. Actinidia are easily grafted, and mechanised methods, such as use of grafting tools which produce cleft or inlay type grafts, are often employed. Hardiness, tolerance to adverse soil conditions and partial if not complete resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv Actinidiae, a major bacterial disease of A. deliciosa, are factors of great importance to growers of Kiwi fruit. This has resulted in far more interest in identifying superior rootstocks. Best producers propagate the rootstock by cuttings, but some use seedlings when genetic variation may produce less resistant or vigorous individuals. Root pressure does not appear a problem, particularly with relatively high worked grafts. Young grafts are produced in 2-4-litre pots staked and tied to a suitable support for subsequent field planting.
