Kiwifruit is a .Perennial deciduous vine plant. Actinidia deliciosa and A. chinensis are the two
cultivated species of kiwifruit. Although kiwifruit was originated in China its commercial cultivation
was started in New Zealand from I930s. From 1960s kiwifruit cultivqtion spread to other countries of
the world where suitable climate is available. Several varieties of kiwifruit were introduced in Nepal
during I990s by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development Centre (ICIMOD) and
other individuals. In recent years, popularity of this crop has been increasing among the growers of
Nepal. But research based information about type of varieties and their suitability in the agro-climatic
condition of Nepal is not available. Therefore, this study was carried out to examine the fruit
characteristics of khvifruit varieties available in Nepal and select the suitable ones for commercial
production. Location of different varieties was identified through survey and individual contact.
During harvesting season of 20I 0 and 20I I fruit samples were collected and characterized following
the Test Guidelines for Actinidia developed by International Union for the Protection of New varieties
of Plants. Hayward, Bruno, Monty, Abbot and Allison are female varieties of A. delicious available in
Nepal. Two variants of Hayward variety- round and oblong fruits and one unknown variety were also
found in ICIMOD farm. Single variety of A. chinensis, Soyou, was found being grown in Nepal. Soyou
had red stripe on its pulp while all other varieties had light green flesh. The varieties varied in fruit
shape, size, length, width, shape of stylar end, shape of shoulder, hairiness on the fruit and maturity
time. Based on maturity time, fn1it size and shape Soyou, Bruno and Hayward (round) were
selected for early (second week of September), mid (first week of December) and late (second week of"
December) season harvesting.

Kiwifruit is a .Perennial deciduous vine plant. Actinidia deliciosa and A. chinensis are the two
cultivated species of kiwifruit. Although kiwifruit was originated in China its commercial cultivation
was started in New Zealand from I930s. From 1960s kiwifruit cultivqtion spread to other countries of
the world where suitable climate is available. Several varieties of kiwifruit were introduced in Nepal
during I990s by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development Centre (ICIMOD) and
other individuals. In recent years, popularity of this crop has been increasing among the growers of
Nepal. But research based information about type of varieties and their suitability in the agro-climatic
condition of Nepal is not available. Therefore, this study was carried out to examine the fruit
characteristics of khvifruit varieties available in Nepal and select the suitable ones for commercial
production. Location of different varieties was identified through survey and individual contact.
During harvesting season of 20I 0 and 20I I fruit samples were collected and characterized following
the Test Guidelines for Actinidia developed by International Union for the Protection of New varieties
of Plants. Hayward, Bruno, Monty, Abbot and Allison are female varieties of A. delicious available in
Nepal. Two variants of Hayward variety- round and oblong fruits and one unknown variety were also
found in ICIMOD farm. Single variety of A. chinensis, Soyou, was found being grown in Nepal. Soyou
had red stripe on its pulp while all other varieties had light green flesh. The varieties varied in fruit
shape, size, length, width, shape of stylar end, shape of shoulder, hairiness on the fruit and maturity
time. Based on maturity time, fn1it size and shape Soyou, Bruno and Hayward (round) were
selected for early (second week of September), mid (first week of December) and late (second week of"
December) season harvesting.