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HortResearch's kiwifruit breeding programme is centered at Te Puke and approximately 90 percent of the orchard is planted with Actinidia species. Fruit shape and size range from small, smooth-skinned fruit the size of a grape to large fruit the size of an apple. Currently there are approximately 20,000 seedling vines under evaluation.
Two new varieties, Early Hayward and ZESPRI™ GOLD Kiwifruit, and one rootstock have been recently released to growers as a result of years of work at Te Puke. Other areas of kiwifruit research include vine management, reducing chemical usage and improving fruit quality.
Considerable emphasis is placed on research concerning the environmental aspects of kiwifruit growing and HortResearch has developed the "KiwiGreen" spray programme. This pest management system is now used by all kiwifruit growers, and has replaced the previous practice of calendar spraying.
The centre was established in 1970 for research into citrus and subtropical fruit crops, and the remaining 10 percent of orchard space is now planted in avocados.
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Physical & Postal Address:
HortResearch Te Puke
412 No 1 Road
RD 2
Te Puke 3182
New Zealand
Tel: +64 7 928 9800
Fax: +64 7 928 9801
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