Chinese gooseberry: Seasonal patterns in fruit growth and maturation,ripening, respiration and the role of ethylene

Fruits of Chinese gooseberry (Actinidia chinensis Planchon, cv. Bruno) were harvested and respiration rates and other attributes were measured at regular intervals throughout the season. The fruit matured at about 23 weeks after anthesis as shown by patterns of respiration, response to ethylene treatment and changes in texture and content of soluble solids. Fruit growth followed a unique triple sigmoid curve. Natural ripening showed the fruits to be of climacteric type but, although associated with a peak of ethylene production, the respiratory pattern was somewhat atypical and initiation of ripening within any lot of uniform fruits was very variable. Ethylene treatment stimulated ripening in fruits of all ages, but a large induced respiratory peak was seen only in immature fruits. The physiological observations confirmed present horticultural practices and provide a basis for development of objective enforceable quality grades.