Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) production as a contribution to fruit food sovereignty in Mexico

Kiwifruit generated in Mexico

Abstract

The kiwi is a temperate climate fruit tree with a center of origin in China. The main exporting countries of this fruit are Italy and New Zealand. The kiwi is a fruit tree that has not been successfully cultivated in Mexico. Attempts have been made using the 'Hayward' variety that requires 400 to 700 cold hours to flower. Almost all the kiwi consumed in Mexico is imported and its market price is high for most Mexicans. Several individuals have been selected from seed that have successfully adapted to a high-altitude tropical climate zone in Veracruz. These kiwis are of the green and yellow type, and have a good flavor compared to imported kiwis. The production of kiwi in Mexico would contribute to strengthening food sovereignty by reducing the importation of this fruit. Plants of these individuals are available at the Centro Regional Universitario Oriente of the Universidad Autónoma Chapingo in Huatusco, Veracruz.