A team of researchers at Gilan University has succeeded in developing three new varieties of kiwi with yellow flesh (gold) and a different flavor, named Sunrise, Gilda, and Zarin.
The director-general of the tropical and semi-tropical fruits office of Iran’s Agriculture Ministry said the introduction of these varieties was part of an eight-year comprehensive and targeted research program with three new varieties that were registered in the 99th meeting of the Variety Introduction Committee at the National Seed and Plant Certification Institute.
Saying that Iran is the fourth largest kiwi producer in the world, Zahra Jalili-Moqaddam said about 210,000 tons of kiwi worth $116 million were exported from the country last year.
She said that compliance with international standards and target countries in export development and the implementation of good agricultural practices (GAP) effectively improve the product's quantity and quality.
Jalili-Moqaddam said that the time of harvest and early maturity, flavor index, flesh color, performance, good aroma with a market-friendly appearance are important, as well as the amount of vitamin C, fruit shelf life, and tolerance to various stresses are among the other important traits of kiwi in breeding programs.
