Kiwi plant named ‘AU Fitzgerald’

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of the species Actinidia deliciosa A. Chev. is described. The parentage of this new cultivar is unknown, but it is most likely an open pollinated ‘Haywood’ as it was grown from seed collected from fruit purchased in a grocery store. The new cultivar is distinguished by a lower chilling requirement and higher yields, smaller fruit with a greater length times diameter ratio, and the fruit has a lower pH and higher titratable acidity, % soluble solids, % dry matter, reducing and total sugars, total and reduced form of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Vitamin C antioxidant capacity and cellular capacity to reduce free radicals is higher, lower levels of β-carotene, higher chlorophyll levels (a and b), lower phenolic content and higher flavonoid content than the comparison cultivar ‘Hayward’ in Alabama.

1. A new and distinct variety of  Actinidia deliciosa  plant named ‘AU Fitzgerald’, substantially as described and illustrated herein.