This book describes the basic botanical features of kiwifruit and its wild relatives, reports on the steps that led to its genome sequencing, and discusses the results obtained with the assembly and annotation. The core chapters provide essential insights into the main gene families that characterize this species as a crop, including the genes controlling sugar and starch metabolism, pigment biosynthesis and degradation, the ascorbic-acid pathway, fruit softening and postharvest metabolism, allergens, and resistance to pests and diseases. The book offers a valuable reference guide for taxonomists, geneticists and horticulturists. Further, since information gained from the genome sequence is extraordinarily useful in assessing the breeding value of individuals based on whole-genome scans, it will especially benefit plant breeders. Accordingly, chapters are included that focus on gene introgression from wild relatives and genome-based breeding.

Flowering plants produce a wide variety of fruiting structures, each regulated by the differential expression of a conserved group of genes. The patterning of tissues leading to such diverse fruiting bodies is set early in development by the genes required for carpel development. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, both AGAMOUS and SEPALLATA are required to establish normal carpel identity; however, the fruit produced are dry and dehiscent. This is in marked contrast to the edible fruit of the fleshy model plant tomato (Solanum sp.). While kiwifruit (Actinidia sp.) fruits are similar to tomato in that they are also classified as a berry, the kiwifruit ovary is formed from the fusion of a much higher number of carpels. The aims of this research were to identify carpel identity genes from the kiwifruit genome and investigate the expression patterns of these genes and protein products in the context of flesh patterning. Arabidopsis protein sequences were used identify homologous protein sequences in kiwifruit. Candidate genes identified from the protein sequences were amplified from kiwifruit floral bud tissue to generate RNA probes. Kiwifruit floral bud structure was investigated using a range of microscopy techniques, mRNA transcripts of selected candidate genes were detected using in situ hybridisation, while the protein product of kiwifruit AGAMOUS (Acc20728.1- AG1) was detected using immunolocalisation. This research has shown that kiwifruit have a larger zone of AGAMOUS (Acc20728.1-AG1) expression compared to model plants. During development, transcripts were expressed at the highest level over the distal portion of the pistil and became isolated within the epidermal and subepidermal tissue layers of the ovary, as well as the locules and stigma. Transcripts were not associated with the developing vasculature network. Kiwifruit AGAMOUS (Acc20728.1-AG1) proteins were located throughout the ovary in both the outer pericarp and core tissue, specifically within the nucleolus. Overall, this research has shown that the pattern of kiwifruit AGAMOUS transcript and protein expression is similar to the pattern of the model plants Arabidopsis and tomato. The location of identified transcripts provides further evidence that flesh patterning may occur in the absence of AGAMOUS once carpel identity has been established.

Kiwifruit: The Genus ACTINIDIA includes extensive and full coverage of scientific and applied information, ranging from basic taxonomy, population genetics, and natural resources/distribution, to domestication history and breeding/cultivars, also including further information on culture and international production and commercialization. The book gathers information not previously available in the English language, providing an authoritative reference for professionals, including taxonomists, horticulturist, breeders, conservationists, kiwifruit technicians, college teachers, policymakers in the industry, and governments. In addition to those in the academic and professional sectors, horticultural and botanical enthusiasts will find the information presented highly accessible. - Presents the first world monograph on the genus Actinidia (kiwifruit) - Provides up-to-date research based on "everything kiwi, including new and critical information on kiwi germplasm and taxonomy from China, the native country of kiwi - Includes authoritative and detailed descriptions for each species, with extensive color illustrations and information accumulated during the author's 30 years of research

Kiwifruit is one of the few fruit crops that has been successfully introduced to the marketplace and for which commercial production in several countries has expanded rapidly over the last 50 years. Kiwifruit science and production has advanced significantly during this time, with multiple new green-, yellow- and red-fleshed cultivars being commercialized while moving into the era of genomics, sustainability, digital technology and automation. This book reviews the scientific and technical information published on kiwifruit, their biology and management. It provides a comprehensive reference on kiwifruit, including their history, genetic material, culture, physiology, pest and disease control, and fruit consumption. Particular attention is given to recent threats and opportunities, including environmental issues, the disease Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, new genetics, new growing areas and technology advances. Contributions from a wide range of international specialists ensure coverage of key aspects of kiwifruit and their culture in different environments.