SELECTION OF A SWEET ACTINIDIA ERIANTHA, 'BIDAN'

In an attempt to develop a kiwifruit high in nutritional value we raised seedlings of Actinidia eriantha in 1997. In total, 840 seedlings were planted in 1998 at Haenam, Korea. From this F1 population, plant #308 was selected for its better flavour and excellent nutrient content; this selection was named 'Bidan' in 2002. The cultivar 'Bidan' has very high vitamin C and mineral content compared to the standard A. deliciosa cultivar 'Hayward'. In spring, 'Bidan' breaks bud in mid March and starts flowering in late May or early June. Its flowers are dark pink on white coloured twigs. Harvest period is around mid October, when average fruit weight is 25 g, soluble solids content at harvest is 7% and 15–16% after ripening. There are 800–1200 seeds per fruit.