'CHIAK', A NEW SELECTION OF ACTINIDIA ARGUTA

There are four species and two variants of the genus Actinidia throughout the Korean peninsula, especially in the valleys of Gangwon province. Traditionally, fresh fruits of Actinidia arguta and A. kolomikta have been used because of their sweetness. Our station started collecting wild Actinidia clones from 1995. Two seedlings from 250 seedlings resulting from open pollination were selected for flavor and good shape. One of the two selections was named 'Chiak' in 2002. 'Chiak' starts flowering in early May and the harvesting season is around late September with average fruit weight of 12–17 g. Ripe fruits have about 16–18% soluble solids content, with a maximum of about 21%.