Economic Performance Indicators of Promising Kiwi Varieties Cultivated in the Lankaran Region
Farman Abdullayev1 , Nahid Azizli2* , Huseyn Huseynov3
Abstract. This article extensively investigates the main agronomic and biological characteristics of promising kiwi cultivars grown in the southern subtropical zone of Azerbaijan, particularly in the Lankaran-Astara region.The aim of the study was to conduct a comparative evaluation of the productivity potential, fruit quality, ecological adaptability, and economic efficiency of different kiwi cultivars. The research focused on four cultivars of Actinidia deliciosa: Hayward, Bruno, Shahla, and Abbott. The research was conducted in specialized plantations located in the Lankaran-Astara region and included long-term phenological observations, biometric measurements, and laboratory analyses. Phenological stages (flowering, fruit set, and ripening), plant biometric parameters (shoot length, leaf area, fruit weight), as well as productivity and fruit quality indicators (sugar content, acidity, dry matter content were studied. The obtained results were statistically analyzed, and the economic efficiency of the cultivars was evaluated based on production costs and market revenues. The results showed that the Hayward and Shahla cultivars had higher productivity, larger fruit weight, better market appearance, and superior taste qualities. The Bruno and Abbott cultivars, while satisfactory in terms of certain agro-biological characteristics, perform less well than in overall economic efficiency. Overall, the Hayward and Shahla cultivars are considered more promising for the Lankaran-Astara region. The obtained data are of significant scientific and practical importance for the expansion of kiwi cultivation in the region, the selection of optimal cultivars, and the development of export-oriented production.
Keywords: kiwi, Actinidia deliciosa, cultivar, yield, economic indicators, subtropical zone