Defoliation time influences vine regrowth, off-season flowering, and fruit quality in ‘Jecy Gold’ kiwifruit vines

Abrupt and severe loss of leaves caused by a typhoon disrupts physiological development and metabolism in kiwifruit vines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of time of defoliation on off-season flowering, vine regrowth, and fruit quality in ‘Jecy Gold’ kiwifruit. ‘Jecy Gold’ kiwifruit vines were subjected to artificial 100% defoliation on July 28 and August 29, 2014. In October, the occurrence of off-season flowering was observed only on vines that were defoliated on August 29. There was no significant difference in vine regrowth between defoliation on July 28 or August 29. However, defoliation on August 29 showed a significant reduction in soluble solid content in fruits at harvesting time. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in starch and sugar content of cane bark between the different times of defoliation. The results indicate that the floral evocation of ‘Jecy Gold’ kiwifruit might occur in August and that fruit maturation is delayed after defoliation on August 29 in comparison to defoliation on July 28.