Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.6, 287-297 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 287 Invited Review Open Access Mechanisms of Environmental Stress Resistance in Kiwifruit: A Systematic Review Xingzhu Feng Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding email: xingzhu.feng@hitar.org Field Crop, 2024, Vol.7, No.6 doi: 10.5376/fc.2024.07.0029 Received: 10 Oct., 2024 Accepted: 11 Nov., 2024 Published: 06 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Feng, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Feng X.Z., 2024, Mechanisms of environmental stress resistance in kiwifruit: a systematic review, Field Crop, 7(6): 287-297 (doi: 10.5376/fc.2024.07.0029) Abstract This study aims to examine the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms underlying kiwifruit’s resistance to both abiotic stresses-such as drought, cold, heat, and salinity-and biotic stresses, including pathogen and pest resistance. The study delves into mechanisms such as water use efficiency, antioxidant responses, secondary metabolite production, and gene regulation, which contribute to stress tolerance. Additionally, advances in molecular breeding, genomics, and proteomics are explored, with a specific focus on resistance to bacterial canker. Integrative approaches, including the potential application of CRISPR/Cas9 and other biotechnological innovations, are discussed as avenues to enhance kiwifruit resilience. The study identifies key research gaps and emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaborations to address the complexities of stress resistance. Future research should focus on developing comprehensive strategies to improve kiwifruit stress tolerance, thereby supporting sustainable production. Keywords Kiwifruit; Environmental stress; Drought resistance; Molecular breeding; Antioxidant responses 1 Introduction Kiwifruit, belonging to the genus Actinidia, is a perennial fruit tree known for its high nutritional and economic value. The most commonly cultivated species include Actinidia chinensis and Actinidia deliciosa, which are prized for their rich vitamin C content and unique flavor. However, the cultivation of kiwifruit is significantly challenged by various environmental stresses, including drought, salinity, cold, waterlogging, and pathogen attacks (Zhang et al., 2019; Abid et al., 2022). Environmental stressors can severely impact the growth, yield, and quality of kiwifruit. For instance, drought and salinity stress can lead to reduced photosynthetic activity and impaired metabolic functions, ultimately affecting fruit development and productivity. Cold stress, particularly freezing temperatures, poses a significant threat to kiwifruit, causing chilling injuries that degrade fruit quality during storage (Lin et al., 2021). Waterlogging, another critical stress factor, can lead to root hypoxia, affecting the plant's overall health and resilience (Hill et al., 2015; Li et al., 2022). Additionally, pathogen stress, such as infections by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, can cause bacterial canker, leading to substantial economic losses in the kiwifruit industry (Wang et al., 2018). Understanding the mechanisms of environmental stress resistance in kiwifruit is crucial for sustaining and improving production in the face of changing climate conditions. With rising instances of extreme weather events, including prolonged droughts, heat waves, and unpredictable frosts, it is imperative to develop kiwifruit varieties that can withstand such challenges (Baldi et al., 2024). Moreover, the increasing threat from pests and diseases, such as bacterial canker, further emphasizes the need for robust resistance mechanisms (Zhang et al., 2023). Studying the plant’s response to these stresses at the physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels can provide insights into breeding strategies and biotechnological interventions aimed at enhancing resilience (Jin et al., 2021). This study attempts to compile and analyze the current body of research on the mechanisms of stress resistance in kiwifruit, discuss the physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of kiwifruit to abiotic and biotic stresses, and provide an overview of key resistance pathways, advances in breeding, and biotechnological approaches. Additionally, it seeks to identify research gaps and propose future directions to support the development of stress-resistant kiwifruit cultivars.
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