International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 426-437 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 426 Research Insight Open Access Study on the Biological Characteristics and Efficient Management Techniques of the New Fruit Akebia trifoliata Zhengjiang He 1,2, Peiyin Tong3 1 Zhuji Xinye Family Farm, Zhuji, 311811, Zhejiang, China 2 Zhejiang Agronomist College, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, China 3 Zhuji Agricultural Technology Extension Center, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: tpy9988@126.com International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6 doi: 10.5376/ijh.2024.14.0042 Received: 11 Nov., 2024 Accepted: 15 Dec., 2024 Published: 28 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 He and Tong, 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: He Z.J., and Tong P.Y., 2024, Study on the biological characteristics and efficient management techniques of the new fruit Akebia trifoliata, International Journal of Horticulture, 14(6): 426-437 (doi: 10.5376/ijh.2024.14.0042) Abstract As a novel fruit with both medicinal and edible uses, Akebia trifoliata (commonly known as August melon) has garnered significant market attention in recent years due to its unique nutritional value and economic potential. Achieving high-yield and efficient cultivation of Akebia trifoliata requires scientific management and technical support. This study focuses on the biological characteristics, optimal cultivation environment, and high-yield management techniques for Akebia trifoliata, aiming to provide a scientific basis for its large-scale cultivation. The study found that through systematic optimization of techniques such as site selection, propagation and transplanting, field management, and pest and disease control, the yield and fruit quality of Akebia trifoliata were significantly improved. Proper water and fertilizer management, precise pruning, and timely harvesting effectively enhanced the marketability and competitiveness of Akebia trifoliata. The results indicate that the crop holds great potential for widespread cultivation, offering substantial benefits for rural economic development and providing new insights and practical approaches for the sustainable development of modern ecological agriculture. Keywords Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz.; Biological characteristics; High-yield cultivation; Pest and disease control; Sustainable agriculture 1 Introduction Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz., commonly known as “Ba Yue Gua (August melon)”, is a deciduous woody vine in the family Lardizabalaceae, and it has recently gained market attention. Akebia trifoliata exhibits unique growth habits and appearance; its fruit resembles a banana in shape and naturally splits open when ripe, which has led to its local nicknames, such as "Ba Yue Zha" (Niu et al., 2020). Wild varieties of Akebia trifoliata are widely distributed across China, particularly in mountainous valleys, sparse forests, and shrublands within regions such as Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Shanxi, southern Shaanxi, southeastern Gansu, and the Yangtze River basin, at altitudes ranging from 250 to 2,000 meters. The species is also found in parts of Japan (Guo et al., 2019, Northwest Horticulture (Fruit), (4): 17-19; Jia et al., 2023). Its fruit comes in a variety of colors, including green, white, and purple, with white flesh and numerous seeds. The flavor and texture, typically tender and sweet, vary significantly among different types. Due to its rich nutritional and medicinal properties, Akebia trifoliata is increasingly cultivated as a novel health-oriented fruit. As research into the health benefits of Akebia trifoliata has progressed, its market demand has grown significantly, accompanied by rising sales prices and high cultivation returns. The fruit of Akebia trifoliata contains various amino acids, minerals, and trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and selenium, which offer health benefits, particularly in enhancing immunity and promoting physical strength and kidney health (Wang et al., 2022; Sun et al., 2023). Additionally, the root, stem, and fruit of Akebia trifoliata have medicinal properties, including diuretic, lactogenic, and muscle-relaxing effects (Liu et al., 2018; Wang et al., 2020). Akebia trifoliata products such as fruit tea and juice have become popular in the market, further enhancing its economic value.
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