Optimal Substrate Moisture Content for Kiwifruit (Actinidia valvata Dunn) Seedling Growth Based on Analyses of Biomass, Antioxidant Defense, and Photosynthetic Response

The fruits of kiwifruit are well known for their abundant nutritional value and health benefits, but vines susceptible to environmental factors such as drought or waterlogging. Optimum substrate moisture content (SMC) can decrease cultivation costs improve the quality seedlings in soilless cultivation. To quantify water requirements seedlings, a greenhouse study was conducted investigate growth, antioxidant defense, photosynthetic parameters Actinidia valvata Dunn at six levels SMC (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%, 120%). Results showed that shoot root dry matter accumulation increased gradually with increase from 20% 100% lower 120% than SMC. Electrolyte leakage malondialdehyde were lowest 80% Antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, chlorophyll content, net rate, maximal quantum yield PSII photochemistry, electron transfer actual highest SMC, there no significant difference these between two treatments (80% SMC). However, weights 13.20% 33.02% higher those respectively. In summary, provided optimal supply efficiency shoots roots. results expected be useful mass production high-quality nursery containers, potential save water.