From genomics to horticultural innovation: botanical traits, bioactive compounds, and sustainable utilization of kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.)

Abstract

Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.), a medicine-food homologous crop with high botanical diversity, is rich in polyphenols, pectin, ascorbic acid, and phytosterols. These bioactive compounds confer diverse pharmacological activities, including antioxidation, anti-inflammation, metabolic regulation, cardiovascular protection, and antitumor effects. This review summarizes the botanical traits, resource distribution, and phytochemical profiles of Actinidia spp., and outlines key advances in propagation, breeding, and postharvest preservation. Recent genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic data are integrated to dissect gene families and regulatory networks underlying fruit quality, stress tolerance, and bioactive compound biosynthesis in A. chinensis. Applications in functional foods and ecological agriculture are discussed, and future directions for sustainable utilization are proposed. This work provides a foundation for germplasm innovation, molecular breeding, and high-value kiwifruit utilization.