Pg. 18-25 Effect of different management programs on yield and fruit size of litchi, cv. HLH Mauritius

The South African litchi industry is predominantly export orientated and fruit size is of great importance. The aim of this research, therefore, was to establish a management program, which is based on foliar applications of fertilisers and/or plant growth regulators, as well as horticultural techniques like pruning and girdling to promote sustainable litchi production based on increased fruit retention and size. Five management programs were developed and are currently being compared with one another according ta their effects on yield and fruit size. The management programs as well as progress on the project thus far will be discussed.