- I J Froneman, J H Husselman en Salomie Rheeder
- lnstituut vir Tropiese en Subtropiese Gewasse, Privaatsak X11208, Nelspruit 1200
- 1998
Vanaf 1993 – 1996 is ‘n genebron bestaande uit 22 cultivars en nege seleksies geevalueer om geskikte teelouers vir ‘n Suid-Afrikaanse lietsjieteelprogram te identifiseer. Opbrengsdata, uitwendige kenmerke, morfo/ogiese eienskappe en inwendige kwaliteitstoetse is vir die genotipes bepaal. Groot variasie ten opsigte van alle eienskappe wat ondersoek is, kom voor. Hierdie variasie skep die geleentheid om deur middel van oopbestuiwing en gekontroleerde kruisteling nuwe, verbeterde cultivars te ontwikkel.
‘n Korrelasie is gevind tussen lae en variërende oesopbrengste in sekere seisoene en heersende klimaatstoestande. Opbrengste was nadelig beiiwloed tydens warm, nat winters en gedurende lentemaande met droe en baie warm toestande. Die prestasie van cultivars onder verskillende omgewingstoestande sal vanaf die 1997/98 seisoen geevalueer word wanneer die Fase II aanplantings hulle eerste noemenswaardige oes sal lewer.
Summary:
- The study assessed 22 cultivars and nine selections from 1993 to 1996 to identify suitable breeding parents for South Africa’s litchi breeding efforts, focusing on fruit yield, exterior features, morphology, and internal qualities.
- Significant variation was observed among genotypes across all characteristics, providing opportunities to develop improved cultivars through conventional breeding methods.
- A correlation was identified between low, irregular yields in certain seasons and adverse climatic conditions, particularly warm, wet winters and hot, dry springs, affecting production consistency.
- The evaluation included growth, yield data, fruit size, shape, external and internal texture, skin thickness, color, seed size, and taste, enabling comprehensive characterization of genotypes.
- Results showed that many cultivars demonstrated considerable variability in traits such as yield, quality, and morphology, confirming the potential to select superior parents for breeding.
- Cultivars in the Mauritius group like HLH Mauritius showed promising yield stability and quality, but overall, this group had limited potential for significantly extending the production season.
- The Madras group, including McLean’s Red and Brewster, exhibited good yields and size, with some cultivars ripening 2-3 weeks later than traditional cultivars, offering potential for season extension.
- The Chinese group displayed wide variability in fruit characteristics, with Fay Zee Siu displaying the largest fruit size and favorable taste attributes, although the overall production was less consistent.
- Internal quality assessments based on sugar/acid ratios (preferably above 30) indicated the best harvest timing, with many cultivars reaching optimal internal maturity in December.
- Climatic data revealed that sub-tropical conditions in Nelspruit significantly influence yield and fruit quality, with temperature and rainfall patterns affecting flowering and fruit development.
- The evaluation highlighted the importance of selecting genotypes adaptable to local environmental conditions and the potential for genetic recombination to develop new improved cultivars.