- I J Froneman and J Fivaz
- Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag X11208, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa
- 1996
A gene pool consisting of 20 cultivars and nine selections was evaluated at the ITSC, Nelspruit, for use in the litchi breeding programme during 1994/95. The genotypes were evaluated for fruit yield, interior and exterior characteristics, morphological properties and interior quality. Implementation of the breeding programme involves the combination of favourable features of cultivars/selections by means of open and cross pollination to obtain new, adapted cultivars. Considerable variation was observed amongst the cultivars and selections. The availability of a variety of genotyes presents the opportunity to release a vast source of genetic variation through open pollination and planned cross pollination. The first fruits from bearing Phase I seedlings were evaluated for various characteristics, in the same way as the cultivars/selections in the gene pool. The seedlings demonstrated the considerable genetic diversity achieved through sexual reproduction.
Summary:
The evaluation was conducted during the 1994/95 season at ITSC, Nelspruit, on a gene pool of 20 cultivars and 9 selections for use in the litchi breeding programme.
Evaluations focused on fruit yield, interior and exterior characteristics, morphological properties, and quality.
The breeding programme aims to combine favorable traits of cultivars and selections through open and planned cross-pollination to develop new, adapted cultivars.
Considerable variation was observed among the cultivars and selections, providing a broad genetic base for breeding.
The fruit yield varied significantly across cultivars; HLH Mauritius, Late Large Red, and some selections yielded well, while older trees generally had poor yields due to overshadowing.
Different cultivar groups (Mauritius, Madras, and Chinese) showed unique characteristics in size, shape, taste, yield, and harvest season with many cultivars showing no clear superiority over HLH Mauritius.
Morphological traits such as fruit weight, seed weight, aril percentage, and shriveled seed percentage were assessed, showing diversity useful for breeding.
Internal quality tests including acidity and total soluble solids (TSS) varied, with some cultivars showing high sugar and acid ratios indicating good eating quality.
Phase I seedlings from open-pollinated HLH Mauritius, Brewster, and Fay Zee Siu were evaluated; these seedlings exhibited considerable genetic diversity.
Among Phase I seedlings, some showed promising fruit characteristics superior or comparable to HLH Mauritius, suggesting potential for future cultivation.
The programme noted the need for more seasons of data and further Phase II trials to confirm cultivar performance.
The study highlights the importance of genetic diversity and planned breeding to address the limited adaptability and short harvesting period challenges of litchi in South Africa.