- I J Froneman1, J Fivaz2 and H Grove1
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1lnstitute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag X11208, Nelspruit 1200
2Mariepskop Estate, Private Bag X3009, Hoedspruit 1380 - 1998
The South African litchi industry has relied on only two cultivars, namely HLH Mauritius and McLean’s Red, for commercial production since the establishment of the industry approximately 100 years ago. Various other cultivars have been imported, but due to the limited environmental adaptation of litchis, early observations have shown poor suitability to South African climatic conditions, with subsequent low yields. None of these cultivars was therefore released to the industry.