- A J Joubert
- Navorsingsinstituut vir Sitrus en Subtropiese Vrugte, Nelspruit
- 1988
Die lietsjie is die beste aangepas by ‘n subtropiese klimaat. Die boom het sy oorsprong in die suide van Sjina waar die klimaat subtropies is. Die somertemperatuur in hierdie gebied is hoog, terwyl wintertemperature bo vriespunt bly.
Lietsjiebome dra baie swak in tropiese gebiede, aangesien lae temperature gedurende die winter nodig is om die nodige fisiologiese veranderings vir blomstimulering te laat plaasvind. In tropiese gebiede, waar die somer- en wintertemperature min verskil, sal die borne baie goed groei, maar slegs af en toe blom en vrugte in beperkte hoeveelhede dra.
Summary:
- Litchis thrive best in a subtropical climate, originally from southern China where summers are hot and winters remain above freezing.
- Litchi trees perform poorly in tropical areas because low winter temperatures are needed for physiological changes that stimulate flowering.
- In tropical zones with minimal temperature variation between summer and winter, litchi trees grow well but flower and fruit only occasionally and in limited quantities.
- Successful litchi cultivation occurs in regions with average maximum temperatures between 27°C (e.g., Port Shepstone, South Africa) and 32°C (e.g., Florida, USA, and Canton, China).
- Four selected regions (Port Shepstone, Canton, Mauritius, and Nelspruit) exhibit varying maximum temperatures and relative humidity, affecting litchi fruit development and issues like fruit browning due to drying out.
- Recommended production area climate in South Africa includes:
- Average maximum temperatures of at least 23°C in October and 24°C in November.
- Relative humidity of 50% or higher.
- Average monthly minimum temperatures above 6°C.
- Litchis require a mild winter without severe frost but with sufficient cold and dryness to provide a rest period.
- A suitable rest period is indicated by minimum temperatures dropping below 14°C for at least three months, coinciding with a dry period; this rest period is essential for good flowering.
- The subtropical climate limits for litchis include winter minimum temperatures around 10°C or lower, frost-free conditions, and a dry low-temperature period.
- Differences in humidity and temperature between the studied regions impact fruit quality and yield.