- DJ Roe
- Westfalia Estate, P O Box 14, Duivelskloof 0835
- 1999
The problem that the South African litchi industry is dominated by two cultivars, namely Maurtius and McLean’s Red, with short cropping seasons, is well known. In order to test other cultivars which may stretch the season or crop at a time when Madagascar is not a competitor, a litchi cultivar block was established at Westfalia Estate 1992. Further additions were made in 1993 and 1994.
Summary:
The South African litchi industry is dominated by Mauritius and McLeans Red, both with short cropping seasons.
A cultivar evaluation block was established at Westfalia Estate in 1992, with additions in 1993 and 1994 to test new cultivars that could extend the season or avoid competition with Madagascar.
Cultivars Salathiel, Kwai May Pink (KMP), Wai Chee, and Haak Ip started bearing fruit much sooner than Mauritius and McLeans Red.
Fay Zee Siu, KMP, Wai Chee, and Haak Ip produced larger crops in 1997–1998, with cumulative yields reflecting this trend; a hailstorm in 1995 affected results.
Fay Zee Siu has low fruit retention, but growth regulators may help reduce fruit drop.
KMP and Wai Chee had the highest proportion of bearing trees in 1996–1997, followed by Haak Ip, KMP, and Wai Chee in 1997–1998, indicating superior cropping potential compared to Mauritius and McLeans Red.
Salathiel fruit size is small, while Fay Zee Siu has extremely large fruit with small seed, which is highly desirable.
KMP, Wai Chee, and Haak Ip fruit sizes are similar to Mauritius.
Fay Zee Siu and Salathiel have the highest flesh percentage (around 90%), due to small seeds, while McLeans Red has the lowest flesh percentage because of thick peel and large seed.
Ta Tsao and Saharanapur are ready for picking almost a month earlier than Mauritius, while Wai Chee is harvested about three months later, showing a wide range in cropping seasons.
Preliminary recommendations suggest Wai Chee (late season) and Kwai May Pink (mid-season) are suitable for high-density planting due to their bearing ability.
Salathiel is difficult to grow and may only sell well in an educated market.
Fay Zee Siu has excellent fruit quality and should command high prices if harvested successfully; post-harvest aspects need further investigation.