- I.J. Fronernan, J.H. Husselman, S. Rheeder, C.F. Human, and A.D. Sippel
- ARC-Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag X11208, Nelspruit 1200
- 2003
During 1992 a litchi cultivar evaluation programme was initiated to evaluate all the cultivars available in South Africa at that time. Evaluation was carried out in three different climatic regions namely Malelane, Nelspruit and Levubu. The main aim of the project was to obtain earlier or later cultivars than the current commercial ones, improved tree structure and fruit quality and to obtain high, regular yields. Ten years after the trees were established, a final report is given on results obtained with five years’ harvesting data. Comparative data is presented with regards to harvesting season, yield and various quality characteristics.
Summary:
- The evaluation program, initiated in 1992, aimed to assess all litchi cultivars available in South Africa, focusing on extending the harvesting season, improved tree structure, fruit quality, and achieving high, regular yields.
- South Africa’s litchi industry has a history of over 100 years, but only two cultivars—HLH Mauritius (Tai So) and McLean’s Red (Bengal)—have dominated, leading to a short harvesting and marketing season of 6 to 8 weeks.
- Cultivars were evaluated across three distinct climatic regions: Malelane (early season), Nelspruit (midseason), and Levubu (late season), with harvests monitored over five years (1997-2001).
- Several imported cultivars from Taiwan, India, Australia, and Israel were included to find early or late ripening cultivars with superior qualities.
- Harvesting periods differ significantly by cultivar and location, with some cultivars like Sum Yee Hong (Third Month Red) and Fay Zee Siu maturing earlier, and Wai Chee maturing later, thus potentially extending the marketing season.
- Yield performance varies, with certain cultivars like Late Large Red and HLH Mauritius showing high yields, while others like early cultivars have lower yields but may still be economically viable due to early market prices.
- Fruit size, mass, and composition (aril, seed, peel percentages) were found to be largely cultivar-specific rather than site-dependent; some cultivars produced fruit of export quality, while others did not meet size or edible percentage standards.
- Bird damage was a significant problem affecting certain early cultivars, impacting yield.
- The report emphasizes that increasing competition from other Southern Hemisphere producers necessitates production timed to periods of low supply and high demand to maximize returns.
- Closer tree spacings and high-density orchards may improve profitability by increasing potential yield per hectare, although actual yields often fall short of potential.
- Recommendations include continued importation and evaluation of promising cultivars and local breeding to develop cultivars adapted to South African conditions, along with management practices tailored to each cultivar’s growth cycle.