Pg. 39-41 Litchi Production in Israel

A review is given of the author’s visit to the Israeli litchi industry. Planting densities, pruning, fertilization, propagation, postharvest treatments and marketing aspects are discussed. Figures are given for exports between 1986 and 1991.

Summary:

• The litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) was introduced to Israel in 1934 with initial varieties including Mauritius (South Africa), Bengal (India), and Floridian (California).
• Commercial litchi cultivation in Israel began mainly between 1970 and 1980, with plantings concentrated in the western Galilee and coastal plain.
• The total area planted with litchi orchards increased from around 130-140 hectares in 1990 to about 200 hectares, driven by export successes.
• Planting densities used in Israel are typically around 6 x 6 meters, with pruning practiced to maintain small tree size without reducing flowering, enabling high-density orchards of 500-600 trees per hectare.
• Pruning is done annually after harvest (end of July to early August), with topping and hedge pruning to maintain tree shape and accessibility for mechanical harvesting.
• Fertilization is applied through irrigation; young trees receive lower nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium doses, with mature trees receiving about 120-150 kg/ha nitrogen, and corresponding phosphorus and potassium.
• Two irrigation systems used in Israel are drip irrigation (for heavy soils) and microjet irrigation (for sandy soils), with irrigation scheduled based on soil moisture monitoring (evaporation pans, tensiometers).
• Autumnal water stress (reduced irrigation) has been shown to significantly increase flowering and yield by promoting flower induction.
• Overhead sprinklers are used for frost protection during winter, leveraging the heat released by water freezing to protect fruit and trees from freezing damage.
• Propagation is mainly by air-layering and cuttings; cuttings are rooted in peat moss and other media with hormone treatment, then hardened off before transplanting.
• Herbicides are carefully used; young trees are sensitive so herbicides are applied mainly between rows, and 2,4-D based herbicides are avoided.
• Main pest problems include Mediterranean fruit fly, fruit bats, and crows; brown spots on Mauritius fruit in hot regions need further investigation.
• Israeli litchi production increased from 15 tons in 1981 to exports peaking at 188 tons in 1991, mostly exported to the European Economic Community (EEC), especially the UK.
• Postharvest treatments include SO2 fumigation followed by HCl dipping to maintain fruit color; however, HCl treatments produce aftertaste issues, prompting ongoing research.
• Research priorities in Israel focus on breeding early and late cultivars, postharvest disease control, and understanding reproductive biology.