- J H Oosthuizen
- Navorsingsinstituut vir Sitrus en Subtropiese Vrugte, Privaatsak X11208, Nelspruit 1200
- 1992
Die lietjsieboom het ‘n lang leeftyd en ontwikkel tot ‘n groot boom, sodat daar by aanplanting rekening gehou moet word
met die latere groei van die boom. Borne moet dus ver van mekaar geplant word om kompetisie uit te skakel en te voorkom dat takke van omliggende borne later inmekaar groei of selfs aanmekaar raak. lndien dit gebeur, moet gesnoei word anders word die blom- en vrugdraende oppervlakte verminder wat lei tot ‘n drastiese verlaging in opbrengs.
Dit is noodsaaklik dat die hele buitevlak van die boom aan sonlig en lugbeweging blootgestel word. Plantafstande sal bepaal word deur die uiteindelike grootte van die boom en die kontoer van die land. Lande wat skuins le, moet volgens die kontoer uitgele word.
Summary:
The litchi tree has a long lifespan and grows into a large tree, so planting distances must account for future growth.
Trees should be spaced far apart to avoid competition and intermingling or touching of branches, which reduces flowering and fruit-bearing area and thus yield.
The entire outer canopy should be exposed to sunlight and air movement; planting distances depend on the final size of the tree and land contour.
Mature 25-year-old trees can have a crown diameter of about 12 meters, so they should not be planted closer than 12 meters apart.
Under ideal conditions, a temporary extra tree can be planted in the middle of each square to be removed after 15–18 years or pruned for propagation material, though this is not standard practice.
Land and irrigation costs make it essential to space trees for maximum economic yield per hectare and avoid unmanageable large tree size.
High-density planting (e.g., 9 x 6 m) can produce higher yields than conventional 10 x 10 or 12 x 12 m spacing.
Tree size control from an early age is important for closely spaced trees, using pruning and possibly chemical growth regulators.
Trees for planting should be healthy, grown under shade in nurseries for the necessary period, and planting is best done in spring or start of rainy season.
Planting holes should be square, with topsoil mixed with well-rotted compost added.
During planting, roots should be kept intact and root damage minimized; root pruning is recommended if trees have been in small containers for over 18 months.
After planting, thorough watering, mulching around the tree, and regular irrigation are crucial; young trees should never suffer water stress.
Partial shading and wind protection are beneficial for young trees to prevent sunburn and wind damage.
In cold areas, young trees should be protected from frost in the first winter.
Dry hot winds during the first summer can scorch leaves with negative effects.