- A.D. Sippel, I.J. Froneman, J. Husselman, and Salomie Rheeder
- Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag XI 1208, Nelspruit 1200
- 2002
The future of the litchi industry, and for that matter any other fruit industry, depends on the producer being able to supply the consumer with the right cultivar at the right time and in a perfect condition. The term “the only constant is change” is well and truly applicable here and consumer preferences dictate the supply chain. In order to satisfy consumer demand and preference, the industry is dependent on a breeding, selection and evaluation programme that can supply the “perfect” cultivar when needed. The ARC-ITSC litchi improvement programme is committed to fulfil this need and therefore relies on close co-operation and commitment between the Institute and the industry. The presentation proposes guidelines as to the future nature of this co-operation and commitment as well as to strategies being implemented to streamline and economise the programme. Aspects of Plant Breeders’ Rights will also be dealt with.
Summary:
- The future of the litchi industry depends on supplying the right cultivar at the right time and in perfect condition to satisfy consumer preferences, which constantly change.
- The ARC-Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops (ARC-ITSC) has a litchi breeding and selection program since 1992, with a genebank of 24 cultivars and 20 selections.
- Consumer and retailer demands through systems like EUREGAP require safety, quality, environmental friendliness, and labor condition standards, influencing breeding objectives.
- Breeding objectives are evolving beyond season expansion and yield to include disease and pest tolerance, shipping quality, shelf life, and processing suitability.
- Increased specialization means breeders must anticipate consumer preferences and work closely with the entire supply chain including farmers, marketers, and consumers.
- The cost of releasing new cultivars is high, sometimes up to millions of rand over 15 years, making funding and industry commitment crucial.
- Protection of cultivars via Plant Breeders’ Rights and adherence to international agreements like UPOV is essential to prevent unauthorized propagation and market harm.
- ARC-ITSC is adopting a new strategic approach involving:
- Long-term commitments (at least five years) from the industry for funding and cooperation
- Streamlining breeding and evaluation to increase efficiency and reduce costs
- Greater role of producers in adaptability trials
- Use of mutation breeding and import of foreign cultivars to broaden genetic base and season extension.
- New cultivars will be distributed via agents or marketers who handle multiplication, growers clubs, marketing protocols, and royalty collection.
- Growers clubs may be used to commercialize cultivars, control planting area, and restrict illegal distribution, possibly coordinated by SALGA.
- Royalties will move towards “pay as you use,” including royalties on production or planted area, ensuring financial sustainability of breeding programs.
- The ARC-ITSC requires industry cooperation and funding to continue research and cultivar development, emphasizing breeders’ rights protection and orderly cultivar distribution.