- J H Oosthuizen
- Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Burgershall Research Station, Private Bag X501, Kiepersol 1241
- 1996
A study tour to Australia was undertaken towards the end of the 1994/95 season to investigate the Australian litchi industry and the most recent research being done there on litchis. The major objective however, was to gain first hand experience on the growing, cropping ability, adaptability and growers’ experiences of the better litchi cultivars being grown in Australia and on which the South African litchi industry wants to expand. Up to date research and technology being done by various institutions on litchis in Australia were investigated to obtain knowledge about cultivation practices, breeding programmes and postharvest technology aimed at the development, growth and expansion of the South African Litchi Industry. The opportunity was also taken to extend collaboration between the Institute for Tropical and Subtropical crops (ITSC) and Maroochy Horticultural Research Station (MHRS) and to continue the research on the effect of drought on the relationship between photosynthesis and tree water status of litchi trees. This research was started during the visit of Dr Chris Menzel from MHRS to South Africa during the 1992/93 season. This report outlines benefits to the South African litchi industry and includes:
- Information on the cropping ability of the better litchi cultivars such as Souey Tung, Haak Yip, Kwai May Pink (KMP), Salathiel and Wai Chee.
- An understanding of crop management in relation to tree phenology.
- Management of postharvest life through hydro-cooling to maintain the red skin colour and reduce moisture losses.
- Development of quality assurance standards.
Summary:
The study tour was conducted at the end of the 1994/95 season to investigate Australia’s litchi industry and recent research efforts.
The main goal was to gain firsthand experience of the cultivation, adaptability, and grower experiences of the better litchi cultivars in Australia, with insights for expanding the South African industry.
Research covered cultivation practices, breeding programs, postharvest technology, and efforts to improve quality standards.
Australia’s litchi industry is smaller than South Africa’s but more advanced in growing different cultivars to extend the harvest season.
Australia has about 300,000 litchi trees; the 1993/94 season yielded 2,000 tonnes, with an export target of 120 tonnes in 1994/95.
Main cultivars like Kwai May Pink, Wai Chee, and Salathiel show good potential, with some cultivars like Bengal not recommended for planting due to poor quality.
The industry faces issues such as poor fruit set during certain years due to climate conditions, with cultivars like Kwai May Pink and Wai Chee being well-adapted.
Cultural practices such as pruning, fertilization, and spacing are similar to those in South Africa, but timing adjustments may be necessary for new cultivars.
Pests include eriophyid mites, fruit piercing moths, and fruit flies, with netting being the most effective long-term control for fruit bats and birds.
Postharvest research focused on hydro-cooling, surface coatings, fumigation, and innovative packaging to extend shelf life and maintain quality.
Significant attention was given to controlling pericarp browning, primarily through water loss management and chemical treatments (e.g., sulfur dioxide fumigation).
Cultivar evaluation emphasized the importance of testing new cultivars in local conditions for at least six to eight years before large-scale planting.
The report recommends enhanced collaboration with Australian institutions, importation of promising cultivars for evaluation, and continued research on orchard management and postharvest techniques.
The industry is encouraged to establish marketing groups, improve quality control measures, and explore netting as a primary solution for bird and bat damage.