- J Fivaz
- Mariepskop Estate, Private Bag X3009, Hoedspruit 1380
- 1998
The rapid growth in exports from Madagascar to Europe between 1986/87 and 1994/95 led to various visits by South African researchers and farmers to this island. The possibility of obtaining other cultivars, selections or promising seedlings prompted the visit reported on here. The aim of the visit was to study the Madagascan litchi industry and their export procedures and to investigate the possibility of importing promising litchi plant material into South Africa.
Summary:
- The article reports on a visit to Madagascar by South African researchers and farmers, prompted by the rapid growth in Madagascar’s litchi exports to Europe between 1986/87 and 1994/95.
- The purpose of the visit was to study the Madagascan litchi industry, export procedures, and explore importing promising litchi plant material into South Africa.
- Madagascar’s main litchi-producing regions include Tamavate, Mananjary, Brickaville, and Sambava, with annual rainfall between 2,500 and 4,000 mm.
- Despite minimal cultural practices, the fruit quality remains high, and annual yields are estimated between 30,000 and 50,000 tons, with infrastructure to export about 20,000 tons to Europe.
- Currently, fruit is exported in unventilated 5 kg boxes with good external color upon arrival.
- The first trees were planted in 1802, likely of HLH Mauritius origin, but some trees differed, leading to importation of budwood for evaluation in South Africa.
- Six new cultivars were imported from Israel in April 1996, namely Floridian, Early Large Red, Late Seedless, Garnet, Groff, and Kaimana; these are quarantined at Buffelspoort and will be propagated upon release.
- Importing these cultivars aims to extend the South African litchi season and enhance the genetic diversity for breeding programs.