Litchi (Litchi chinensis)
- Family: Sapindaceae
- Origin: China
- Type: Subtropical evergreen fruit tree
- Fruit Part Eaten: Pulp (aril) – an outgrowth of seed
- Pigment: Red colour due to Anthocyanin
- Root Type: Mycorrhizal association
- Ideal Growth Temp.: Luxuriant growth at 30°C
Climate Requirements
- Preferred Climate: Moist summer & cool winter
- Desirable Fruiting Conditions: Wet spring, dry summer, light winter
- Critical Irrigation Period: Jan end to onset of monsoon
- Dry Hot Wind: Causes fruit cracking → Boron spray reduces cracking
Propagation
- Common Method: Air Layering
- In China: Called Marcottage
- In India: Called Gootee
- Most Suitable Time: July–October
- Hormone Used: IBA (2–10 g/L) promotes root formation
- Rootstock: Litchi philippinensis
Production & Harvest
- Largest Producer: China
- India’s Rank: 2nd in the world
- Leading Indian State: Bihar
- Harvest Time: May–June
Nutritive Value; Vitamin C Content: 40–90 mg/100g. Flower Type: Petalless
Important Varieties of Litchi
|
Type |
Varieties |
Purpose/Note |
|
Early |
Early Bedana (Seedless), Swaran Roopa |
Seedless, non-cracking, early (Chhotanagpur) |
|
Mid-Season |
Dehradun, Shahi, China, Gulabi |
Table purpose (Shahi best for canning) |
|
Late |
Late Bedana (Seedless), Kasba, Bombai |
Processing and late maturity |
|
Others |
Elachi, Lath Large Red (Muzaffarpur) |
Table types |
|
Processing |
Shahi, Early Bedana |
Suitable for canning and processing |
Special Varieties to Remember
- Swaran Roopa: Early, seedless, non-cracking – grown in Chhotanagpur
- Shahi: Table purpose + canning quality
- Dehradun: Popular table variety
- Calcutta, Purbi, Desi, Kasba: Regional importance
- China: Common in Bihar
- Maclean, Brewster: Other known cultivars
Aonla (Emblica officinalis)
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Origin: Indo-China
- Type: Deciduous tree, deep-rooted with sparse foliage
- Flowering & Fruit Bud Differentiation (FBD): March–April
- Bearing Starts: 3rd year after planting
- Vitamin C Content: 600 mg/100 g (very rich source)
Medicinal Importance; Used in Triphala and Chyawanprash (Ayurvedic medicine)
Cultural Practices
|
Practice |
Details |
|
Training |
Modified central leader system |
|
Pruning |
March–April (Height: 0.75–1 m) |
|
Irrigation |
Avoid during flowering (Mid-Mar–Apr) |
|
Filler Crops |
Ber, Guava, Lemon |
|
Intercropping System |
Ideal for 2 or 3-tier cropping |
Propagation
- Method: Patch budding / Modified ring budding
- Best Time: Mid-May to September (North India)
- Climatic Requirement; Tolerates dry climate, but heavy frost is unsuitable
- Pollination Biology; Self-incompatibility: Present in most cultivars
Physiological Disorder
- Necrosis: Affects fruit quality
- Example: Francis is highly susceptible
- Free from necrosis: Chakiya
Utilization; Preservation, candy, murabba. Large-sized, sound fruits are preferred for processing
Important Varieties of Aonla
|
Variety |
Features |
|
Banarasi |
Early maturing, Best for murabba |
|
Francis (Hathijhool) |
Prone to fruit necrosis, vigorous growth |
|
Chakiya |
Alternate bearer, free from necrosis |
|
Kanchan (NA-4) |
Seedling selection from Chakiya, regular bearer |
|
NA-5 (Krishna) |
From Banarasi, good for table purpose |
|
NA-6 |
From Chakiya, ideal for candy making |
|
NA-7 (Amrit) |
From Francis, ideal for product preparation |
|
NA-9 (Neelum) |
From Banarasi, early maturing |
