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 |
