Journal of Applied Horticulture. 2002: 4(1): 47-48

Developmental pattern and maturity standards for litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) cv. Calcuttia

Mahajan, B V C; Dhillon, B S

Punjab Agricultural University Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur - 143 521, Punjab, India.

Fruit development was studied in 25-year-old litchi (Litchi chinensis cv. Calcuttia) trees grown in Gurdaspur, Punjab, India. Observations on the physicochemical characteristics of the fruits were recorded from 20 to 60 days after fruit set (DAFS). Fruit size (length and diameter) increased until harvesting. The greatest fruit length (3.9 cm) and diameter (2.9 cm) were recorded at 55 DAFS. Fruit weight rapidly increased up to 40 DAFS, after which fruit weight gradually increased until harvesting. Pulp and seed weight significantly increased up to 55 DAFS. Pulp weight increased slowly up to 30 DAFS, increased at a faster pace at the second phase, then increased very slowly towards the end of sampling. On the other hand, seed weight increased dramatically at the first phase (35 DAFS), then gradually increased thereafter. The content of total soluble solids (TSS) increased until harvest, with the increase being much faster up to 40 DAFS. TSS ranged from 9.0 to 18.3 degrees Brix. A gradual decline in titratable acid content (from 0.92 to 0.40%) was observed throughout fruit growth. The fruits remained green up to the first week of June. Colour break commenced in the second week of June (45 DAFS), when just 10% of the fruit surface turned red. The optimum period of harvest varied from 19 June to 24 June (55-60 DAFS). At the time of harvest, fruit weight ranged from 19.0 to 20.0 g, whereas TSS content reached 18.0 g.