Articles
Better understanding of litchi and longan biology brings tech-innovation in their cultivation
Article number
1447_13
Pages
107 – 116
Language
English
Abstract
To achieve optimal productivity in litchi and longan, several critical growth phases must be carefully managed: postharvest flush growth, late autumn growth cessation, flower induction and differentiation, and fruit set and retention.
Effective management of each phase requires a thorough understanding of its regulatory mechanisms.
Recent advances in flush management have enabled better control of postharvest flush growth and prevention of undesirable winter flushes.
This is based on insights into the regulation of dormancy – specifically, the initiation, maintenance, and release of terminal bud dormancy.
Ethephon has proven effective in suppressing excessive vegetative growth.
Flower induction in litchi and longan is naturally triggered by chilling temperatures.
While longan flowering can be reliably induced using potassium chlorate, enabling off-season production (now widespread in Thailand and limited to southernmost China), no chemical substitute for chilling has been identified for litchi.
However, ethylene and reactive oxygen species have been shown to enhance chilling sensitivity and inhibit rudimentary leaf development, improving floral induction.
Fruit set is influenced by two key factors: 1) successful fertilization and 2) carbohydrate supply-demand balance.
Advances in understanding the molecular regulation of the abscission zone (AZ) have led to improved strategies for reducing premature fruit drop.
Fertilization success can be enhanced through practices that improve flower quality, such as panicle pruning and flower thinning.
Additional measures to optimize fruit set and retention are also discussed.
Effective management of each phase requires a thorough understanding of its regulatory mechanisms.
Recent advances in flush management have enabled better control of postharvest flush growth and prevention of undesirable winter flushes.
This is based on insights into the regulation of dormancy – specifically, the initiation, maintenance, and release of terminal bud dormancy.
Ethephon has proven effective in suppressing excessive vegetative growth.
Flower induction in litchi and longan is naturally triggered by chilling temperatures.
While longan flowering can be reliably induced using potassium chlorate, enabling off-season production (now widespread in Thailand and limited to southernmost China), no chemical substitute for chilling has been identified for litchi.
However, ethylene and reactive oxygen species have been shown to enhance chilling sensitivity and inhibit rudimentary leaf development, improving floral induction.
Fruit set is influenced by two key factors: 1) successful fertilization and 2) carbohydrate supply-demand balance.
Advances in understanding the molecular regulation of the abscission zone (AZ) have led to improved strategies for reducing premature fruit drop.
Fertilization success can be enhanced through practices that improve flower quality, such as panicle pruning and flower thinning.
Additional measures to optimize fruit set and retention are also discussed.
Authors
Xuming Huang
Keywords
developmental phases, flush control, flowering, fruiting
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