TOWARDS AN UNDERSTANDING OF REPRODUCTIVE FAILURE IN LYCHEE (LITCHI CHINENSIS SONN.)

Two basic categories of reproductive failure of lychee are discussed: the failure to produce flowers, a problem of more tropical regions, and failure to set or retain fruit, a problem of subtropical areas.

The published and unpublished data presented suggest areas of research likely to be productive in overcoming these problems.
These areas of research include:

1. Use of growth retardants to restrict vegetative growth at the time when lychees normally initiate flowers (the coldest three months of the year).

2. The effect of flower load on the plant energy balance and the ability of the plant to subsequently support fruit growth and development.

3. The effect of temperature on pollen tube growth and the efficacy of artificial pollination in overcoming poor fertilisation caused by low temperatures.

4. The effect of humidity on pollen viability and stigma receptivity.

5. Varietal differences in female/male flower cycling and associated requirements for pollinator varieties and susceptibility to periods of unfavourable weather.

Symposium on Physiology of Productivity of Subtropical and Tropical Tree Fruits

D.J. Batten

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1986.175.11