Botanical name: Litchi chinensisFamily: SapindaceaeChromosome numbers of litchi: 2n = 30.
1. Climatic conditions:
Litchi thrives well in a warm and humid climate. It requires a temperature range of 15°C to 40°C and an annual rainfall of 1000 to 2000 mm.
2. Soil:
Litchi grows well in well-drained sandy loam soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should have good water holding capacity.
3. Propagation:
Litchi is propagated through air layering, grafting, and budding methods. Air layering is the most common method of propagation.
4. Planting:
The best time for planting litchi is during the monsoon season. Seed rate is 2-3 seeds per pit. The spacing of 10m x 10m or 12m x 12m is maintained for litchi orchards.
5. Irrigation:
Irrigation is required immediately after planting to establish the plants and then should be done at regular intervals depending on the weather conditions.
6. Manures and fertilizers:
Well-decomposed farmyard manure or compost should be applied before planting. In the first year, 200g N, 100g P2O5, and 300g K2O per plant should be applied. In the second year, 400g N, 200g P2O5, and 600g K2O per plant should be applied.
7. Training and pruning:
Litchi requires a well-defined framework of 4-6 main branches. Pruning should be done during the winter season to remove dead and diseased wood.
8. Varieties:
Some popular varieties of litchi include Early Bedana, Dehradun, Shahi, China, and Rose Scented.
9. Harvesting and Yield:
Litchi fruits are ready for harvesting in the months of May and June. The fruits should be harvested when they are fully ripe and have a bright red color. Yield varies depending on the variety and management practices, but on average, a mature tree can yield 200-300 kg of fruits per year.
