Litchi fruit cracking is one of the major and very common problems in many countries. It is a physiological disorder. It is reported that 5-70% loss may happen from this problem. It impacts on fruit quality, market value, shelf life, and also susceptible to storage diseases.
Causes of Fruit Cracking in Litchi
There are many reasons for Litchi fruit cracking. The major reasons are as follows :
i. Prolonged drought or dry and hot winds
ii. Physiological reasons
iii. Lack of boron or calcium in the soil
iv. Attacks of insects or mites
Management
Take the following management :
i. Apply an optimum dose of balanced fertilizers with organic and chemical fertilizers according to the age of the plant in 3 instalments per year, i.e. at the beginning of monsoon, at the end of monsoon and after the flowering.
ii. Litchi trees should be irrigated regularly every 10-15 days after fruit set in the dry season.
iii. If necessary then cover the base of the tree with water hyacinth or straw after irrigation.
iv. Calcium fertilizer (Dolochun – 50 gm) should be applied at the base of the plant every year.
v. During fruit growth, zinc sulphate should be mixed in 10 gm/liter of water and sprayed on the plant every 21 days.
vi. Planofix or Miraculan should be sprayed at the rate of 2 ml per 4.5 liters of water immediately after fruit set.
vii. Boric acid or Solubor boron mixed in 2 gm/liter of water should be sprayed on the plant 3 times at intervals of 10-12 days.
viii. Monitor the tree carefully and take necessary control measures if found any attacks of insects or mites.
