Effect of fruit development, maturity and harvesting of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) on postharvest fruit quality

 

 

Regina B Cronje

ARC-Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Nelspruit, South Africa

 

 

 

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review focuses on litchi fruit development, maturity and harvesting and their effect on postharvest quality.

Findings: Studies on the development of litchi fruit have been conducted for many years and have given a clear understanding of the development of the various parts of the fruit. Knowledge of fruit development has encouraged the use of manipulation techniques to improve fruit size and quality. In-depth research on the morphology and ontogeny of especially the pericarp has also received great attention in the past few years, as postharvest quality is closely linked to pericarp structure and physiological processes taking place during maturation. More recent research focused on the influence of internal and external hormones on fruit development and maturation.

Directions for future research: Although in-depth research on various aspects of fruit development, physiological processes and interactions was conducted, the litchi industry would benefit from a practical application of that knowledge into pre- and postharvest techniques that can improve fruit pre- and postharvest quality. The influence of preharvest crop management practices on postharvest fruit quality needs further exploration.

 

Keywords: Litchi chinensis Sonn.; fruit development; maturation processes; maturity indices; harvesting

 

Stewart Postharvest Review 2008, 3:3

Published online 01 June 2008

doi: 10.2212/spr.2008.3.3