Effect of climate change and climate variable conditions on litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) productivity and quality

Litchi has attained the status of an important commercial fruit crop of India. The factors leading to its successful cultivation, high productivity and fruit quality are generally environmental parameters like temperature, photoperiod/light intensity, soil moisture content and humidity in the atmosphere. The findings of research studies conducted at NRC for Litchi in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India, during the last decade (2001-2010) prove that changing climate is influencing the trend of litchi production system as well as areas under litchi plantations. On comparing litchi production in a particular region with the ideal climatic conditions for commercial viability, it has been found that higher temperature, good sunshine and adequate soil moisture in the rhizosphere result in improved fruit size and quality. The aberrations in weather like prolonged cloudy weather and rains during the full bloom hamper normal cross pollination and fruit set in litchi. In addition, moist weather leads to severe attacks of mite and other insects as well as incidence of lichen growth on the trunk and branches causing bark splitting, leading to other fungus infestation in the litchi crop. Preharvest low intensity sunshine due to cloudy weather reduces the content of ascorbic acid and sugar in the fruit. The studies prove that influence of climatic aberrations can be nullified to a great extent by practicing region specific adaptation measures like soil moisture conservation, pruning and canopy management, mulching, growing intercrops, water and nutrient management and pest management resulting in enhanced productivity and quality.