Effect of different chemicals on litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) cv. Rose Scented.

Abstract

Present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different chemicals to improve the yield and quality of litchi and for minimizing the post harvest and physiological disorders in fruits. Calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, boric acid, salicylic acid and humic acid were applied as preharvest foliar spray. Results showed that fruit cracking (11.03%) was reduced by boric acid (0.1 %). Fruit yield (90.44 kg/tree), fruit weight (25.37 g), fruit volume (23.90 ml), pulp weight (17.42 g) and pulp: peel ratio (8.90) were maximum with calcium chloride (0.5%). Humic acid @ 0.2% was better for higher total sugars (16.31%). Boric acid @ 0.1% was better for higher reducing sugars (12.76%). Calcium nitrate (0.5%) was better for higher non reducing sugars (4.93%). Humic acid @ 0.4% was better for higher TSS: acid ratio (57.97).