Characterization of generative development in early maturing litchi ‘Early Big’, a novel cultivar in Taiwan

摘要: Introduction. A short harvest window is common in litchi production worldwide, leading to imbalance between supply and demand for fresh fruit. This problem can be mitigated with early-maturing cultivars, such as ‘Early Big’, released 2010 Taiwan. Our goal was characterize the generative development this novel cultivar. Materials methods. The patterns of female flowering fruit development, abscission were investigated Big’ 2013 2014. relationship second round (2nd R) blooming first (1st studied. ambient temperature both years recorded. Results discussion. 2–3 weeks after full bloom (AFFB) 2nd R occurred, followed by loss 95% within 4 AFFB litchi, resulting low yield at harvest. negatively correlated 1st retention rate from week 2013. Overall, period November through following March longer 2013/2014 than 2012/2013. trait early maturing mainly due flowering. Temperature may related Big’. accumulation spring poor initial set. Conclusion. presence also potentially reduced set retention. These issues must addressed develop field strategies improve litchi.