Lychee is native to the area between southern China, northern Viet Nam and Myanmar, but is now cultivated in many countries with sub-tropical climates. The crop is most important in China, India, Viet Nam, Thailand, Bangladesh and Nepal. There is also interest in Australia, the Philippines and Indonesia. The Asia-Pacific region accounts for more than 95 percent of world production, at about 2 million tonnes. The crop is very popular throughout the region with strong domestic markets and increasing affluence. Trade within the Region and to Europe and North America is about 60,000 tonnes.
The crop is profitable, and can significantly add to the income of small landholders. A few trees may double the income of such families. The area under cultivation is expanding with many new orchards in China, Viet Nam and India. Average yields are below 5 tonnes per ha, whereas some better orchards can produce three times this.
Although lychee has a long history in Asia, it is a relatively new species in most countries, and efforts to increase production have been small compared with the more established tropical fruit such as citrus, banana, pineapple and mango. There has been much speculation on the factors controlling growth and cropping. The main reason for low yields is failure to flower, although in some seasons, the trees may flower heavily, but carry few fruit at harvest. The yield of cultivars also varies greatly from district to district, so cultivars must be evaluated for their cropping in different areas.
There is a large gap between actual and potential yields, with much work required to raise average productivity. Opportunities to increase production include new cultivars, and appropriate watering, fertilizing and pruning. Improvements in integrated pest and disease management are required. Girdling and growth regulators can also increase flowering and fruit retention under some circumstances. Prospects for increasing production and marketing of lychee are high if some of the growing, post-harvest handling and marketing issues are resolved. These developments are more likely to succeed if countries across the region remain united in their vision for the future of this crop.
In conclusion, I hope that this publication will be useful in raising increased interest in the lychee crop among researchers, students, extension officers, growers and entrepreneurs.
R.B. Singh
Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific
