Developmental pattern and maturity standards for litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) cv. Calcuttia.

Abstract: Fruit development was studied in 25-year-old litchi (Litchi chinensis cv. Calcuttia) trees grown in Gurdaspur, Punjab, India. Observations on the physicochemical characteristics of the fruits were recorded from 20 to 60 days after fruit set (DAFS). Fruit size (length and diameter) increased until harvesting. The greatest fruit length (3.9 cm) and diameter (2.9 cm) were recorded at 55 DAFS. Fruit weight rapidly increased up to 40 DAFS, after which fruit weight gradually increased until harvesting. Pulp and seed weight significantly increased up to 55 DAFS. Pulp weight increased slowly up to 30 DAFS, increased at a faster pace at the second phase, then increased very slowly towards the end of sampling. On the other hand, seed weight increased dramatically at the first phase (35 DAFS), then gradually increased thereafter. The content of total soluble solids (TSS) increased until harvest, with the increase being much faster up to 40 DAFS. TSS ranged from 9.0 to 18.3 degrees Brix. A gradual decline in titratable a