Application of extended Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie scale for phenological studies in longan (Dimocarpus longan)

Abstract

Extended Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie scale was applied to achieve precise and normative description of each growth stage of longan. The entire growth cycle of longan was divided into seven primary stages, namely, development of shoots, leaves and branches, formation of inflorescence, flowering, fruit development and maturity. These primary stages were further subdivided into 47 secondary stages. This study focused on the entire fruit development process of longan. The correlation between phenology, temperature and humidity was also discussed. Knowledge of these rules will provide guidance for the implementation of production management measures, including fertilisation, disease and pest control, branch control, flower induction, flower and fruit retention and application of growth regulator. The present findings will also help longan planters to adopt the most appropriate cultivation and management measures according to the climate conditions and growth status of the trees.

Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour) Processing: A Review

“…The fruit weighs around 5 to 20 g and high-quality fruit may range from 14 to 18 g per fruit. The rind of the fruit is tough and leathery and it changes colour from greenish yellow to yellowish brown with the advancement of the maturity and a similar pattern is also observed in pericarp (Shi et al, 2015). The tubercles are typically flattened or indistinct and related species the rind tubercles are very distinct.…”

“…The seed is round, black, shining with a circular spot at the base and giving it the shape of an eye. It is delicate and may get damaged during the process of transport (Shi et al, 2015).…”

“…The rainfall required for this fruit crop ranges from 1,200 -1,400 mm and critical period of irrigation are; panicle emergence, fruit set until the maturation of the post-harvest growth flush. Irrigation is withdrawn before the next flowering which allows flower initiation for the next season's crop (Cheng et al, 2014;Shi et al, 2015).…”

“…The export quality fruits are detached from the panicles and are packed in the corrugated boxes or may be in the plastic boxes. Harvesting should be avoided during rainy season due to the risk of breakdown after harvest (Han et al, 2010;Shi et al, 2015;Pham et al, 2016). Although there is a lot of challenges to the researchers to recommend species specific grading techniques (but on the same time regular attempts are performed to fill up the gaps with respect to grading in many countries (Pham et al, 2016).…”

“…The ambient condition for harvesting longan is (25°-31°C) and delay it from harvesting may lead to ring ageing and it start turning brown within 3-4 days. This problem can be resolved by using proper method of harvesting and immediate precooling (Shi et al, 2015).Proper storage is very important for this crop to extend shelf life for few days. Longan is subjected to hydro cooling or forced air cooling which leads to longer storage period when coupled with low temperature during storage.…”