Litchi:
The Union Agriculture Ministry constituted a special expert task force to study the damage caused to litchi crops by the litchi stink bug.
- It is a delicious juicy fruit belongs to Sapindaceae family.
- It is a sub-tropical fruit and thrives best under moist sub-tropical climate.
- It usually prefers low elevation and can be grown up to an altitude of 800 m.
- Deep, well drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter and having pH in the range of 5.0 to 7.0 is ideal for the crop.
- The temperature should not go beyond 40.5 0C in summer and below freezing point in winter.
- Prolonged rain may be harmful especially at the time of flowering, when it interferes with pollination.
- The young trees require protection against frost and hot winds for several years till they are firmly established.
- It is sensitive to frost during winter and dry heat in summer.
- India is the second largest producer of litchi in the World after China. Other major producing countries are Thailand, Australia, South Africa, Madagascar and Florida in US.
- It is widely cultivated in India, especially in Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Assam.
