The development of the lychee industry in Australia

Abstract

Lychee or litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is the most popular member of the Sapindaceae family that includes the related longan and rambutan. Lychee originated in the area near southern China and northern Vietnam, but is now grown in many countries. The largest producers are in South-East Asia (China, Vietnam, Thailand and India), but the fruit is also popular in Africa (South Africa and Madagascar), Australia, Mexico and Israel. The lychee arrived in Australia some 100 years ago, although commercial expansion has only occurred in past 30 years. Currently, there are about 300 growers with an annual production of about 3000 t worth some $15 million. Production has steadily increased over the past few years. About 50% of commercial plantings are found in northern Queensland, 40% in southern Queensland, and the balance in northern New South Wales. The impact of research and development on industry expansion is described. Areas covered include cultivar performance, the impact of climate on production, and the roles of nutrition, watering, canopy management, pest control and post-harvest handling on profitability.