Diseases of longan, lychee and rambutan

Abstract

This chapter reviews the distribution, importance and control of diseases of longan (Dimocarpus longan), lychee (Litchi chinensis) and rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) together with characteristics and production of the fruits. Saponins in lychee, longan and rambutan may be responsible for the paucity of major diseases in these crops. Root rots (Armillaria mellea and Armillaria socialis) and diebacks (associated with Hemicriconemoides mangiferae and Xiphinema brevicolle) tend to be exacerbated by water stress and leaf spots and flower blights do not tend to be serious. A wide range of fungi are reported to cause postharvest disease if fruit are not handled correctly, including Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Cladosporium and Penicillium species.