Influence of plant spacing and system of planting on tree physiology, yield and quality of litchi cv. shahi

Production of better yield and quality in litchi from less land and efficient harnessing of natural resources is need of the hour where planting geometry and planting system plays a crucial role. The effect of different spacing and planting system were assessed for light interception, canopy area, leaf area, leaf temperature, net photosynthetic rate, number of fruits per plant and yield (kg tree⁻¹), fruit weight (g), fruit length (mm) and breadth (mm) total soluble solids (⁰B) and acidity (%). The study indicates that planting in rectangular system at spacing of 8x4m occupying 32m² land space per tree was able to produce an yield of 20.33 tons ha⁻¹. Therefore for litchi, ‘Shahi’ the spacing of 8x4 m under hedge row system can be recommended for the farmers to obtain higher yield of 18-20 tons ha⁻¹against 8.10 tons ha⁻¹ in normal square system of planting at 8x8 m.