Pruning time, intensity and KNO₃ spray to advance harvesting period and enhance growth, quality and yield in litchi

Litchi is a fruit widely cultivated in many countries in subtropical zone. High nutritional value, attractive colour and delicious taste make this fruit a popular choice. The treatments consisted of three factors, i.e., pruning time (29^th June, 11^th July, 23^rd July and 04^th August), pruning intensity (20 cm and 40 cm) and KNO₃ sprays (2 % and 4 %) and were compared with control. The results of investigation indicated that early post-harvest pruning (up to 11^th July) with 40 centimeter pruning intensity and 4% KNO₃ sprays on the mature vegetative flushes improved growth, flowering, fruiting and yield of quality litchi fruits in the next season as compared to control. This treatment resulted in early sprouting as well as produced maximum number of shoots. Full bloom stage was earliest as well as harvesting was advanced in the treatment where 40 cm terminal shoot was removed on 29^th June followed by 4% KNO₃ spray on the new shoots. Therefore, judicious combination of pruning time, intensity and KNO₃ spray could be effectively exploited for increasing quality of fruits and extending the harvesting period in litchi.