Genetic variability of litchi in northeastern India

Survey of litchi germplasm was conducted in the northeastern part of India with the aim of assessing the existing litchi variability. Three states viz., Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura were selected and germplasm was characterized on the basis of fruit maturity and fruit physic-chemical parameters. It was observed that variability in litchi in northeastern India is very narrow and most plantations are confined in the homestead or as backyard trees. In Meghalaya, litchi is confined to North and East Garo Hills and to the border areas of Ri Bhoi and Khasi Hills adjacent to Assam and Bangladesh, respectively. Litchi from this region are early-medium in maturity except ‘Nongjri’ litchi which matures late. In Assam, Sonitpur district houses the maximum germplasm and ‘Bilaiti’, ‘Bombai’ and ‘Rongiya’ were found most promising with good fruit size and quality and late in maturity. Litchi variability in Tripura is also very low. ‘Shahi’, ‘Muzaffarpur’, ‘Swarna Roopa’ are early in maturity while ‘Bombai’ and ‘Late Bedana’ mid-maturing group. Besides, plantations of more than 100 years old that probably belong to Seedless (TC1) and China (TC2) groups were also noted. These trees produced good quality fruits which mature late.