WORLD LOQUAT PRODUCTION AND RESEARCH WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CHINA

China stands out as the main world producer of loquat with a crop area of more than 120,000 ha and an annual production of 400,000 tons (t). The increase in area and production has been exponential since the 1970s. Loquats are now grown in 20 out of 32 provinces, nearly all below 35°N. Fujian has been replaced by Sichuan as the leading province in recent years. The fruiting season now extends from December to July due to incorporation of new regions, the release of early ripening cultivars, and protected cultivation. Other cultivation techniques that have affected loquat production in China include cleft grafting, the use of large (1 m³) planting holes, and flower and fruit thinning.