Fruit growth and development of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) cv. Brewster, were observed during growing season in Viçosa, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. From panicle flowering to about 45 days after flowering (DAF), 95% of fruit fresh weight was due to the seed and skin. Fruit weight increased exponentially from 45 to approximately 80 DAF, but lower increases were observed until 104 DAF. At a later stage of drupe development, the aril accounted for 60% of fruit fresh weight, while 14% consisted of seed and 26% skin. Soluble solids reached maximum value at about 77 DAF, becoming somewhat stable afterwards. Acidity, on the other hand, dropped from 6.0% at 45 DAF to 0.6% at 89 DAF onwards. Mature red fruits were present 89 DAF from panicle flowering, but after 104 DAF fruit skin became brown.
fruit growth; Litchi chinensis Sonn.; soluble solids; acidity