Sugar Transport, Metabolism and Signaling in Fruit Development of Litchi chinensis Sonn: A Review

Litchi chinensis Sonn. is an important evergreen fruit crop cultivated in the tropical and subtropical regions. The edible portion of litchi fruit is the aril, which contains a high concentration of sucrose, glucose, and fructose. In this study, we review various aspects of sugar transport, metabolism, and signaling during fruit development in litchi. We begin by detailing the sugar transport and accumulation during aril development, and the biosynthesis of quebrachitol as a transportable photosynthate is discussed. We then document sugar metabolism in litchi fruit. We focus on the links between sugar signaling and seed development as well as fruit abscission. Finally, we outline future directions for research on sugar metabolism and signaling to improve fruit yield and quality.

Impact of Chemicals and Storage Conditions on Post-harvest Quality of Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) cv. China

The efficacy of chemical dips and different storage condition, alone and in combination were imposed in freshly harvested litchi fruit to investigate the changes of bio-chemical composition of fruits at regular interval for a certain period of storage. The pre-cooled litchi fruits after disinfectant were dipped for 60 seconds in lecithin (0.5% & 1%), Hot water, HCl (3%) with hot water, CaCl2 (1% & 2%), CaSO4 (1% & 2%), wax emulsion (5% & 10%), CaNO3 (0.5% & 1%), Chitosan (1% & 2%) and Kaolin (1% & 2%). The treated fruits were stored at room temperature as well as at 4°C & 90% R.H and the quality attributes were assessed at 2, 4, 6 and 8 days interval. Calcium nitrate @ 1% under refrigerated conditions recorded maximum ascorbic acid (54.50 mg/100g pulp), fruit firmness (1.75 kg cm-2) and the lowest acidity (0.42%). Total soluble solids (18.17°B), total sugar (11.27%) and polymeric colour retention with high anthocyanin content (48.94 mg/100g pulp) in peel was found in treated fruits with calcium chloride @1% at 4°C & 90% R.H even after 8 days of storage.