Morphological Diversity in Litchi Based on Tree and Leaf Characteristics

Abstract

On the basis of tree and leaf characteristics, twenty litchi genotypes were evaluated to select promising genotypes. Numerous differences have been observed between the genotypes. The genotypes KT-1 and GC-2 recorded the highest (5.35 m) and lowest (4.50 m) height, respectively. The girth was greatest for the genotype KD-1 (63.01 cm) and lowest for the genotype GC-2 (49.99 cm). The genotype DP-2 had the smallest canopy diameter (5.29 m) and the genotype KS-1 the greatest (6.40 m) among the ones investigated. In GC-2 and KT-1, the plant volumes ranged from 20.35 m3 to 26.79 m3. Leaf exhibited a great deal of variability among them, nine genotypes showed vivid pink in their new leaves, whereas eleven genotypes showed yellowish green. Comparably, the colour of the leaves varied among the genotypes; nine had dark green, whereas eleven had green. Nine genotypes showed a downward curve from the midrib, whereas eleven genotypes showed an upward curve. According to an analysis of the number of leaflets on each compound leaf, Shahi had the most (7.24), while GC-1 had the fewest (6.16). The longest rachis measured 11.10 cm in KD-2 and the shortest 9.75 cm in GP-2. The genotype DT-1 exhibited the smallest petiole length, while the genotype KS-1 had the longest. The length of the leaflets varied significantly between genotypes, ranging from 10.86 cm (KD-1) to 13.81 cm (China). The genotype DP-2 had the shortest breadth (3.70 cm), while genotype KD-1 had the widest (4.36 cm). The genotypes GC-2, GP-2 and KD-1 can be promoted in close spacing orchard.