Growth and development of litchi fruit cv. Brewster

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.Acompanhou-se o crescimento e desenvolvimento de frutos de lichia (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) cv. Brewster, em Viçosa (MG). Da abertura das panículas até cerca de 45 dias após o florescimento (DAF), 95% da matéria fresca total dos frutos correspondeu à soma das massas da semente e da casca. A matéria fresca dos frutos aumentou exponencialmente entre 45 e 80 DAF; observaram-se, porém, incrementos menores de matéria até o final do desenvolvimento, aos 104 DAF. Próximo ao final do ciclo de desenvolvimento do fruto, atribuiu-se 60% da matéria fresca total ao arilo, enquanto 14 e 26% corresponderam à semente e à casca respectivamente. Os frutos apresentaram maior conteúdo de sólidos solúveis totais aos 77 DAF. A acidez total foi reduzida de 6,0%, aos 45 DAF, para 0,6%, aos 89 DAF. Obtiveram-se frutos vermelhos maduros aos 89 DAF. Frutos colhidos aos 104 DAF apresentaram casca marrom-escura