Selection of a new late-maturing litchi cultivar Guanfuhong

Abstract：Guanfuhong, a new litchi cultivar with excellent characteristics, was selected through the seedling selection. In 1993, maternal tree of Guanfuhong was initially selected for its large fruit size, a high and steady yield, a bright red pericarp, excellent quality, late-marurity and high quality in Dongguan city, Guangdong province. After many-year regional trials, it was found that the genetic characteristic was stable. The new plant variety right was obtained in January 2023. The cultivar is a tall tree, with spreading growth habit and semi-circular canopy shape. Leaves are lanceolate, 16.7 cm long and 3.9 cm wide. Inflorescence is conical; the main axis of inflorescence is 26.1 cm long and 13.9 cm wide. Flower is white with medium size. Guanfuhong can sprout new shoots all round the year, with young shoots growing about 5-6 times, while with fruiting trees they grow about 3-4 times. Fruit is mainly heart- shaped and the peel is red. The flesh is white with sweet flavor and aroma. The average fruit weight is 29.3 g; the horizontal diameter of fruit is 40.70 mm, the longitudinal diameter of fruit is 39.35 mm, and the number of seed is 1. The eatable rate of fruit is 78.8%. The soluble solids content is 19.6% and soluble acid is 1.09%. The content of vitamin C is 264.0 mg·kg-1 . The fruit quality of Guanfuhong is excellent. The fruit development period is about 80 d. And its maturity period is from late June to early July in Dongguan city, Guangdong province. It is resistant to both drought and water logging. The grafting compatibility between Guanfuhong and Huaizhi, Guiwei or Nuomici is high. In the third year after high-grafting, this cultivar can bear fruits, and the yield potential is high. The orchard should be established on acid red loam soil, which has good ability of moisture and fertilizer retention. Spacing in the rows and between rows is 6 m×8 m. The trunk is 0.3-0.4 m high with 3-4 main scaffoldlimbs, which are uniformly distributed with good growth vigor. Pruning should be carried out immediately after fruit picking with adult fruiting trees. The main method is thinning and heading back, to remove or retract the large and dense branches that are too high or too dense to form an open-center shape for desirable ventilation and light transmission. After the occurrence of 'white spots', the main method is thinning, and the dense, shady, weak as well as diseased and insect branches should be cut off. Winter shoot should be controlled by girdling or spraying paclobutrazol or uniconazole, which aims to promote flower differentiation. Flowers and fruits need to be thinned adequately when the rate of flowers and fruit set is excessive. It is advisable to apply enough base fertilizer to guarantee proper growth and development. In addition, it is very important to prevent and control pests and diseases such anthracnose, stem borers, litchi stink bugs and downy mildew. Due to the lengthy fruiting period, it is recommended to apply organic fertilizer before flowering and spray foliar fertilizer during the young fruit stage to ensure the normal growth of flowers and fruits. Guanfuhong has a strong adaptability and the suitable cultivation area includes the majority of the mid-late maturing litchi production areas in Guangdong province.