What conditions does loquat cultivation require? The latest detailed explanation

Loquat is native to southeastern China, and is named for its leaves resembling the pipa instrument. Loquat cultivation requires relatively high temperatures, and it can grow normally with an annual average temperature above 12°C, but for commercial cultivation the annual average temperature should be 15-17°C, with no severely cold weather. Now let us take a detailed look at what the cultivation conditions for loquat are!

Temperature

Loquat is native to the northern subtropics and prefers a warm, humid climate. It can grow normally with an annual average temperature above 12°C, but for commercial cultivation the annual average temperature should be 15-17°C, with no severely cold weather. The flowering period of loquat is in late winter and early spring, and low temperatures in winter and spring will affect its flowering and fruiting. A temperature of -6°C causes freeze damage to flowering, and -3°C causes freeze damage to young fruit; pollen begins to germinate above 10°C, and pollen germination is optimal at around 20°C. During flowering, as long as there is a short period at noon reaching the temperature required for pollen germination, the pollen tube can elongate and fertilization can occur, so in the loquat-producing areas of South China, the temperature required for flowering is often met and fruit set is good. Excessively high temperatures are also unsuitable for loquat growth; above 35°C the edges of young leaves dry up, branch and root growth slows, and seedlings grow poorly; in the middle and late stages of fruit development, hot and dry weather easily causes sunscald. In addition, excessively high temperatures make it difficult for sugars to accumulate, and the sugar content of the fruit is relatively low.

Light

Loquat originated in the shaded forest environment of mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests, so seedlings still retain the habit of liking diffused light, and shade frames should be set up when raising seedlings. However, adult trees require sufficient light to facilitate flower bud differentiation, fruit development, coloring, and early ripening. Its strong layered branching habit also indicates the need for sufficient light. However, the trunk is easily scorched when exposed to direct sunlight, causing branches and leaves to wither.

Water

Loquat prefers an environment with humid air and abundant moisture, requiring annual rainfall of more than 1000 mm, relatively evenly distributed. During the early spring fruit development period and the new shoot growth period, relatively sufficient water is required, and spring drought is unfavorable for growth and fruiting. However, abundant rain during the fruit ripening period easily causes fruit cracking, poor coloring, bland taste, and delayed ripening. In late summer and early autumn, less rainfall and a dry climate are required, so that growth slows and flower bud differentiation is favored.

Wind conditions

The loquat tree has a tall canopy with dense branches and leaves, poor wind permeability, and a relatively shallow and narrow root distribution, so its wind resistance is weak. Coastal areas often have strong winds and typhoons, so care must be taken to guard against these when choosing a site to build an orchard.

Terrain

Gentle middle and lower slopes facing south and southeast in mountainous areas, with deep soil layers, sufficient moisture, and where cold air does not easily accumulate, are most suitable for loquat cultivation; the plants then have well-developed root systems, a long lifespan, light freeze damage, high yield, and good quality. West-facing slopes are prone to drought damage and sunscald. North-facing slopes are also suitable in areas without freeze damage. Low hilly and mountainous land can also be cultivated, but in the red soil and lateritic red soil areas of coastal hilly regions, the soil layer is shallow, and drought damage easily occurs in autumn and winter, causing leaf drop and tree decline, so sites with relatively deep soil layers should be chosen for building orchards.

Loquat is most averse to waterlogging; when cultivating on flat land, root rot from waterlogging must be prevented, and sites with a relatively low groundwater table should be chosen, with mounds raised or deep ditches dug before planting, and drainage work done well.

Soil

Loquat is not strict about soil selection; ordinary soil can allow normal growth and fruiting, but sandy, gravelly loam or clay with deep soil layers, loose texture, and rich in humus is best. Loquat has a wide range of adaptability to soil pH, growing from red soil at pH 5.0 to calcareous soil at pH 7.5-8.5, but around pH 6.0 is suitable.