Loquat
Tree description
Loquat is an evergreen tree
Medium sized and compact growth
Belongs to the Rosaceae family
Flowers bloom in autumn
Fruits ripen in spring
After winter fruits finish
Before summer fruits begin
Making it highly profitable
With high yield
And low maintenance cost
Origin
The original homeland is China
Cultivated worldwide
Especially in Mediterranean regions
Nutritional value
Rich in antioxidants
Contains natural sugars and water
Includes folic acid and citric acid
Provides vitamins A B and D
Contains iron zinc and magnesium
Also phosphorus copper and calcium
High in fiber and proteins
Growing conditions
Suitable climate
Requires mild summer temperatures
High heat causes sunburn on fruits
Leading to dark skin and decay
Extreme cold damages flower buds
And may cause fruit drop
Soil requirements
Prefers deep fertile soil
Best in sandy loam soil
Saline soil is unsuitable
Especially during early years
Water needs
Relatively drought tolerant
Regular irrigation improves yield
Enhances fruit quality
Especially during autumn and winter
Flowering and fruit setting stage
Propagation
Propagated by seeds
Seeds must be planted fresh
Due to short viability
Grown in nursery beds or bags
Seedlings transferred after 1 to 3 years
To permanent field in March and April
Also propagated by grafting
Using bud grafting
In spring or autumn
Can be grafted on loquat
Quince hawthorn or pear rootstocks
Pruning
Young trees are pruned
To form a strong structure
At 50 to 90 cm height
Using open vase or central leader
Fruiting trees are pruned
By removing dry damaged branches
And crossing shoots
While keeping branch tips
As fruits grow on them
Varieties
Baladi
Saidaoui
Champagne
Late Victoria
Advance
Akkol 13
Tanaka
Sukkari
Premier
