Loquat
Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) is the name of the evergreen perennial shrub (or tree) as well as of its fruit. It belongs to the family Rosaceae, and originated in south-central China. Loquat was introduced to subtropical regions throughout the world. It grows well on light sandy loam to heavy clay soils, with good drainage, at a pH range of 5.0-8.0, with an adequate content of organic matter. The trees are usually about 3–4 metres in height or taller. Loquats are unusual among fruit trees because their white flowers appear in autumn or early winter, whereas the fruits ripen from early spring to early summer, depending on local temperature. Loquats grow best in subtropical to mild-temperate climates; extreme summer heat reduces the crop. The fruits occur in clusters, are oval, rounded or pear-shaped, 3–5 centimetres long, with a smooth or downy, yellow or orange, sometimes reddish skin. The succulent, tangy flesh is white, yellow or orange and sweet to subacid or acid, depending on the cultivar. The flavour is a mixture of peach, citrus and mango. Loquat fruits are nutritious, being high in vitamin A, essential minerals and dietary fiber, and can be consumed fresh or processed, used for jam, juice, wine, syrup or as candied. Fruits have also been used as sedatives to halt vomiting and thirst. The seeds and unripe fruits contain cyanogenic glycosides which have caused poisoning in poultry and in goat kids. Loquats have been planted as ornamental hedges and shade trees in gardens, highway medians, sidewalks and parks. The wood is pink, hard, and is used by furniture makers and for stringed musical instruments. Loquat has been the subject of much improvement in order to increase the size and quality of the fruits, resulting in over 800 cultivars. In China, the loquat is known as the ‘pipa’, because of its golden colour that represents gold and wealth.
Major loquat pests in the Middle East
Ripening loquat fruits are often attacked by birds, which necessitates covering their clusters with wire netting, cloth or paper bags.
REFERENCES
Butani, D.K. 1974. Pests of fruit crops in India and their control. #12. Loquat. Pesticides 3: 17-18.
Elsabagh, A.S. 2011. Production of loquat in Egypt. Acta Horticulturae 887: 123-126.
Ezzat. A.H., Rokbal, A.M. and Khali,l F.A.. 1972. Seasonal changes of the loquat fruit. Agricultural Research. Review 50: 33-38.
Lin, S.Q., Sharpe. R.H. and Janick, J. 1999. Loquat: botany and horticulture. Horticultural review 23: 233-276.
Morton, J.F. 2013. Fruits of Warm Climates. Creative Resource Systems, Inc. Box 890, Winterville, N.C. 28590, USA.
Oppenheimer, C. and Reuveni, O. 1961. Flowering and pollination of the loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) in Israel. Indian Journal of Horticulture 18: 97-105.
Schroeder, C.A. 1959. The loquat Yearbook 1959, Texas Agricultural Society. Pp. 69-73.