Loquat Tree

Eriobotrya japonica

1. Identification and origin

The loquat tree [Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.] is a tree species of the Rosaceae family, native to South-East China, where it has been cultivated for more than a thousand years. Its introduction into Japan occurred very early, which explains the epithet “japonica”. The crop later spread to the Mediterranean region, South America and other subtropical areas. In Portugal, it is widely distributed, both in orchards and in gardens.

2. Economic importance

The loquat tree is valued for the production of early fruit, generally between March and May, occupying an interesting commercial window in the fresh fruit market. In Portugal, production is concentrated mainly in the Algarve, the West and regions with a mild climate. At international level, it stands out in China, Japan, Spain, Israel and Brazil. The fruits are eaten fresh, in jams or as a culinary ingredient.

3. Botanical characterisation

A medium-sized tree, reaching 4–8 m in height, with a rounded, dense crown. The leaves are large, leathery, lanceolate, with well-marked veins and a tomentose lower surface. Flowering occurs in autumn-winter, a singular characteristic among temperate-climate fruit trees. The flowers are white, aromatic, grouped in terminal panicles. The fruit is a fleshy drupe, yellow to orange in colour, with sweet-sour pulp and large seeds.

4. Soil and climate requirements

The loquat tree adapts well to subtropical and Mediterranean climates, tolerating moderate cold but being sensitive to severe frosts, especially during winter flowering and fruiting. It prefers deep, well-drained soils, with a loamy to sandy-loam texture, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It needs good sun exposure to ensure the size and sweetness of the fruits. Regular irrigation is important, especially in summer and during fruit filling.

5. Main pests

• Fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata): oviposition and rots
• Aphids (Aphididae): leaf curling and honeydew
• Scale insects (Coccoidea): sap sucking and sooty mould
• Leaf miners (Phyllocnistis spp.): galleries in the leaves
• Mites (Tetranychidae): chlorosis and reduced photosynthesis

6. Main diseases

• Entomosporium leaf spot (Entomosporium mespili): leaf spots and decline
• Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): necrosis and death of branches
• Fruit rots (Monilinia spp.): pre- and post-harvest infections
• Woody cankers: opportunistic fungal agents
• Root rots associated with waterlogged soils

7. General crop management

Management of the loquat tree includes choosing cultivars adapted to the local climate and to the intended harvest period. Pruning should be moderate, aiming at crown formation, the renewal of fruiting branches and improved light penetration. Irrigation should be regular, avoiding periods of water stress that reduce the size and quality of the fruits. Fertilisation should be balanced, with attention to potassium and calcium. Control of the fruit fly is essential in regions of greater pressure. Harvesting is manual, carried out when the fruits show uniform colouring and firm texture.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database – Eriobotrya spp.
• CABI – Crop Protection Compendium – Eriobotrya japonica
• Lin, S., et al. (2019). Loquat cultivation and breeding. In: Advances in Fruit Breeding. Springer
• Morton, J. (1987). Fruits of Warm Climates. Miami
• Janick, J., et al. (2011). Loquat: botany and horticulture. In: Horticultural Reviews. Wiley