Because heat is detrimental to the fruits, aircraft containers and pallets should be kept in the shade or in cool conditions until loading. Potential Postharvest Problems Fruit Cracking and Fruit Browning. A principal cause of losses in lychees is cracking during the ripening period. Cracking is caused by a range of factors, including lack of moisture or a nutrient deficiency during the initial stage of fruit growth, followed by high rainfall in the later stages. Insects and sunburn may also cause cracking.
Fruit browning is believed to be a process of early cell aging and death.
If it occurs during growth, the skin may crack where the cells are dead. The postharvest diseases of lychees are predominantly secondary infections that develop as a result of mechanical damage or through the cut stem of the fruits. These may include Aspergillus rot, Pestalotiopsis rot, Peronophythora rot, sour rot, Botryodiplodia , Colletotrichum , and Rhizopus . Disease control begins in the orchard, with measures against piercing insects. Careful handling, prevention of mechanical damage, and rapid cooling minimize secondary infections.