The Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) - fondly called the "King of Fruit" by enthusiasts - has developed into a crop of significant socio-economic importance in the South-East Asia region, particularly in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.
Durian trees thrive in lowland tropical climates with annual rainfalls ranging between 1,800 and 4,000 mm. In Malaysia, the planted area currently exceeds 50,000 ha, with annual yields of around 300,000 metric tonnes. Whilst most of the crop is consumed locally, exports of the fruit still amount to about RM 50 million a year.
The majority of the older trees in Malaysia were planted from seeds and, as a result, produce a wide variety of tastes and characteristics. In recent years, most commercial plantings use grafted clones of well accepted varieties including the newly introduced MDUR clones from MARDI. They differ in terms of fruit characteristics (taste, pulp texture, shape, size, etc.), yield (number, weight, etc.) and fruiting cycles (early or late flowering, interval between flowering, etc.), tree habit (shape and size) and tolerance to drought and diseases (especially the stem patch canker).
NURSERY FERTILIZATION
For fertilization in the nursery, 15 g of TRIABON (16 - 8 - 12 - 4 + TE) - a chemically slow-release Crotodur-based complex fertilizer - can be applied about three weeks after successful grafting.
After application, to minimize losses due to splash-off during watering, a layer of topsoil or coconut fibre may be used to cover the fertilizer. For normal seedlings as well as advanced planting material (APM), fertilization may follow the program in Table 1. For APM kept beyond one year, continue to apply 25 g of Triabon once every three months.
FIELD PLANTING
Durian seedlings do not establish well when planted in a dry or clean-weeded environment. During the early stages of growth, shade for the young trees, high soil moisture and cool soil are essential. These conditions dan be achieved by the establishment of a luxuriant ground cover that is managed well to ensure no encroachment onto the trees, as well as the planting of a secondary tree crop such as papaya or banana during the first few years. Drip irrigation also improves the survival rates and growth of the trees.
The planting of APM, as well as the planting of seeds directly into the field before in-field grafting are two other practices that have been found to enhance the field survival rate, as well as reduce the juvenile phase (period from field planting to start of fruit bearing).
The recommended planting hole size is at least 60 cm x 60 cm x 60cm. Prior to field planting, 250 g of Enphos reactive rock phosphate and 10 - 15 kg of Growel palletized organic fertilizer should be mixed into the backfill. After transplanting, top-dress with 250 g of Ground Magnesium Limestone (GML) over the planting hole.
Liming and Organic Manuring
Micronutrient Requirements
Fertilizer Program in the Field |