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Archives (2000)
Mulching arrests uneven
fruit ripening in durian, study reveals
by Mary Charlotte O. Fresco
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July-September
2000
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Quality and quantity are the keywords that put
an industry ahead of its competitors. Though there is increased
demand for durian (Durio Zibethinus) in the world markets
- due largely to its rich and exotic taste - the country has
been unable to tap this opportunity for export earnings as
the local industry is hampered by limited production of high-quality
durian.
 The
durian production industry has been incurring losses due largely
to a physiological disorder appearing in the fruits. Known
as uneven fruit ripening (UFR), this disease is characterized
by a hardened leathery aril, and a whitish color, odorless
and tasteless pulp. It normally occurs when the fruits are
about to ripen and remains invisible until the fruits are
opened.
Efforts have been made to arrest the occurrence
of this disease. One such effort has been the initiation of
the study on the "Uneven Fruit Ripening and other
Physiological Disorder in Durian" by the Bureau of
Plant Industry (BPI) and Davao National Crop Research and
Development Center, with the support of the Bureau of Agricultural
Research in the conduct of a study. The study aimed at determining
the causal agents of UFR in durian fruits and controlling
the occurrence of the said disease in maturing and ripening
stage of durian.
Results of the study revealed that mulching
significantly minimized the incidence of UFR and wet core
in durian. Mulching is the principle of covering the soil
surface of the plant's base with materials such as rice straws
and plastic sheets to reduce the infiltration rate of water
into the soil and minimize the absorption of water into the
roots. It was observed that the excessive water uptake by
plant is the major cause of UFR and wet core. Wet core is
somewhat similar to UFR by the fact that it affects the flesh
or pulp of durian giving its pulp a watery and dull taste.
One significant observation obtained from the
study is the amount of rain as the major causal agent of UFR
in durian. It was concluded that high rainfall at 200 mm and
above during maturity period of durian incurred the highest
incidence of UFR and wet core. Results of the study showed
that rainfall triggers the growth of shoots that compete for
the nutrients needed by the fruit to attain full maturity
and development.
Moreover, the study recommends to apply mulching
using plastic sheets one month before maturity or harvesting
especially during rainy season. 
(For more information, please contact Mr.
Virgilio L. Loquias, Davao National Crop Research and Development
Center (DNCRDC), BPI Bago Ushiro, Davao City) or call at tel.
no. 087-227-9838)
More Articles:
Vol. 2 No. 3
July-September 2000
»» 1st week of oct is "nat'l agriculture,
fisheries R&D week"
»» Mulching
arrests uneven fruit ripening in durian, study reveals
»» Philippine mangoes break into world market
»» National integrated RDE agenda and program
for fruits
»» Sweet tamarind propagation and management
»» Micropropagation: propagating coconut
through tissue culture
»» Study identifies dynamics of jackfruit
infestation
»» Accelerating coconut replanting program
through biotech
»» Ensuring fruit quality and longevity through
HWD
»» Transgenic fish 21st century solution
to decreased fish farming productivity
»» Early detection of viral infection in
shrimps possible through use of new protocol
»» New technique to boost shrimp industry
[More
2000 Articles]
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