DURIAN PRODUCTION

Durian requires a moist environment with an even distribution of rainfall. It thrives best on deep, well-drained sandy loam or clay loam soils rich in organic matter. Since it could not tolerate low temperatures it is restricted to areas below 800 m.

Recommended Varieties

Preparation of Planting Materials

1. Select fully developed seeds from mature/ripe fruits of the recommended varieties.

2. Germinate the seeds in seed box or seedbed with coir dust as germination medium.

3. Prick seedlings 9-12 days after germination to 7 x 11” x .004 plastic bags and place them in nursery shed.

4. Water them immediately after planting in polyethylene bags. Then water 2 to 3 days thereafter or as the need arises.

5. Seedlings are ready for grafting at 21-30 days old using hypocotyls grafting; epicotyl side grafting for 2-4 months old; and cleft grading for 5-7 months.

	a) Hypocotyl grafting b) Epicotyl side grafting c) Cleft grafting

6. Reduce nursery shade and increase from 30% to about 70% of full sunlight two month after pricking and harden them 2 week before field planting.

Land Preparation

1. Clear/Underbrush and remove stumps.

2. Plow and harrow thoroughly to loosen the soil.

3. Stake a distance of 8 meters between hills and 8 meters between rows.

Planting

1. Remove the plastic bag and planting the seedling an inch from the original soil line without breaking the ball of soil.

2. Cover the hole with top oil and press gently.

Maintenance

1. Provide shade to the newly planted durian seedling for a period of two weeks to few months depending on weather condition to enable the plant to recover from transplanting shock and to shade it from strong sunlight.

2. Apply as basal 50 grams (5 tbsp) of complete fertilized (41-14-14) or based on soil analysis and cover with him layer of soil. Rate of application increases as the tree matures.

3. Grow seasonal crops between rows of durian before they become productive.

4. Ringweeding should be done before fertilization.

5. Prune/remove dead, broken or diseased branches and water shoots to obtain desire canopy shape to enhance production of fruits.

6. Mulch the tree with straw, dried leaves, cut grasses, or coconut husks during dry season.

Harvesting

A well-cared durian tree starts bearing fruits as early as five years old.

Maturity Indices

1. The fruit is 106-108 days old from flower opening for local cultivars (Accessions 1500, 916, 806, etc); 112-113 days old for Chanee; and 125 days for Montong.

2. Emits a dull and hollow sound when tapped

3. Color of the pericarp is light brown with yellowish green

4. Strong aroma

5. Very pliable spine

6. Very distinct suture

7. Sweet full characteristic durian flavor

Insect Pests, Diseases and their Control