NURSERY MANAGEMENT OF CROPS

ABACA

Introduction

Abaca is a well known crop in the Philippines especially in Region 8 for its fiber's
good quality and strength. To step-up the industry and to maintain and conserve this crop
which is indigenous in the Philippines, farmers are being motivated and encouraged by
the different government and non-government agencies to plant abaca. Hence, there
exists a growing demand for abaca planting materials. In fact, the National Abaca
Research Center (NARC), could no longer cope with the requests for planting materials
from farmers who wish to rehabilitate or establish an abaca plantation. It is then a
challenge to our abaca cultivators, extension and development workers, financing
institutions and local government units to solve the rising demand of planting materials.

Selecting the Site

The site for abaca nursery should be:

 located in flat or rolling areas but not in steep places

 accessible and not too far from the road
 Well-drained and does not get flooded during heavy rains. This is to avoid rotting
of the seedpieces and/or planting materials
 near a river or creek which can be a good source of water during drought

Planting Material

 Corm is a good planting material since it is less bulky and will easily germinate.
 Do not mix different cultivars.
 Choose healthy and disease free planting materials to avoid disease infestation of
the area.

BAMBOO SHOOTS

Bamboo, used to be called the poor mans’ lumber, is considered today by many
bamboo enthusiasts as the “green gold.” It serves as material for construction, handicraft
and furniture making, fishpen and other agricultural and industrial uses.

The propagation and plantation establishment technology for many commercial

species of bamboo is now available. These species, namely, kauyan tinik, kauyan killing,
bayog and bolo can propagated by culm cuttings, which can be directly planted in a
plantation site or raised in a nursery for mass propagation.

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Technology and Process

Nursery Techniques

A. Selection and preparation of planting stock

 Select planting stocks from healthy bamboo clumps

 Select culms that are 1.5 t0 2 years as source of cuttings
 Extract the selected culm from the clump using sharp bolo or saw to avoid
splitting
 Clean the selected culm by pruning the branches, leaving 1-2 internodes of the
branch intact. Do not remove the buds.
 Cut the culms into 1 or 2 nodes cuttings. The 1 node cuttings produce more
planting stocks. However, a 2-node cutting is more advantageous when frequent watering
is not possible.

B. Potting

 Use polyethylene bags as potting materials. The size of the bags may vary

depending on the size of the cuttings.
 Use pulverized top soil with high organic matter a spotting media.
 Position the cutting vertically in the plastic bags with the first node embedded in
the soil and the second node exposes.
 Compact the soil in the bag moderately
 Water the new potted cuttings. The upper internode should always be filled with
water.
 Place the newly potted cuttings in a shaded area for about 2-3 months.
 Water the new potted cuttings regularly to maintain adequate moisture.
 Plant propagules 5-6 months after potting.

COFFEE

Coffee may be grown from seed or from cloned plants in the form of cuttings,
grafts or tissue cultured plants. Arabica coffee is most commonly grown from selected
seed unless there are special reasons for using clones. A number of steps are necessary
for production of good seedlings.
 Select the seed
 Keep records
 When to start the nursery
 Calculate the amount of seed needed and the area required
 Build nursery shelter and seedbeds
 Plant the seed

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Select the seed

Arabica coffee should be grown from fresh seed of the recommended varieties.
Seed loses viability within three months and should not be used after that period unless
properly stored at low temperature and high humidity, for example, in a refrigerator.
Select ripe healthy fruit from the required variety and from plants that have good
productivity, low or no incidence of rust and good cup quality.

Pulp cherries, ferment overnight, wash clean, and dry the parchment slowly in
shade on raised platforms or trays with good air movement for two to three days. The
moisture content of the seeds should not fall below 10%, otherwise the viability will be
seriously affected. The seeds should be sorted to eliminate those that are small or
abnormally shaped or are infested with pests.

NOTE: Coffee seed that is used for planting is actually parchment with the parchment
hull and silverskin still in place. It is not  green bean from which parchment hull and
silverskin has been removed.

Keep records

It is very important to keep good records of nursery operations; these will help to
avoid confusion and problems arising from mis-management. The nursery record book
stores the information of individual plantings of seed.
The calendar for nursery management forms a useful wall chart/check list for
coffee farmers on nursery activity timing and should be photocopied for this purpose,
along with the nursery record book.

Nursery record book

Record the information for each new plot or shade tree planted. This page can be
photocopied for use.

Coffee Coffee Shade tree #

Crop
Cultivar
Scientific name
Origin of material
Date sown
Treatments (if any)
Date of seed emergence
Date of transplanting
Growth stage at transplanting

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 Other information/comments

Nursery management calendar

N Activity Ja Fe Ma Ap Ma Ju Ju Au Se Oc No De
o. n b r r y n l g p t v c
1 Select trees * * * * *
for seed
2 Collect seed ** ** *
Prepare seed
nursery
(a Select site ** ** *
) for seed
3 beds
(b Prepare ** ** *
) guards and
soil for
seed beds
4 Sow coffee ** ** ** *
seed
Prepare
seedling
nursery
(a Establish ** **
) nursery
5
canopy
(b Prepare ** **
) bags for
transplanti
ng
6 Transplant ** ** **
seedlings
7 Seedling
maintenance
(a Weeding ** ** *** ** *** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
) * * *
(b Apply ** ** *** ** *** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
) foliar * * *

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 fertiliser
(c Watering ** ** *** ** *** ** **
) * * *
(d Spray for ** ** *** ** *** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
) insect & * * *
disease
(e Harden- *** ** **
) off * *
seedling
before
planting
out

(a) Year before * (b) This year ** (c) Next year ***

When to start the nursery

New seed should be planted as soon as possible after harvest. The longer it is
stored, the lower the percentage of germination and the smaller the plants will be at the
time of transplanting.

Calculate the amount of seed and the area required

As coffee seed rapidly looses viability, store the seed in cool moist conditions
(such as the bottom of a refrigerator). There are 1300 to 1800 seeds/lb (3000 to 4000
seeds/kg). The recommended planting density is 1360 plants/ acre (3360 plants/ha) at a
spacing of 8 x 4 ft (2.4 x 1.2 m). To calculate the area for a nursery you need to know:

 the area to be planted;

 plant spacing;
 the number of plants per acre (ha);
 how many seeds per lb (kg);
 the germination percentage of the seed.

Calculate area for seedbed, for example: To plant 1 acre of coffee at a spacing
of 8 × 4 ft (2.4 × 1.2 m)
Number of plants: 1360 plants/acre (43,560 ft2 or 8 × 4 ft)
Germination: 1500 seeds/lb with 75% germination
Therefore you need: 100 × 1360 ÷ 75 = 1800 seeds
Sow seeds in beds 3 ft wide with 1 inch between seeds and 4 inches between
rows (36 seeds per 3 ft row)
Therefore you need: 1800 seeds ÷ 36 seeds/row = 50 rows

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 Rows are 4 inches apart. Therefore you need 50 rows at 4 inches apart. to
make a nursery bed 17 ft long (5.1 m) and 3 ft (90 cm) wide.

A clear plastic tunnel covering a seed bed is used for germinating coffee seed in cold
weather. Note that the plastic has just been removed from the bamboo frame

Build the nursery shelter and beds

Select a frost and flood free area with access to a suitable water supply.
Completely fence the area to keep out domestic livestock.

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Shade house and plastic tunnels

Coffee seed is very slow to germinate in December and January (the coldest
months) and clear plastic/polyethylene should be used to accelerate germination and plant
growth. Figure 10 illustrates the stages of coffee seedling development.

Construct a shade house with timber poles and a roof about 6 ft (1.8 m) high. The
top of the shade house needs to be covered with either assorted plant material such as
bamboo slats or branches, or commercial plastic shade cloth to give about 50% shade.

To achieve faster seedling growth during cold weather, plant seed in a clear
plastic/polyethylene tunnel beneath the shade (Figure 8). The tunnel is the width of
sowing beds and about 30 inches (75 cm) high. Use bamboo hoops for the framework to
support the polyethylene sheet cover. The seedbed must be fully and tightly enclosed or
temperature inside the tunnel will not increase.

Seedbeds

 Use wooden planks, bricks or bamboo as sides for seed beds which should be
about 8 inches (20 cm) high and 3 ft (1 m) wide. Fill beds with a soil and sand
mixture of 50% forest soil and 50% river sand. Red soil by itself is too compact
for a good seedbed.
 Level the soil to the height of the sides of the seedbed.

Plant the seed

Water the seedbed before planting.

 Using a pointed stick, make furrows 0.5 inch (12 mm) deep across the bed and 4
inches (100 mm) apart.
 Plant seed flat side down, with seeds 1 inch (25 mm) apart within the row (Figure
9).
 Cover seed with soil mixture to level the seedbed - seed should be about 0.5 inch
(12 mm) deep after planting.
 Cover beds with rice straw mulch to give extra heat and to retain soil moisture
(see Figure 9).
 Water gently. Make sure the seed is not exposed when watering.

As germination time is highly dependent on soil temperature, it may take from 30

to 50 days before shoots appear. Use of plastic/polythene tunnels to retain heat will speed
up germination.

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 Planting the seed (top) and covering with mulch (bottom photograph)

Germination

Germination is induced by placing the seeds in a sufficiently moist environment

to absorb water. Depending on temperature and moisture, the cotyledon leaves develop
after four to six weeks (see Figure 10 for germinating process).

Germination is first seen in the appearance of the radicle (young root) three to
four weeks after sowing. The hypocotyl (the part between soil and cotyledons) appears 20
to 25 days later and carries the seed which is still covered in its parchment, out of the
ground. Shortly afterwards, when this light covering is detached, the two cotyledon
leaves open.

These cotyledon leaves look very different from ordinary leaves - they are oval-
shaped with undulating edges and 1 to 2 inches (25 to 50 mm) in diameter. At the same
time, the terminal bud appears and produces two primary leaves - they are opposite and in
pairs. The cotyledons will now die having completed their nutritional role.

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 The root system develops actively in the first weeks of germination; the taproot
penetrates deeply into the soil and forms a great number of roots and rootlets.

Diagram of the germinating process. The last two drawings (in the box) indicate that
the plant is ready for transplanting (above right). Colyledons shown in photograph
(left); the new primary leaves appear above the colyledons (far right photograph)

The first lateral branch (plagiotropic branch) appears four to six weeks after
emergence; the plant will then have 5 to 11 pairs of leaves. These branches are opposite
in pairs at alternate perpendicular points along the main axis. The primary branches have
buds at each node that will develop either into secondary (plagiotropic/horizontal)
branches or, under certain conditions, into flowers.

Do not let the soil dry out, when seedlings are developing. However, take care
and do not over-water as seed can suffer from disease problems such as damping-off
(see Nursery diseases and pests). At a height of 7 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm), the young
plants are ready to be transplanted.

Transplant into bags

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 Depending on temperature, coffee seedlings are ready to be transplanted from the
nursery bed into poly-bags about two to three months after sowing.
There are four steps in the process.
 Prepare the potting mixture.
 Choose the seedlings.
 Plant seedlings in bags.
 Care for the seedlings.

Prepare potting mixture

ALWAYS prepare a NEW potting mixture.

DO NOT RE-USE SOIL from old bags!!

Strong black plastic/polyethylene bags with drainage holes should be used. Bag
size should be at least 4 x 10 inches (10 x 25 cm) when filled with soil. A mixture of
fertile topsoil and manure or compost can be used. All soil, manure and compost should
be fine-sieved. The following mixture could be used:

 3 x 4 gal (18 L) tins of topsoil

 2 x 4 gal tins of river sand
 1 x 4 gal tin of good quality dry cattle manure or compost
 7 oz (200 g) of rock phosphate or 0:20:0 N:P:K fertilizer
 7 oz (200 g) of lime (preferably dolomite)
 Thoroughly mix the ingredients and place in the black plastic bags
 This amount will fill about 40 bags.

Choose the seedlings

Transplant coffee when it is at the matchstick or cotyledon (butterfly) stage before

the taproot is well developed (Figure 11).

 Use the best seedlings with a straight tap root. Discard seedlings with either a bent
taproot (J-root) or those with few root hairs.
 Do not use larger seedlings (with more leaves than the matchstick stage) as these
will be too slow in growing.
 Do not use diseased seedlings.

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 Choosing the seedlings at matchstick stage

Plant seedlings in bags

 Planting should be done in cool, cloudy weather.

 Thoroughly water the soil-filled bags to settle the soil before planting.
 Lift the seedlings using a stick or trowel to prevent breaking the roots.
 Make a hole about 2 inches (5 cm) deep using either a small stick or a finger.
 Insert seedling in the hole and then lift the seedling slightly to open out the roots.
 When planting, make sure that the taproot is not bent.
 Plant seedlings to the same depth as they were previously planted in the seedbed.
 Water seedlings well.
 Make sure the bags are well supported all around and in between so they do not
fall over. Use a bamboo or wooden frame to contain the bags and keep them
packed together (Figure 13a).

Planting the seedlings into plastic bags

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Care for seedlings

 Remove weeds regularly.

 If soil becomes hard, soften it by using a trowel to break up big, hard clumps of
soil into smaller pieces.
 Water as required to keep the soil damp. Don't overwater as this can cause
damping-off - a disease caused by a fungus that will kill the plants.
 At three months, apply urea (46:0:0, N:P:K) at 2 oz/2 gal (56 g/10 L) of water.
This is enough for 100 seedlings. Apply every 15 days. If leaves become dark
green, stop the procedure.
 If you do not use a chemical fertiliser, apply a small amount of finely crushed dry
manure around the plants.
 Check seedlings every day to make sure they remain free from pests and disease.
Remove bags with diseased, dead or damaged plants.
 Continue to keep plants in shade. Two months before field planting, gradually
remove the shade to sun-harden the plants.
 As the plants grow, separate the poly-bags so there is sufficient space for the
developing plant to spread. If bags are not separated, the plants grow tall and
weak

Make sure the plants are supported and are not crowded

Healthy seedlings that are now crowded. The bags should be moved apart to allow more
room for plant growth and avoid disease
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Nursery diseases and pests

The main diseases and pest problems occurring in the nursery include damping-
off, brown eye spot and green coffee scale.

Seedlings affected by damping-off (top photographs). New potting mix should always
be used.

Damping-off appears as areas of dying plants and is caused by a soil-borne fungi

often found in old, diseased potting mixture. Overwatering, too much shade or not
enough space between plants as they grow can also cause this problem. Damping-off can
be avoided by proper preparation in the nursery. It is vitally important that new soil is
always used in the nursery beds. If the disease is found, immediate drenching with either
Benlate (Benomyl) or Captan can be carried out. Always read the label on the chemical
pack and follow directions

Cercospora (brown eye spot) is a fungus, which develops when plants are under
stress caused by too much shade, too much sun, nitrogen deficiency, over-watering or
over-crowding. This can be avoided by following good management practices. Immediate
control measures involve using copper sprays. Always read the label on the chemical
pack and follow directions.

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 Green coffee scale can also be a problem in the nursery. Scales severely affect
plant health as they suck the sap from the leaves. Keep the area free from ants and spray
with spraying oils or Carbaryl or use traditional methods of control. Always read the
label on the chemical pack and follow directions.

Green coffee scale

Transplanting seedlings into bags in the nursery.

DRAGON FRUIT

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 A native plant from Central and South America, dragon fruit (Hylocereussp ) or
“pitaya” is gaining its popularity in the Philippine market. The plant is adapted to tropical
or arid climates with rainfall of 30-40 inch and any kind of soil with organic matter.
The fruits with red or pink, leathery skin are eaten by spooning out the flesh, or in
slices. Fruits can be processed to juice, ice cream or wine. The beautiful flowers, only
blooming at night, are used for tea or aroma therapy.

Fruits are healthy (high in vitamin C, fibers, anti-oxidants) and nutritious. It

strengthens the human immune system and is used in the treatment of diabetes. Medicine
made from flower and stem promotes blood circulation. Therefore, Dragon Fruit can be
marketed as a prestigious “health food”.

The potential of dragon fruit is bright because it commands a very high price in
the local market; it costs around P120-150 per kilo. In a demo of a three-year old dragon
fruit farm, it can produce 5-6 t/ha with a value of P720,000 in the local market alone.
Considering its current demand, it is no wonder that dragon fruit is now dubbed as the
new money crop—truly, a high revenue earner for farmers/producers.

Sweet Dragon Fruit (Pitayas) come in three types, all with leathery, slightly leafy
skin:

 Hylocereus undatus (Pitaya blanca or White-fleshed Pitaya) has red-skinned fruit

with white flesh. This is the most commonly seen “dragon fruit”.
 Hylocereus costaricensis (Pitaya roja or Red-fleshed Pitaya, also known as
Hylocereus polyrhizus) has red-skinned fruit with red flesh.
 Hylocereus megalanthus (Pitaya amarilla or Yellow Pitaya, also known as
Selenicereus megalanthus) has yellow-skinned fruit with white flesh.

Propagating Dragon fruit:

Site Selection: Dragon fruit must be planted in an open field with direct exposure
to sunlight. It is not conducive to plant the crop in areas where rainfall is well distributed.
Site should be free draining with a sandy loam soil with a high organic content.

Ground Preparation: Rows or individual sites are mounded to 300 mm, poles

should be no more than 2 m long with 600mm in the ground.
Poles can be anything from concrete to PVC, (but treated timber should be avoided) with
a frame attached to the top to allow the plant to hang down.

The recommended planting distance is three meters between posts and four
meters between rows. Proper distance of planting is important since a narrower spacing
gives quicker production than larger spacing.

Red flesh pitaya prefers to grow on a trellis or fence line.

Planting Material: Dragon Fruit is propagated through seeds or cuttings. From

seeds, it grow well in a compost or potting soil mix – even as a potted indoor plant.
Dragon fruit (Pitaya) cacti usually germinate between 11 and 14 days after shallow
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planting. As they are cacti, overwatering is a concern for home growers. As their growth
continues, these climbing plants will find something to climb on, which can involve
putting aerial roots down from the branches in addition to the basal roots. Once the plant
reaches a mature 10 pounds in weight, the plant may flower.

From the cuttings, plant them in plastic bags for two months and transfer them in
an open field. Cuttings can be purchased from some local commercial nurseries and
pitaya growers. Seedlings are too variable for commercial production.

DURIAN (Durio zibithenus Murr.)

Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) belongs to the genus Durio and the family
Bombacaceae, which is best known for showy flowers and woody or thin-shelled pods
filled with small seeds and silky or cottonlike fiber. It is the most important native fruit of
southeastern Asia and neighboring islands. Widely known and revered in southeast Asia
as the "king of fruits", the durian is distinctive for its large size, unique odor, and
formidable thorn-covered husk.

The durian, native to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, has been known to the
Western world for about 600 years. The 19th-century British naturalist Alfred Russel
Wallace famously described its flesh as "a rich custard highly flavoured with almonds".
The flesh can be consumed at various stages of ripeness, and is used to flavor a wide
variety of savory and sweet edibles in Southeast Asian cuisines. The seeds can also be
eaten when cooked.

Description

The durian tree, reaching 27 to 40 meters in height in tropical forests, is usually

erect with short, straight, rough, peeling trunk to 1.2 meters in diameter, and irregular
dense or open crown of rough branches, and thin branchlets coated with coppery or gray
scales when young.

The fruits are ovoid or ovoid-oblong to nearly round, 15 to 30 cm long, 12.5 to

15 cm wide, and up to 8 kg in weight. The yellow or yellowish-green rind is thick,
tough, semi-woody, and densely set with stout, sharply pointed spines, 3- to 7-sided at the
base. Handling without gloves can be painful. Inside there are 5 compartments containing
the creamy-white, yellowish, pinkish or orange-colored flesh and 1 to 7 chestnut-like
seeds, 2 to 6 cm long with glossy, red-brown seedcoat. In the best fruits, most seeds are
abortive. There are some odorless cultivars but the flesh of the common durian has a
powerful odor

Some fruits split into 5 segments, others do not split, but all fall to the ground
when mature.

Related Species

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 There are estimated to be 28 species in the genus Durio in Malaysia. Only 5
species in addition to the durian bear edible fruits. These are D. dulcis Becc., in Sabah
and Indonesian Borneo; D. grandiflorus Kost., in Sabah, Sarawak, and Indonesian
Borneo; D. graveolens Becc., in peninsular Malaya and all of Borneo and Sumatra; D.
kutejensis Becc., all over Borneo, and ranked second to the durian in edibility; and D.
oxleyanus Griff., in peninsular Malaya and all of Borneo and Sumatra. All five are
cultivated in Brunei and a few to some extent in Malaysian Borneo.

It is believed that some of the other species, especially D. malaccensis Planch.

and D. Wyatt-Smithii Kost., which are very closely allied to D. zibethinus, may be useful
in breeding for pest- and disease-resistance and other characters.

There is evidence that natural interspecific cross-pollination is going on because a

hybrid of D. zibethinus and D. graveolens has been found in northeastern Indonesian
Borneo, and some trees of normally white-flowered D. malaccensis have been discovered
in Johore State with reddish flowers, perhaps from cross-pollination by the pink or red-
flowered D. lowianus King and D. pinangianus.

Recommended Varieties

Listed in Table 5 are National Seed Industry Council’s (NSIC) approved and
registered varieties of durian.

Table 5. NSIC Registered Durian Varieties and their Characteristics.

 Variety Fruit Frui Maturit Peel Percen Aroma Flesh TS

shape t y Color t Color S
Size (# of Edible
(kg) days) Portio
n
Chanee Cylindrica 2-4 110-115 Greenish 35- Moderat Golden 25
l brown 40% e
Monthon Elongated 2-5 120-125 Golden 25% Moderat Cream 27
g yellow e y
yellow
Atabrine Ellipsoida 2-4 105-115 Greenish 25% Strong Naples 25
l brown yellow
Mamer -do- 1-2 105-115 Greenish 25% Strong Barium 25
brown orange

GD 69 Obovate 2-4 113-118 Greenish 36% -do- Canary 26

brown yellow

Alcon Round 1-2 90-110 Greenish 35% -do- Yellow 27

Fancy brown

Lacson Obovate 3-6 115-120 Brownish 35% -do- Mimos 27

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Uno green a
yellow
Arancillo Ovoid to 1-3 115-120 Brownish 38% -do- Chrom 27
Cylindrica green e
l yellow
Puyat Cylindrica 3-5 120-125 Greenish 40% -do- Chrom 27
l brown e
yellow
Oboza Cylindrica 3-4 120-125 Green 21% Moderat Yellow 26
l e

Duyaya Cylindrica 3-5 120-125 Green 31% Weak Yellow 27

l brown

SMIARC Ovoid to 2-3 115-120 Brownish 28 Moderat Barium 27

#2 cylindrical -green e yellow
From: http://davaoagribiz.da.gov.ph/profile/commodity/durian%20profile.html

Chanee Monthong Atabrine Mamer GD 69

Alcon Fancy Lacson Uno Arancillo Puyat Duyaya

Ten NSIC registered durian varieties.

Methods of Propagation

It is reported that, in some countries, seedling durian trees have borne fruit at 5
years of age. In India, generally, they come into bearing 9 to 12 years after planting, but
in South India they will not produce fruit until they are 13 to 21 years old. In Malaya,
seedlings will bloom in 7 years; grafted trees in 4 years or earlier.

In durian, inarching can be accomplished with 50% success but is not a popular
method because the grafts must be left on the trees for many months. Selected cultivars
are propagated by patch-budding (a modified Forkert method. Grafted trees never grow
as tall as seedlings; they are usually between 8 to 10 m tall; rarely 12 m.

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Preparation of planting materials

The following are recommended:

a. Use fully developed seeds from mature/ripe durian fruits of the recommended
varieties.
b. Germinate the seeds in seed box or seed bed with coco peat, fine river sand or saw
dust as germination medium.
c. Prick the germinated seedlings into 6 x 10 in. x 0.0025 or 7 x 11 in. x 0.003 PE
bags as growing medium containing 1 part each of garden soil, fine river sand
and compost at 9-12 days after germination and place them in the nursery with a
net cover with 70 percent sunlight penetration.
d. Water them immediately after planting in polyethylene bags, then water them
every 2 to 3 days thereafter or as the need arises.
e. Seedlings are ready for grafting at 21-30 days old using hypocotyl grafting;
epicotyl side grafting at 2-4 months old; cleft grafting for 5-months and patch
budding for 8 months & older rootstock.
f. Gradually reduce nursery shade from 30% to full sunlight two months before field
planting.

GUYABANO

Soursop (Anona muricata Linn.)Also known as guyabano isbelonging to the

Family Anonaceae, other familiar fruits beside guyabano are atis (Anona squamosa or
sugar apple), anonas (Anona reticulata or custard apple), and atemoya (Anona). Leaves
are smooth, shiny, oblong-obovate to oblong.Itis a small tree about 5 to 7 meters in
height. The flowers are large, yellowish or greenish yellow and solitary. There are six
large, fleshy or leathery petals in two series. They are heart-shaped, with pointed tip, and
up to 5 centimeters in length and 3 centimeters in breadth. In the center of the flower is a
cone-shaped mass of many carpels which will form the fruit, and below this are very
numerous stamens. Fruit is ovoid, up to 18 centimeters long, covered with small
scattered, soft spine like processes. Skin is thin, and the pulp is soft, white, and fleshy,
with an agreeable, but rather sour flavor.

Based on BAS crop statistics of 2003; a total land area of 3,016 has. Were planted
to guyabano with the following as the five leading producing regions: Western Visayas
(705 has.); Region! V-A (643 has.); Cagayan Valley (400 has.); Central Visayas (169
has.); and Central Luzon (165 has.).

Crop Varieties

There are two strains presently grown.

 Aguinaldo – Fruit, 1kg; peel, yellow green; flesh, juicy, sub-acid, 78% of fruit
weight; seeds, 70 per fruit.
 Davao – Fruit, 1.7 kg; peel, light green; flesh, moderately juicy, pleasantly sub-
acid, 82% of fruit weight; seeds, 82 per fruit.

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Propagation

Guyabano is usually propagated by seeds. However, selected trees of inherent

characters may also be propagated asexually by marcotting, inarching, grafting and
budding.

Method of Maturity Yield

Planting Distance
Propagation (Years)1 (Ton/hectare)2
Grafting 3-4 meters apart 2-3 3.7
Inarching
marcotting
Budding

Notes:

1. Refers to time from field setting to first harvest. Asexually propagated plants
generally mature about twice earlier than plants grown from seeds.
2. Computed on the bases of distances of planting given for each crop.

Nursery Practices

1. Seed Preparation and Germination

The seeds to be used as source of planting materials should be obtained from
outstanding mother trees with a characteristic of hardy, prolific and regular bearer and its
fruits be medium-sized to large, well formed, few seeded and excellent quality. Seed
from the fruit should be cleaned in tap water and allowed to air dry. They may be stored
for quite some time but it is best to plant them directly. They are sown in seed boxes or
flats containing fine and/or sandy soil of about 2.5 cm distance and 1 cm deep. The
seedbed is provided with shade and watered regularly to keep the medium moist at all
times. Fresh seeds germinate from 20 to 30 days with 85 to 90 percent germination.

2. Care and Transplanting of Seedlings

Seedlings are watered regularly and if insect pests and diseases become a
problem sprayed with insecticide and fungicide. They may be transferred in individual
container when the seedlings are 3-4 inches high or the first set of leaves has matured.
The soil medium to be used should be clay loam preferably mixed with sand or compost.
The newly transplanted seedlings are placed under partial shade area and, when well
established, they may be exposed to the sun for hardening. They should be regularly
watered to ensure continuous growth. Seedlings are ready for field transplanting when
they are 6 to 8 months old or about 15 cm tall.

LANZONES

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 The lanzones (Lansium domesticum Correa) is one of the most wholesome fruits
in the tropics.In the Philippines, it is a very popular dessert fruit because of its sweet to
sub-acid taste that consumers do not seem to tire of eating. However, the milky juice
which exudes from the skin and its bitter seeds sometimes deter people outside the tropics
from eating lanzones.

The crop originated from the Malay Peninsula and had been introduced in the
Philippines during the prehistoric times. It has spread to many parts of the country
covering Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Recent statistics showed that the Philippines has
an area of 20,504.8 hectares planted to lanzones consisting 2,131,196 bearing trees which
produced 49,500 metric tons in CY 2010. Among the sixteen regions of the country, the
Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) ranked first in terms of area
planted, number of bearing trees and volume of production. Although lanzones is one of
the most neglected fruit crops in the country, it is considered a promising fruit because of
its great potential in the local market

Varieties of Lanzones

1. ‘Paete’- This variety is characterized having slender stem with upright branches,
shiny, dark green leaves. The fruit bunch is long, carrying 15-25 ovoid thin-
skinned fruits which contain latex even if it is already ripe. The fruit size is about
3.0 cm long, 2.5 cm in diameter and weighs about 14 grams. It has a total soluble
solidsof 16o Brix after 3 days from harvest. This cultivar is famous in Camiguin,
Gingoog, and Laguna Province. This variety is also common in Davao region
grown by indigenous people which they called it Buahan.

2. ‘Duku’ – This variety has spreading branches, often with dense dome-shaped
canopy, with roundish light green leaves. The tree bears shorter spikes, usually
with few fruits. The fruits are normally bigger and more roundish with a thicker
skin and free of latex when ripe. The fruit is about 3.5 cm long and 3.4 cm in
diameter, weighs about 21 grams having 18o Brix total soluble solids. Its thicker
skin makes the fruit last for one week after harvest.

3. ‘Longkong’– This variety is a natural cross between Duku and Paete (Langsat).
The leaves are shiny and dark green in color. The fruits which are arranged in
long compact clusters are aromatic, unique in taste and almost seedless. The flesh
is very sweet (18-20oBrix) when ripe. The fruit is roundish to oblong with a fruit
diameter of 3.2 cm and 3.8 cm long and weighs about 25 grams.

4. Jolo – This variety is common in Mindanao most especially in Davao, Jolo, and
Zamboanga Peninsula. The fruit is bigger than Duku which is about 3.6 cm long,
3.3 cm in diameter and weighs about 22 grams having 13oBrix total soluble solids.
It is sour compared to other commercial varieties but it is widely used as
rootstocks because of its bigger and viable seeds. This variety is also common in
the forest wherein the seeds are carried by fruit bats.

Preparation of Planting Materials

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Seed Preparation and Germination

Jolo and Duko variety of lanzones can be utilized as rootstock because of its
bigger and viable seeds. Seeds from ripe fruits are harvested and extracted after soaking
in water for 1-2 days to soften the aril. The aril and mucilages are easily removed by
scrubbing with the use of a fish net. Discard the small seeds that are less than one gram.
Soak the viable seeds in fungicide solution, air dry and sow in a shaded seedbed or pots
containing coir dust as growing medium. Seeds will germinate within 2-3 weeks.

Transplanting and Care of Seedlings

Lanzones seeds are polyembyonic and produce 2-3 seedlings per seed. Choose the
bigger seedling with 2 pairs of leaves and transplant in 7 X 11 polybags containing 50%
garden soil, 25% decomposed rice hulls, and 25% decomposed chicken dung. Arrange
the bagged or potted seedlings in rows and in blocks with 50%-70 % shading using fish
nets to avoid wilting and scorching of leaves. Regular watering is necessary especially
during dry period to avoid stunted growth of the seedlings. After a period of time the
plastic bags are loosened due to the decomposing rice hulls, therefore it is advisable to
add garden soil mixed with decomposed chicken dung. The seedlings can be asexually
propagated within 7-12 months from transplanting.

Method of Propagation

A. Sexual Propagation

Lanzones may be propagated by seeds; in fact most farms with matured-bearing

trees in Laguna, Oriental Mindoro, Jolo, Basilan, Zamboanga, Osamiz, Misamis Oriental
and Davao Region are seedlings derived materials. In using seeds as planting materials
for production purposes, the seeds should be selected from desirable mother trees that
bear sweet fruits and a regular bearer. A good example for seedling tree is using seeds of
Duku and Longkong. The disadvantage of planting a seedling is the longer period of
juvenility that most seedling derived plants bear flowers within 10-15 years from
planting.

B. Asexual Propagation

Lanzones are commercially propagated by cleft grafting utilizing an 8-12 months old
rootstock and a scion from registered mother trees. Cleft grafting is best done towards the
end of the rainy season to avoid higher mortality in the nursery. Cleft grafted seedlings
with plastic cover during rainy days have higher survival rate which is the same as during
dry period. Cleft grafted plants bear flower within 7-8 years from planting.

Other methods of asexual propagation in lanzones are: marcotting, stem cutting,

inarching and top working. Some commercial nursery operators are also doing modified
atmospheric propagation (coffee tube grafting/conventional cleft grafting) wherein the
leaves of the scion are still intact and inserted into the rootstock by wedge or cleft
grafting. The joint or union of the rootstock and the scion are tied with a plastic to

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enhance union and callus formation. The propagules are stored in bulk inside a plastic
tunnel or plastic bags for 2-3 weeks.

MANGO

Introduction

Mango (Mangifera indica, Linn) has an increasing commercial importance all

over the world. Reputed as fruit of par excellence, it has assumed a leading position
among commercial fruits being rich in vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, anti-
oxidants, and enzyme with stomach soothing properties. Aside from its contribution to
the economy, it has also an ecological function since the tree prevent soil erosion and
minimize greenhouse effect.

As an emerging tropical export crop, it is produced in about 90 countries in the

world with a production of over 25.1 million tons. Asia is the main producer with 76.9%
of the total world production, followed by America with 13.38%, Africa with 9% and less
than 1% each for Europe and Oceania

Mango is considered as high value crop, with proper management and favourable
growing condition, it could give farmers an average income of 250,000.00 pesos or more
per hectare a year. Mango is a permanent crop and as it grows old, with proper
management productivity increases. The variety of commercial importance in the country
is ‘Carabao,’ it is known internationally as “Philippine Super Mango” and one of the
world’s best varieties. Due to its superior, it has a great demand both in local and
international markets.

It ranked 3rd among the most important fruit crop, next to banana and pineapple in
terms of area planted and volume of production. The mango industry of the country
supports about 2.5 million farmers and contributes 17.91 billion pesos to GVA in
agriculture with a domestic and export value of 41.60 billion pesos and 31 million US
dollars for fresh mango production and 29.7 million US dollars for processed products.

In 2010, the area planted to mango is about 189,436 hectares with 8,526,816
bearing trees and production of 825,676 metric tons of fresh fruits (BAS, 2011). On the
other hand, export of fresh fruits reach up to 15,010 metric tons, of which 68% went to
Hongkong, 17% to Japan, 5% each to China and Malaysia and the rest to other countries
(BPI-PQS, 2009).

Planting materials. For the establishment of new farms, it is recommended that

cultivars be chosen based on the resistance to pests, suitability to the site, yield
potential and market preference. The following are the recommended strains of
‘Carabao’ mango as approved and registered in the National Seed Industry Council
(NSIC): ‘Golez Strain, (formerly ‘GES 73’), ‘GES 77’, ‘GES 84’, ‘GES 8’, ‘Lamao
Strain No.1’. ‘MMSU Gold’, ‘Sweet Elena’, ‘Talaban’, ‘Fresco’, ‘Tanaleon,
‘Efondo’, ‘Guimaras Super ‘ (formerly ‘Galila’), ‘JTA Sweet’, and ‘P-1 King
Rodolfo’.

83
 Scions of these registered varieties/strains can be sourced-out from the NSIC
registered parent trees or from established foundation/scion groves validated and
certified by the Bureau of Plant Industry – National Seed Quality Control Services.
Grafted seedlings are available in accredited nurseries of the Bureau of Plant
Industry.

Mango Propagation

Mango can be propagated sexually using the seeds and asexually by means of
vegetative parts. Propagation by seed is common, however under orchard type
management, more growers prefer to plant grafted mangoes instead of seedlings since
more trees are planted to a hectare and fruit production is much early.

Advantage of sexual propagation:

1. Trees planted from seeds are deep-rooted, as such anchorage and nutrient
exploration are enhanced.
2. Yield of seeded trees are generally high as compared to grafted.
3. Long-lived. Mango trees continue to be productive over hundred years of
age.
4. Easy and fast way of multiplying the variety.

Disadvantages of sexual propagation:

Seeded trees do not produce fruits that are “true to type.” This means that seeds coming
from superior fruits do not always come up to the expectations of growers. Hence, sweet
and big fruits may not necessarily produce the same characteristics when planted from
seeds.
Trees have enormous sizes (tall with large canopies). Many of the cultural practices like
pruning, spraying, bagging and harvesting are difficult to implement. Seeded trees take
longer time to bear fruits. They produced fruits only after 10 to 15 years from planting.

Seeds as rootstock. One important use of seeds is to grow them as source of

rootstocks. Healthy and vigorous rootstocks are the key to successful propagation of
mango. Several cultivars such as ‘Carabao,’ ‘Pico,’ ‘Katchamitha’ and ‘Pahutan’ can
be grown as rootstocks for ‘Carabao’ mango. Depending on the variety, rootstocks
can be fast growing as in ‘Pahutan,’ medium as in ‘Pico’ and ‘Katchamitha’ and slow
growing as in ‘Carabao.’ The kind of rootstocks used will also influence the size and
height of the tree as well as the fruit quality.

Care and proper maintenance of seeds and rootstocks. Seeds should come
from matured fruits. It should be free from insect damage, diseases or mechanical
injuries. Avoid seeds coming from processing plants, since most of them are non-
viable due to exposure from heat.

Dehusking or removal of the husk is recommended to facilitate fast germination.

Be sure that dehusked seeds are plump and plant only those that are free from pest
damage or physiological injuries. Healthy seeds should be sown with concave side

84
 down, 5 cm apart and 1 cm deep. This position prevents the development of crooked
stem after germination.

Seeds may be sown in wooden seed box (20 x 20 x 3 inches) using a medium
consisting 1 part compost or organic fertilizer, 1 part sand and 1 part garden soil.
Under nursery conditions, a seedbed (2 x 8 m) is recommended. Sawdust or coconut
coir can also be used as germinating medium. Germination starts at 10 to 15 days
from sowing. Seedling is ready for transplanting 25 to 30 days after sowing or when
it has 2-3 pairs of fully developed green leaves. Put seedlings in plastic bags, of 8 x
10 inches containing 1 part garden soil, 1 part sand and 1 part organic fertilizer.

When transplanting older seedlings, leaves should be cut into half to minimize
transpiration. Otherwise, this may result to wilting and eventually death of seedlings.

Fertilization is needed a month after transplanting by applying one-half teaspoon

of complete fertilizer per seedling or foliar spray of fertilizer with high in nitrogen (1
tbsp. per 20 li water). It is not advisable to fertilize plants immediately after
transplanting. Fertilization is repeated at monthly intervals until the plants are
vigorous and are ready for grafting.

Water is necessary especially during dry months. Mortality of seedlings is high

when water becomes a problem. It is recommended that water should be directly
applied in the bag and not poured on the leaves to minimize incidence of diseases
specially anthracnose.

Growers should inspect the plants weekly for the presence of insects particularly
scales, corn silk beetle, tip borer, cecid fly, thrips and disease such as anthracnose.
Insecticide or fungicide should be sprayed when necessary.

Seedlings are ready for grafting when the stems attain ‘pencil’ size in diameter
and are approximately 8 to 10 months old. Rootstocks like ‘Pahutan’ can be grafted
when seedlings are 4 to 6 months old provided these are vigorous and healthy.
‘Carabao’ and ‘Pico’ usually are slow growers when used as rootstocks hence; these
require longer time for development.

Seedlings should be grown under shade using nets or coconut leaves to prevent
drying and scalding of the leaves from direct heat of the sun. Avoid putting the
seedlings under mango trees for inoculums of diseases may transfer on the seedlings
especially during rainy months.

Advantage of asexual propagation:

Asexually propagated trees produce fruits that are “true to type.” When planted,
the expected characters of the parents are carried to the offspring.
Earliness to bearing (precocity) takes a shorter time. Under proper management, grafted
trees bear fruits 2 to 3 years after planting. However, it is recommended that the first 4
years of growth should be encouraged for proper establishment in the field.

85
 Trees are small in size and several numbers can be planted to a hectare. In
addition, many of the recommended cultural practices can be implemented without much
difficulty (spraying, inter-row cultivation, bagging and harvesting).

Disadvantages of asexual propagation:

1. Grafted trees are shallow rooted and are easily uprooted by strong winds and
typhoons.
2. It is a common notion that grafted trees have shorter life span. However, this is
yet to be proven since the oldest grafted trees are approximately 90 years old, yet
are vigorous and productive.

Cleft grafting. There are several methods of asexual propagation in mango

(inarching, budding, marcotting and grafting). Cleft grafting is commonly used since
it is easy to perform and percentage of success is high.

Steps involve in cleft grafting are as follows:

1. Collect scions from identified bearing mother trees. Cut scions to about 6-
8 inches long. Scions should be healthy (free from pests) with well-formed
buds and about pencil size in diameter. Preferably, these are exposed to
sunlight and about 4-5 months from flushing.
2. Other practice includes defoliation of the leaves prior to cutting. This
allows the scions to store food that enhanced for fast development of young
buds. This practice is often done in small scale propagation of mango and is
seldom followed in large nurseries.
3. In the process of grafting, select scions of similar size with the rootstock.
Prepare the scion by removing the leaves. Make a perpendicular cut on both
sides of the base to form a wedge shape tip.
4. With a sharp grafting knife, cut the rootstock 12 inches from the base.
This will provide allowance in case union is not successful.
5. Make incision on the center of the cut portion, enough for the entrance of
the wedge shape tip of the scion.
6. Insert the scion in the incision made on the rootstock. See to it that a
contact is provided between the scion and stock. Wrapping the union or the
point of contact with a plastic strip will insure good grip. This will also
prevent the scion from tapering off during the healing process. It is
recommended to wrap/cover the upper portion of the scion with plastic
strips/bag to prevent drying.
7. When graft is successful, young shoots are visible after two weeks.
Immediately expose the shoots by removing the plastic cover to allow
subsequent growth. Do not remove the plastic strip that binds the scion and
rootstock.
8. Place the grafts under shade and water them regularly. Fertilization can hasten
growth. The grafts are ready for disposal or planting after 6-8 months, other
farmers may prefer 2-year old grafts for field planting.

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 9. Hardening of grafts is recommended before planting. This is done by
withholding water and gradual exposure of grafts to sunlight. This practice
will allow the grafts to resist the harsh environment in the field.

Kinds of planting materials

a. Grafted mangoes should be purchased from registered nurseries (certified

plants). Accredited nursery operators strictly follows the proper nursery
management such as selection of seeds for rootstocks, care and maintenance of
rootstocks, preparation of soil media, dehusking, germination, transplanting of
seedlings, fertilization, watering, insect-pests and diseases control and grafting
techniques. Above all, the scions are taken from registered mother trees.

b. One-year old vs. 2-year old graft. One-year old grafts are commonly used as
planting materials for mango. However, when these are planted in the field,
mortality is oftentimes high and replacement of trees would mean uneven
growth. Thus, some growers prefer to use older grafts as planting materials.
Although more costly, older grafts are easy to establish, mortality is low and
trees flower earlier. The choice of planting materials therefore, depends on the
capability of growers considering price, size of the farm and equipment
available for hauling and planting.

c. Single vs. multiple rootstock. Aside from using single rootstock, growers
are inclined to plant mango tree with two (dipod) or three (tripod) rootstocks
using approach grafting or inarching. According to proponents of this practice,
multiple rootstocks provide better absorption of water and nutrients hence,
faster plant growth. In addition, it secures the tree on the ground thus, prevents
uprooting by typhoons and strong winds. This method is however, not supported
by research findings and is expensive on the part of small growers. Normally,
approach grafting (dipod/tripod) is done to assist trees with defective root
system especially those infected with disease. This method is also recommended
for trees with poor anchorage in the soil. With mango, these problems are not so
critical and use of single rootstock is still the best way to propagate the tree.

d. In ‘situ’ grafting. In places where availability of grafted mangoes is a problem,

it is recommended to plant seedlings in the field following a desired spacing.
When seedlings are about two years old, the branches are grafted with selected
scions using the cleft method. With this procedure, several scions can be grafted
to a tree. The advantages of in ‘situ’ grafting are that, management of seedlings
in the nursery is omitted and percent of successful grafts is high. However,
shading is recommended to prevent death of newly inserted scions.

MANGOSTEEN

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L) is regarded by many as one of the best-

flavored in the world. It is one of the tropical fruits where taste is much like other known
fruits and is easily accepted by the consumers in Western markets. It is indigenous to the

87
Malay Archipelago and its cultivation extent throughout Southeast Asia. Small and
commercial orchard has been established in these countries Thailand, Burma, Malaysia,
Philippines, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Other introduction led to small production in
Australia, Cuba, Honduras, Domican, Jamaica and Panama.

In 2000, the area planted in the Philippines to mangosteen was estimated 1,354
hectares (DA-AMAS, 2004). Important producing areas are in Sulu archipelago and
several provinces in Mindanao, namely Zamboanga del Norte, Davao del Norte, Misamis
Occidental, Davao City and Agusan Del Sur.

The fruit is mainly consumed fresh and can be canned, frozen or processed in to
jam, sweetened preserved, syrup and candy. This fruit is sometimes referred to as the “
Queen of Fruits” due to its nutritive value and the presence of some compounds that offer
various mangosteen health benefits
(altmedicine.about.com/od/completeazindex/mangosteen.html). The primary active
components of the mangosteen fruit are called xanthones which have several benefits
including anti- inflammatory properties, anti-allergic and anti-convulants.

In the Philippines, people used to make a decoction of mangosteen leaves, bark

and rind which was beneficial in bringing down body temperature and also to treat
dysentery, diarrhea and urinary disorders
(www.engineeredililifestyle.org/mangosteen.html). The rind is reported to contain 7-15
% tannin and is used to tan leather and to dye fabric black. It is also reported used as an
ingredient in soap, shampoo and conditioner.

Variety

The seed of mangosteen is apomictic and the plant developed from it carries the
same characteristics of the mother plant which explains of only one variety. It may be
grown from seeds or asexually through grafting. Normally, large (> 1 gram in weight)
plump and fully-developed seeds are chosen for planting. Large seeds are associated with
higher viability and survival rates.

The National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) registered two varieties of

mangosteen. These are: UPLB Sweet of Los Baños, Laguna and Roxas Purple of Caluan,
Laguna.

Table 2. Characteristics of NSIC registered varieties of mangosteen.

Varietal Description UPLB Sweet Roxas Purple

Tree
Age ( years after planting) 55 19
Height (m) 4 7
Growth habit Semi-spreading Semi-spreading
Regularity of Bearing Biennial Annual
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 Harvest seasons July-August July-August
Yield 1148
Other Characteristics Early Fruiting
Whole Fruit
Size
Weight (in grams) 87.0 65.6
Length (mm) 48.6 53.2
Width (mm) 57.0 49.2
Shape Ovate Oblong
Peel
Color Purple Purple
Texture Smooth Smooth
Thickness (cm) 7.5 6.4
Weight 61 g 46.1
Flesh
Color Snowy White Snowy White
Texture Smooth Smooth
Juiciness Juicy Moderate
Aroma Mild Mild
Flavor Sweet Sub-acid to sweet
Edible Portion 29% 27.2%
Total Soluble Solids 18.65*Brix -
Titratable acidity 9 -
Seed
Number 1 1.1
Size
Weight (g)
Total weight 8.73g
Individual weight 0.87g 1.3
Length (mm) 1.58 2.03
Width (mm) 1.25 1.29
Thickness (mm) 0.69 -
Shape Flat Flat
Other features of the variety : Sweet, High percentage Prolific , sub-acid to
(>25%) of fruits is seed-less; sweet and high
other fruits have only 1 or 2 percentage of edible
small seeds and high portion
percentage edible portion

Preparation of Planting Materials

1. Extract seeds from fully ripe fruits. Seeds of more than 1 gram are to be
selected for good germination.

2. Newly extracted seeds must be sown right away to obtain high percent
germination.

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 3. Sowing is usually in a seedbed. A typical seedbed may be of wood or cement
and the sowing medium is a mixture of sand and soil in 3:1 ratio by volume. The
sowing medium needs to be moisture-retentive but well drained.

4. Seeds are planted 5-10 mm in depth and spaced 2-3 cm. apart are covered with
fine sand. Seeds will germinate more or less 30 days after sowing.

5. Seedlings are pricked to the polyethylene bags using same mixture as

germination media while the cotyledon are still attached to the seedlings.

6. Water the seedlings regularly after pricking.

7. Seedlings are ready for field planting in 24-36 months to minimize maintenance
expense in the field as young seedlings require utmost care.

Asexual Propagation

Cleft grafting is widely used methods of asexual propagation. A healthy shoot is

taken as the scion from a selected mother plant still in active growth and is then inserted
into a healthy rootstocks.

Healthy rootstocks of about 30-35 cm. in height and are usually obtained from
selected plants with consistent fruit size and heavy bearing. These rootstocks are selected
from plants which are propagated from seedlings and which are about 2 years of age. At
this stage, the stem diameter of the rootstocks should be about the same size as that of
scions (1.6-2.0 cm.), so that cambium tissue of each can match closely.

Step in cleft grafting:

1. A two years old rootstock is chosen from seedling propagated from seeds.

2. The shoot is cut off and a vertical cut 2.0 – 2.5 cm. is made down the middle of
the stub to make a V-shaped opening for the scion.

3. A scion (about 6-12 cm) is obtained from another plant with stem size
approximately matching that of the rootstock.

4. The basal end of the scion is cut into the gently sloping wedge about 2 cm. long.

5. The scion is inserted onto the opening of the rootstocks.

6. The completed graft is then wrapped with grafting tape and cover with ice
candy wrapper.

RAMBUTAN

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 Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum Linn.) is a fruit of minor importance but very
well known because of its attractive colors and exquisite taste. Over a considerable
period, rambutan has acquired immense popularity as a seasonally available fruit in many
countries of tropical Asia, and it is widely grown in both home gardens and commercial
orchards. It has been cultivated in Thailand and Malaysia and is now one of the leading
economic fruit crops of Thailand, the major rambutan producing country in the world
(Tindail, 1994).

The rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.), a tropical fruit tree that belongs to
Sapindaceae family includes about 125 genera and more than 1000 species of shrubs
and trees which are widely distributed throughout the tropics and warm regions. In the
Philippines, this family is represented by about 33 genera and 124 species.

The name rambutan is derived from the Malay word “rambut” which means
“hair” and generally describing rambutan as a hairy fruit. In the Philippines, rambutan is
also locally known as “usan”, “usau” or “usare”. Lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) and
longan (Euphoria longana Lam.) are common botanical relatives of rambutan that also
produce edible fruits.

Rambutan is a native of the Malay archipelago and has spread and distributed in
all countries in tropical Asia. It has been introduced in the Philippines in the form of
seeds during the prehistoric times and was early found wild in Palawan, Sulu and Basilan.
It was once only a wild fruit in the Southern Philippines until good varieties were
introduced making this fruit better known in the country. It has been grown mainly as a
backyard tree until asexually propagated plants of outstanding cultivars from Jakarta,
Indonesia were introduced which then made commercial orchards to be set up in some
places, notably Laguna, Davao, Oriental Mindoro and Bukidnon. These cultivars were
the “Seematjan”, “Seenjonja” and “Maharlika” which are now grown in commercial scale
in many parts of the Philippines.

Recent statistic report revealed that the Philippines has a total area of 5,743.08
hectares planted to rambutan with a volume of production of 12,743.16 metric tons (BAS,
2010). Among the sixteen regions of the country, CALABARZON and
SOCCKSARGEN ranked first and second, respectively, in terms of area planted and
volume of production (Table 1).

Varieties

As mentioned earlier, three outstanding varieties from Jakarta, Indonesia were

first introduced in the country such as the ‘Maharlika’, ‘Seematjan’ and ‘Seenjonja’
which adapted well under Philippine conditions and at present are accepted as standard
varieties. These varieties are described as follows:

1. ‘Maharlika’ – The tree has a beautiful broad crown and produces medium-
sized to large, globose fruits 4.3-5.1 cm long, 3.5-4.6 cm wide and 29-45 g in
weight. The red spines are widely spaced, pliable, fine and 1.01.2 cm long.
The pericarp is thin and remains yellow for a long , then changes to red. The
aril is about 0.5 cm thick, pearly white, firm, medium juicy, subacid to sweet

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 and with rich and very good quality. It is loosely attached to the seed with
part of the seedcoat adhering. The edible portion is about 50% of the fruit by
weight. The seed is oval to oblong, compressed laterally, about 2.5-2.7 cm
long and 1.5-1.8 cm wide.

2. ‘Seematjan’ – The tree has an open crown and long, flexible branches. The
fruits are large, dark red when ripe, ovoid or egg-shaped, 4-6 cm long, 3.2-4
cm wide and 35-52 g in weight. The spines are fine and about 1.8 cm long.
The pericarp is thin. The aril is shiny, pearly white, thick, firm, very sweet.
Medium juicy to slightly dry and separates easily from the seed with greater
parts of the seedcoat adhering to the flesh. Quality is excellent. The edible
portion is about 48% of the fruit by weight. The seed is oblong to ovoid,
slightly compressed laterally and about 2.3-3.0 cm long and 1.3 -1.6 cm wide.

3. ‘Seenjonja’ – The tree is smaller than the other 2 varieties and has a lax
crown. The fruits are small, 3.8-4.2 cm long, 2.5-3.5 cm wide and 18-23 g in
weight and nearly ovoid. The pericarp is thin, dark wine red with fine spines
about 0.8-1.0 cm long. The aril is translucent, rather thin, very sweet, juicy,
melting and adheres very firmly to the seed. Quality is good. The edible
portion is about 40% of the fruit by weight. The seed is oblong, about 2.6 cm
long and 1.3 cm wide.

Other outstanding varieties introduced in the Philippines from Thailand which

originally came from a seedling tree from Penang, Malaysia and are now popularly and
widely grown in the country:

1. ‘Rongrein’ – The tree is medium-sized, with a rounded crown, leaves oval in

shape, short and thin, with rounded apex and short petiole. The fruits are
relatively large, 50-55 mm long; 38-40 mm wide and weigh 40-50 g, the
shape is ovoid to globose (Fig. 1). The pericarp is thin, with long, coarse
spinterns which changed from green to dark red at ripening, remaining green
at the tips. The aril is pearly white, thick with a good flavor and easily
separates from the seed. The single seed is oblong to elliptic and laterally
compressed. The total soluble solids ranged from 18-21oBrix.

2. ‘Sri Chompoo’ – The tree has a dense crown and develops a large canopy.
Leaflets are elliptic and larger than those of Rongrein. The globose fruits are
large, 50 mm long and 39 mm wide and weigh 28-35 g (Fig. 2). The pericarp
is thin and pink to pinkish red or dark when ripe. The aril has a good flavor
and the seed coat separates easily from the seed. The total soluble solids vary
from 18-20oBrix.

Listed below are outstanding selections of rambutan varieties found in the country
and registered in the Philippine Seed Board (PSB) or presently called as the National
Seed Industry Council (NSIC), to wit:

1. Aguilar 1 (NSIC 2003 Rm 07) – This variety was owned by the Aklan State
University, Banga, Aklan. The tree is strong with a spreading growth habit. It

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 bears fruit annually from September to October with an average yield of 225
kgs for full grown trees. The globose to ovoid fruit is large, 4.7 mm long, 3.9
mm wide, and weighs 32.3 g. The tough and leathery pericarp or skin is thin
at 2.88 mm, weighs 14.18 g and turn reddish orange when ripe. The aril is
pearly white, smooth and firm, thick, juicy, sweet and has a superior eating
quality. It has 21.9 o Brix total soluble solids. The slightly flat seed is small,
2.3 mm long, 1.3 mm wide and weighs 3.42 g. The fruit has an edible portion
of 45.54%.

2. Roja (NSIC 2003 Rm 06) – This variety was owned by Mr. Mario Tenorio of
Calauan, Laguna. The tree is strong with semi-erect growth and a prolific
bearing habit. It bears fruits annually from July to September with an average
yield of 70-80 kgs. The oblong fruit is large, 50.40 mm long, 45.60 mm wide,
and weighs 45.85 g (Fig. 3). The pericarp that turns red when ripe is leathery
and thin (2.7 mm) with long spines. The white flesh is smooth, sweet and
juicy. It has a total soluble solids (TSS) of 20.88 o Brix. The oblong seed
weighs 3.61 g with a length of 29.35 mm and a diameter of 16.25 mm. The
fruit has a an edible portion of 55.94%.

3. Amarillo (NSIC 2003 Rm 05) – This variety was owned by Dr. Ponciano
Batugal of UPLB, College, Laguna. The tree is strong with a semi-upright
growth habit and has a prolificacy of bearing. It bears fruit annually from July
to December and yielded 50-60 kgs at 10 years old. The oblong fruit weighs
34.12 kgs with 52.65 mm length and 36.89 mm diameter (Fig. 4). The
attractive yellow skin is thin and leathery with long spines. The white flesh is
smooth, sweet and juicy. It has a total soluble solids (TSS) of 22.25 oBrix.
The oblong seed weighs 2.32 g with 25.40 mm length and 14.60 mm
diameter. The fruit has an edible portion of 60.67%.

4. Maharlika (PSB 1992 Rb 03) - Fruit is globose, medium-sized to large, 4-5

cm long and 3.5-4.5 cm wide, and weighs about 30-45 g (Fig. 5). Skin is thin,
with short fine spines and turns from yellow to wine red when ripe. Flesh is
pearly white, firm, thick, medium juicy, sweet, and with rich flavor and very
good eating quality. It separates readily from seed but with a greater part of
the seed coat adhering to the flesh. Seed is oval to oblong and is compressed
laterally.

5. JMG-R3 (NSIC 1995 Rm 01) – The tree which came from seed of unknown
source was originated by Mr. Jaime M. Goyena, Sr. of Lamot II, Caluan,
Laguna. At 15 years old the tree is 7 m tall, strong with spreading growth
habit and prolific. It bears fruits regularly on July to September. The ovoid
fruit is large, 5 cm long, 3.9 cm wide, and weighs 41.3 g (Fig. 6). The skin
that turns red when ripe is tough and leathery, 3.3 mm thick and has shorter
spines. The thick, pearly white flesh is smooth and firm, very sweet, juicy and
easily separates from the seed. Its total soluble solids (TSS) is 27.2 oBrix.
The seed weighs 2.8 g with 2.5 cm length and 1.5 cm diameter. The fruit has
an edible portion of 42.2%.

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6. JMG-R5 (NSIC 1995 Rm 02) - The tree was originated from seed of
unknown source by Mr. Jaime M. Goyena, Sr. of Lamot II, Caluan, Laguna.
At 15 years old the tree is 7 m tall, strong with spreading growth habit and
very prolific. It bears fruits regularly on July to September. The ovoid fruit is
large, 5.5 cm long, 4.4 cm wide, and weighs 50.0 g (Fig. 7). The very
attractive skin that turns deep red when ripe is tough and leathery, 3.8 mm
thick and weighs 25.4 g. The thick, pearly white flesh is smooth and firm,
very sweet, very juicy and easily separates from the seed. Its total soluble
solids (TSS) is 26.0 oBrix. The flat seed weighs 2.9 g with 2.6 cm length and
1.6 cm diameter. The fruit has an edible portion of 43.4%.

7. Goyena R13 (NSIC 2002 Rm 04) - The tree was originated from a seedling
by Mr. Jaime M. Goyena, Sr. of Lamot II, Caluan, Laguna. At 15 years old
the tree is 10 m tall, strong with spreading growth habit and very prolific. It
bears fruits regularly on July to October. The fruit is ovoid in shape, 47.0 mm
long, 40.2 mm wide, and weighs 36.9 g (Fig. 8). The deep red skin when ripe
is tough and leathery, 3.81 mm thick and weighs 17.0 g. The thick, pearly
white flesh is smooth and firm, sweet, moderately juicy and easily separates
from the seed. Its total soluble solids (TSS) is 20.94 oBrix. The seed is
oblong, weighs 2.69 g with 22.8 mm length and 15 mm diameter.

8. Acc. Sp. (NSIC 1996 Rm 03) - This variety was originated through seed by
Mr. Cirilo R. Balagapo, Jr. of Tacloban City. The tree is very prolific and
high yielding. At 4 years old, it yielded 220 kgs per year. It has a high edible
portion and the testa does not adheres to the flesh.

9. DES 1548 (PSB 1992 Rb 07) – This variety is a local selection of the Bureau
of Plant Industry’s Davao Experiment Station (DES) which is now the BPI-
Davao National Crop Research and Development Center (DNCRDC). The
fruit weighs 27 g with an edible portion of 37% and a total soluble solids
(TSS) of18.00 oBrix.

10. DES 1550 (PSB 1992 Rb 04) - This is a selection of BPI-DES or BPI-
DNCRDC introduced from Thailand. The fruit weighs 30 g with an edible
portion of 49% and a total soluble solids (TSS) of 16.00 oBrix.

11. DES 1551 (PSB 1992 Rb 05) - This is a selection of BPI-DES or BPI-
DNCRDC introduced from Thailand. The fruit weighs 30 g with an edible
portion of 52% and a total soluble solids (TSS) of 19.00 oBrix.

12. DES 1554 (PSB 1992 Rb 06) - This is a selection of BPI-DES or BPI-
DNCRDC introduced from Thailand. The fruit weighs 35 g with an edible
portion of 49% and a total soluble solids (TSS) of 18.00 oBrix.

13. Seematjan (PSB 1992 Rb 02) - This variety originally came from Indonesia
and was registered in the Philippine Seed Board through Mr. Rodrigo F.
Dizon of Bago Oshiro, Davao City in collaboration with BPI-DNCRDC. The
fruit is large, 38 g in weight with an edible portion of 43%, and sweet with a

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 total soluble solids of 19.00 oBrix.

Here is the List Ff NSIC Accredited Rambutan Varieties

NSIC 2003 Rb 07 ‘Aguilar 1’ Aklan State College of

Agriculture, Banga, Aklan
PSB 1992 Rb07 DES-1548 Alfonso Abad, Los Amigos,
Tugbok, Davao City
PSB 1992 Rb03 Maharlika Cionito Villacorta, Bago
Oshiro, Davao City
NSIC 2011 Rb 08 Angel Sweet Danilo E. Abayon, Balete,
Aklan
NSIC 1996 Rb 03 ‘Acc. Sp.’ DA-Region No. 8, Tacloban
City
PSB 1992 Rb04 DES- 1550 Dr. Carlota Sandique, Sto Niño,
Makilala, N. Cotabato
PSB 1992 Rb05 DES-1551 Dr. Carlota Sandique, Sto Niño,
Makilala, N. Cotabato
PSB 1992 Rb06 DES-1554 Dr. Carlota Sandique, Sto Niño,
Makilala, N. Cotabato
NSIC 1995 Rb 01 ‘JMG-3 Jaime Goyena, Sr., Lamot II,
Calauan, Laguna
NSIC 1995 Rb 02 ‘JMG-5W’ Jaime Goyena, Sr., Lamot II,
Calauan, Laguna
NSIC 2002 Rb 04 ‘Goyena R-13’ Jaime Goyena, Sr., V
NSIC 2003 Rb 06 ‘Roja’ Mario Tenorio, Calauan,
Laguna
NSIC 2003 Rb 05 ‘Amarillo’ Ponciano Batugal, Calauan,
Laguna
PSB 1991Rb 02 Seematjan Rodrigo F. Dizon, Bago Oshiro,
Davao City
PSB 1991 Rb01 Lebak Bulus UPLB

Preparation of Planting Materials

Select well-developed seeds from mature ripe fruits for rootstock. Remove
mucilage by rubbing with fine sawdust, ash or old newspaper, wash and air dry.  Sow
seeds using coco coir, sand, or saw dust or loamy soil in seed beds.  In 24 days, the seeds
germinate and having two false leaves is appropriate for pricking in 7’’x11’’ or10”x 8”x
002 polyethylene bags. Put shading materials in open area to avoid stress and water
regularly or as the need arises.  Apply 20-30 g of Urea fertilizer or starter solution one
month after transplanting. Rootstocks are ready for asexual propagation or cleft grafting
in 6-8 months.

Asexual Propagation

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 Cleft grafting is the most popular method of asexual propagation in rambutan
used among propagators in the Philippines as it is less wasteful of propagating materials
and requires lesser mastery of techniques than inarching, marcotting and budding.
Steps in cleft grafting:
7. Chose a healthy seedling rootstock about 6-8 months old or 7-10 mm in stem
diameter.
8. Cut off the shoot of the rootstock and make a vertical cut about 2.0 – 2.5 cm. to
make a V-shaped opening for the scion.
9. Gets a scion from selected outstanding tree with stem size approximately
matching that of the rootstock.
10. Cut the basal end of the scion into a gently sloping wedge about 2 cm long.
11. Insert the scion onto the opening of the rootstock.
12. Wrap the graft union and the budstick with thin plastic strip and cover with ice
candy wrapper.
13. Six months after grafting the plant is ready for field planting.

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