Lesson 1

Factors affecting the growth of Fruit Trees

There are many factors to be considered in growing crops and fruit trees.
Choosing the type and species of trees
A. A common mistake of orchard growers is the planting of varieties which are not
adapted to locality. A grower should select a variety of seeds which is suited to
where the farm is located. Get the advice of a farm technician to be certain about
the varieties of trees.
B. For commercial fruit growers, the chief requisite in selecting a variety to grow is
high quality. The basis is the appearance and productiveness of the variety.
However, it is much better if the variety has the required qualities for growing in
locality.
C. Select the species and variety you like best. Choose your favorite species and
variety to reflect your personality and to keep you engrossed in plant growing.
D. Decide how many varieties to plant for home fruit grower, more varieties can be
planted since the trees are grown to bear fruits only for family consumption. For
commercial fruit growers, it is advisable to plant only three to four varieties which
will bear fruit and ripen at almost the same time.
E. Consider the market you are to serve.

Lesson 2
The importance of climate, Soil and Water in Fruit Tree Product
The orchard grower should not only rely on the quality of seeds to be planted.

There are still several environmental factor to be considered for considered for a
successful tree farming.

1. Climate
Different tree species are suited to different climatic conditions that
affect their growth and yield. The climatic conditions to which the trees are
exposed are rainfall, sunlight, high and low temperature, humidity and
wind. Among the mentioned conditions, the long light rain is the most
suitable for tree crops because water slowly penetrates the soil that will
keep it moist for a period of time.
High temperature will affect the quality of fruit such as color and taste.
2. Soil
Soil is naturally occurring body made up of minerals and organic
constituents. It holds the trees and provides water and nutrients for them
to grow.
The best kind of soil for fruit is warm, porous, sandy and loamy.

3. Water
Water is needed in the formation of carbohydrates, proteins, fats,
minerals and other nutrients. It serves as the carrier of food to be
distributed to other parts of the tree. Transplanting of trees should not be
below the level of water supply.

In order to survive, plants have to have water. Most plants are made up of
nearly 90 percent water. Without the appropriate amounts of water, plants
will be stressed and eventually die. Even plants that live in the desert such
as cactus need water, they just need less of it than other types of plants.
Water provides plants with nourishment and hydration. Water that is in the
soil will break down minerals and other elements of the soil. When the
plants absorb water through their roots, they will also be picking up
nutrients that will travel to the cells of the plant.

Humidity and water in the air can help encourage plant growth. However,
providing too much water can also cause plants to ide. It is important that
you look up information about how much water your plants need and be
sure to provide them with this amount in order to promote healthy growth.

Most vegetable garden should be provided with an inch of water each

week. If it has rained enough during the week you do not need to water
your garden.

4. Temperature

Weather or temperature plays an important role in plant growth. Plants will

slow down or speed up their growth rate based on the temperature. Warm
temperatures encourage growth and germination. A warmer temperature
will actually trigger a chemical reaction inside the cells of a plant and this
will speed up respiration, transpiration, and the photosynthesis process.

Plant growth is faster during warmer periods and will slow down or
become dormant in cooler period.

5. Nutrients
 There are certain nutrients that plants need in order to grow. Carbon,
oxygen, and hydrogen are three of the nutrients that plants need. They get
these form water and from air. The other nutrients that the plants needs
are found in the soil. If a plant lacks any nutrient, plant growth can be
stunted.

There are 2 categories of soil needed to improve plant growth, micronutrients and
macronutrients. Plants need more macronutrients than micronutrients.

The macronutrients that plants need include:

 Phosphorous
 Magnesium
 Potassium
 Sulfur
 Calcium
 Nitrogen
Micronutrients that plant need include iron, copper, as well as several other elements.
Fertilizers for nutrient?
One of the problems that gardeners often face is that the soil that they use for their
garden has an imbalance of nutrients. All of the micronutrients need to be present in
order for plants to grow. One of the best ways to ensure proper plant growth is to using
natural compost or manure in the soil. These will add the missing nutrients to the soil as
well as provide new nutrients for the plants.
Using fertilizer is not the same as providing the plant with nutrients. In fact, most
fertilizers will only contain phosphorous, potassium, and nitrogen and will not have the
other micro and nutrients that promote plant growth.
If you have plants that are diseased it is likely that they are missing micro or
macronutrients. For example, blossom rot that is found on tomato plants is often caused
by a lack of calcium. Just like people, plants that do not have a healthy diet of the
nutrients they need will be affected and less likely to produce desired results.

CONCLUSION
If you want to have a healthy garden you could spend months researching all of
the plant growth factors. However, the most important thing to keep in mind that if you
are practicing sound gardening techniques you are going to produce healthy plants.
Make sure that you rotate your crops regularly and that you add compost and manure to
your soil at least once or twice a year to provide your plants with the nutrients they need
in order to survive.

MULCHING
This is covering the top of soil with protective layer of a material. These
protective materials are usually organic matter such as dry leaves, straw, saw dust etc.
Importance of Mulching
 It retains the water in the soil and this makes the roots moist
 It provides buffer form heat and cold temperature because it
insulates the soil.
 It checks soil erosion and weed growth.
THINNING OUT
This is the removal of some plants from the area grown with seeds. This is done
mainly to make room for the seeds to grow well.
Importance of THINNING OUT
 It give enough space for the plants to grow
 It allows crops to attain a better size when they mature.
 It reduces the easy spread of diseases among crops
PRUNING
This involves the selective removal of parts of a plant.
Importance of PRUNING
 It improves the growth rate of the crop
 It increases the plants longevity
 It enhances plants quality
 For our safety because large branches can create problems in our
homes, schools etc.
STIRRING
This is the practice of digging up the soil in order for fresh air and water to
penetrate the soil easily.
Importance of STIRRING
 To enable plants to secure a good foot-hold in the soil
  Rootlets move freely in every direction in the soil due to the texture
of the soil.
WEEDING
Weeds are any unwanted plant. For example, watermelon growing in a cabbage
farm can be a weed. A farmer that has watermelon growing on his cabbage fame will
consider the watermelons as weeds.
The farmer can remove the watermelon plants form the farm using a cutlass,
weedicides, pulling them out with his hand etc.
Importance of WEEDING
 It increases crop yield because it prevents competition between the
unwanted crops and wanted crops for soil nutrients, sunlight etc.
 It allows free movement of air among the wanted crops in the farm.
WATERING
This is the act of supplying water to crops.
Importance of WATERING
 It increases crop yield
 It prevents crops from wilting
FERTILIZER APPLICATION
This is the practice of supplying crops with nutrients to help them grow well.
Importance of FERTILIZER APPLICATION
 It increases crop yield
 It replaces lost soil nutrients
EARTHING – UP
This is when soil is drawn- up around the base of a plant to keep it stable,
especially in windy weather.
Importance of EARTHING – UP
 It promotes crop stability
 It protects the roots of crops
 METHODS OF PLANTING CROPS
I. WHAT IS DIRECT SEEDING AND WHAT IS TRANSPLANTING?
TWO METHODS OF PLANTING
1. DIRECT SEEDING – means planting at the crop area with the use of seeds
2. TRANSPLANTING – is planting with the use of pre-grown seedlings or plants
that had been propagated from seeds.
Crop area – is here meant to refer to any space intended for the growing of crops for
the purpose of harvesting some products.
The two methods of planting can also be described as direct planting and indirect
planting.

WHERE THESE METHODS OF PLANTING ARE MORE PREFFERED?

Whether to choose direct seeding or transplanting for field planting depends on many
factors:
1. The crop species to be grown
2. Ease in planting and survival rate
3. Farmer’s familiarity
4. Timeliness
5. Financial capability of the farmer, and
6. Return on investment

CROP EXAMPLES
In 1588 when THOMAS HARIOT of England came to what is now the United States of
America, the native Indians were already planting corn with seeds in will spaced hills!
(Hariot 1588)
Direct Seeding is common in:
Cereals such as upland rice, corn, sorghum and millets,
Pulses such as soybean, peanut, and mungbean
Large – seeded vegetables like squash, and other cucurbits including melons
Root vegetables such as carrots and raddish
Many leafy vegetables, okra or lady’s finger (Abelmoschus esculentus), and bitter
gourd (Momordica charantia)
Transplanted:
Small – seeded vegetables like the solanaceous plants tomato, eggplant and peppers,
ornamental crops, fruit trees
Perennial crops including palms such as coconut and African oil palm (Elaeis
guineensis)

Both DIRECT SEEDING AND TRANSPLANTING METHODS OF PLANTING:

Lowland rice and the Cruciferous (Brassica) vegetables cabbage, pechay and mustard,
and lettuce.

MORE ABOUT DIRECT SEEDING AND TRANSPLANTING METHOD OF PLANTING

Direct Seeding – also called as direct sowing
- also used to refer to the planting of seedpieces or underground
vegetative planting materials directly into the soil as in potato (Solanum Tubersum).

Transplanting – sometimes called replanting

- is a method of planting that only requires the use of pre-grown plants, or
seedlings, or vegetatively propagated clones for field planting.

THE DIFFERENT METHODS OF DIRECT SEEDING

BROADCAST METHOD
Broadcasting or sabog tanim – also called as scatter planting
- is a method of planting by which seeds (or grains) are
scattered over a well prepared soil. This planting method is common in crops with small
seeds that are capable of germination and sustained growth without soil cover.
Examples: rice, millets, mungbean, cowpea and forage crops.
Broadcasting technique is specially called aerial seeding.
 PLANT PROPAGATION
Plant Propagation is the increase of the species by reproduction. Plants produce by
sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation is the reproduction of plants by means of their seeds and spores
Asexual Propagation is the duplication of the plant from any of its part or organ plants
are asexually propagated for different; some plants reproduce true baw d mabasa kim
haha : other plants produce no seeds; there are seeds that are difficult to germinate.

I. ASEXUAL PROPAGATION
Methods of asexual propagation
Cuttings are detached vegetative plants parts which can develop into a complete plants
with characteristics identical to the parent plant.
Types of cuttings
a. Stem Cutting parts of shoots with lateral or terminal buds are taken to produce
an independent plant. The type of wood , the stage of growth , and the time of
year in the which the cutting is done are important consideration in rooting the
plants.
b. Leaf cutting the entire leaves with or without the petioles are used making leaf
cutting.
c. Leaf-bud cutting to make a leaf bud cutting, a leaf blade, a petiole and a short
piece of the stem with the attached auxillary bud are placed in the medium and
covered enough to support the leaf.
d. Root cutting plants develop shoot from the root system. Root cutting are made
root sections 5 to 15 cm long. These cuttings may be planted in either vertical or
horizontal position.

Layering is the vegetative methods of propagation by producing roots from unusual

parts of the plants before it grows from the parent plants.
Types of layering
Tip layering the rooting takes place near the tip of the current shoot that naturally falls
to the background.
Budding a type of grafting that results when the vegetative bud (scion) is placed in
stock plant. Only one bud is used.
Types of budding
a. T budding the bud is attached by placing freshly exposed cambium tissue of the
stock.
b. Patch budding used budding tools with parallel blades to make horizontal cuts
1/3 the distance around the stock and connect the horizontal cuts at each side by
vertical cuts.
Cut a patch containing a bud followed by two vertical cuts on each side of the
bud. Remove the bud by sliding it to ones side.
Remove the bark from the stock , insert the bud and prepare if for wrapping.
Wrap the union tape or any other suitable material, leaving the bud exposed.
c. Clef budding make 45 degree angle cut about one quarter through the stock
then 2.5 cm above the first cut downward and into the first cut.
Make similar cut to remove the bud
Insert the bud inti the stock and wrap with budding tape.

Grafting is the joining of two separate plants like root and stem or two stem to
form of union and grow as one plant. Upper part is scion , lower part is the
stock.

Types of grafting
a. Whip and tongue grating scion and stock must be 0.6 to 1.2 cm diameter
b. Approach grating two are joined at their own rootstock. A piece bark 2.5 to 5
cm long is remove from both plants, and the wounded area is pressed and
held tightly together.
c. Clef grafting scion should be one year old wood. The stock is usually 5 tom7
cm in dm .
d. Bark grafting this can be adapted to stock of any size or if the bark can be
already separated from the wood. The scion shaped like a wedge is inserted
between the bark and wood of the stock. you may use several scion to ensure
selection.
e. Notch grafting this can used for topworking trees with branches of large
diameter.

II. Sexual Propagation

Some seeds that fail to germinate the dominant. Dormancy may be due to
physical causes like hard seed coat, physiological factor such as chemical
inhibitors, and immature embryo. Water is required to soften the seed coat;
soaking a certain seed before planting will soften the time required for
seedling to germinate.

The ff are common ways of seed germination ;

Stratification seed that undergo stratification are paced in moist medium

temperature of 4-7 degree for 1 to 3 months.
 Scarification is any process of breaking, scratching or mechanically
alternating the seeds covering to penetrate the water ang gases.
Seed box method this a very common practice of seed germination. Using a
seed box 2 inches wide and ½ inches thick, the box is filled with humus soil
and the seeds covered over the top of the soil.

PLANTING LAYOUT AND TECHNIQUES IN FRUIT AND CROP PRODUCTIONS

Proper positioning of trees in the orchard affects the fruiting of the trees. The number
trees planted is a subject to the arrangement of the tress in the field.
Common methods of arranging trees in the orchard
Square method this is used by most trees growers. Trees are distance at right angle
Quincunx method this method is just like a square method except the filler tree is
planted at the center of the square.
Rectangle method in this method the square is modified by extending the rows tha
farther to allow maximum sunlight for trees.
Hexagonal method trees are planted in the center of hexagon. This is formed by six
trees at equal distance from each other. More trees can be planted in this layout.

DIFFERENT METHODS OF TRANSPLANTING FRUIT TREES

Trench method
A. Drive the spade in the soil in a slant
B. Once more drive the spade into the ground
C. Place the seedling at the center of the hole
D. Fill the hole with good fresh soil.

PREVENTING AND CONTROLLING PESTS AND FRUIT DISEASES

Insect pest and diseases- downside in successful fruit and tree crop production.
Insect pests- are grouped according to their feeding habits.
Chewing insects – have hard horny jaws that bite off and swallow parts of stems,
leaves, fruits and buds. Most of the damage is caused by larva forms of different insects
which include weevils, maggots, borers, and cutworms. This creates damage
underground, so it is difficult to control. Other insect which are destructive in larva stage
are coding moth, leafminer and gypsy moth.
Sucking insects- damage are usually visible as discoloration, curling and malfunction
of meristematic tissues. These secrete sugary substance called honeydew which
support fungal growth, thus leading to unattractive plants. Examples aphids, scale
insects, mealy bugs and leafhoppers.
Lapping insects- lick liquids from the outer surfaces on which they feed. Includes
apple maggots and cherry fruit flies.

Controlling Insect Pests

Chemical control- widely practiced but increasing concern with environmental pollution
has posed the need for alternative methods.
Insecticides are classified into:
a. Stomach poison. Limited to chewing insects. Ex. Carbaryl (sevin)
b. Contact poison. Also effective on chewing insects but more widely used on
sucking insects. Ex. Malathion.
c. Systemics. Dissolved in water, applied to the soil, and taken up to the roots.
Other systemics are applied on the aboveground parts of the plants.
d. Fumigants. Usually, small organic molecules with a vapor pressure high enough
to become gases which are applied into the soil.

Biological control- microorganisms are used to induce diseases in insects without

causing injury to plants or other animals. The suspension of spores is sprayed or dusted
on the host plant. This is a very safe means of pest control.
Fruit Tree Diseases
Fungi- fruit diseases are basically caused by fungus. The annual disease starts from
fungi from dead leaves. There are three groups of fungi.
Basidiomycetes. Are highly developed group of fungi that causes the diseases called
rust and smuts.
Ascomycetes. Are fungi that cause the disease called leaf curl.
The fungi imperfecti. Causes fruits and vegetables to rot and early blight of potato.
Fungi are controlled with the use of fungicide applied before the rain.
Bacteria- are one-celled, microscopic plants which vary in shape. There are many ways
by which bacteria can enter the plants, but most common entry is through natural
openings. Many of the rot-causing bacteria enter the plants through injuries. One
example of bacterial disease is fire blight. Common symptoms of this disease are the
following: water-soaked appearance of the flower, the whole spur turning brown, and
wilting of the terminals, leaves, and shoots. The most effective control is orchard
sanitation by removing infected branches, twigs, and spurs. The removed parts should
be burned to destroy the bacteria.
Viruses- are generally infectious. They are living but reproduce only within the host cell.
The two main groups of viruses are yellows and mosaics. Symptoms of yellows are
yellowing, stunting, leaf curling, and excessive branching. Symptoms of mosaics are
mottled appearance of the leaves and in some cases flowers, and dead spots on the
leaves, fruits, and stems. Among the insect agents of yellows is leafhoppers, while
aphids are the carrier of mosaic virus. The use of heat has been effective in destroying
viruses. Meristem culture is another technique used. This is to culture a piece of
meristem which is often free from virus, but result is not so promising.

HARVESTING AND STORING OF FRUITS

Containers and boxes- must be ready during harvesting preparation.

The best time to harvest is when the weather is fine.

The following are the stages in post-harvest:

Removal of field heat- for fruits to have extended market life, immediate removal of
field heat is a must. The two common techniques in removing field heat are vacuum
cooling and hydrocooling. Sprinkling of water over the newly harvested fruits is the most
common cooling technique of local farmers. This also helps improve the quality of the
fruit.
Cleaning- this involves the removal of dust, soil and spray residues. Chlorine is often
added to water as disinfectant.
Sorting- this process is done after cleaning to segregate fruits into grades on the basis
of good quality, color, and other visible characteristics.
Waxing- some fresh fruits are waxed as initial part of packing. This improves the
appearance of the fruit and prevents moisture loss. The process is done by dipping or
spraying with a soft brush.
Sizing- in normal marketing, fruits are sold based on both grade and size. The larger
sizes command a higher price. Most consumers prefer uniform size of fruits.
Packing- this process varies with the type of harvest. Nowadays crates are used to
carry fruits that are overwrapped with newspapers and ready for vending.

OPPORTUNITIES IN PROPAGATING FRUIT TREES

Plants need to be propagated, grown and maintained in nurseries.
The government spearheaded by the Bureau of Plant Industry has their program on
propagation.

Types of Nursery
1. Commercial Nursery. This type of nursery sells plants. Keepers usually
propagate their stock and supply materials to retail nurseries.
2. School Nursery. Plants are propagated for school use. This is supervised by an
agriculture teacher.
3. Government Nursery. This nursery which is under the Bureau of Plant Industry
propagates plant for distribution to farmers and for government farming projects.

Things to remember in operating a nursery:

1. Group plants according to variety, size, and age.
2. Have a stock of fungicide, pesticide, fertilizer and necessary materials and
equipment for plant care.
3. Separate the plants affected by pests and diseases for treatment.

ENTREPRENEURIAL PROBLEMS
The following are the problems encountered by most entrepreneurs:

1. Lack of capital. Inadequate capital is one of the problems that prevails in

business enterprises. The capital serves as the fuel of a business. A business
always needs a big capital. When there is lack of funds to finance business
operations, entrepreneurs are looking for sources like taking debts, borrowing
money from banks or other sources to sustain their business activities.
2. Control of foreign investors. The Philippines belongs to the “Third World
Countries,” based on the country’s national economy. It is unbelievable even if
our country is rich in natural resources, and many people finished their studies in
different universities. This is also the reason many professionals and workers
migrate to other countries to uplift their standard of living.
 What are the reasons foreign investors controlling the economy and
industrialization of the country?
The government encourages foreign investors in our country to create
more jobs. Multi-national corporations defeat the local investors in different parts
of the world. When we import products from different countries, it affects our
dollar reserves. Because their products are sold in low prices, they have more
capital to develop their business. These foreign investors belong to “top
corporations” in the Philippines.
3. Lack of organization and unity among Filipino investors. If we will compare
foreign and Filipino investors, we lack effective organization to protect the Filipino
entrepreneurs. The foreign commerce gives financial help and buy their products
in low prices. Filipino investors, on the other hand, get limited help from their
members like capital and distribution of goods.
4. Lack of support from the government. It is written in our constitution that the
government must help our Filipino entrepreneurs. The government gives the
responsibility to the Department of Trade and Industry to help upgrade their
condition. But, due to lack of capital, there’s only limited support from the
government agency. Sometimes, the foreign investors are much given priority
than our local investors.
5. Competition among Foreign investors. Because of the free industrialization
between the countries in the world, this gives a big problem to the Filipinos who
have a retailing business. They can enter different products which compete with
our local industries. Most of the foreign investors get Filipinos as their partners in
business to protect their investment. Even if our economy goes down, they will
not be so affected because they invest their business here in our country. These
multi-national corporations give a stiff competition with our local retailers.
6. Proliferation of smuggled goods in the Philippines. Our country is composed
of almost 7,100 scattered islands, so smuggling of different products are rampant
and sold in low prices. The buyers or customers prefer to buy products with a
low-price despite of its low quality. It affects our economy because the smugglers
are not paying taxes for the products being sold.
7. Economic changes in other countries. The devaluation of money affects the
economy of the country. The investors take a hard time to get a loan because of
high interest. Because of this situation, there is an increase in some products and
the sales in retailing decrease. This is a clear example of a problem in the
changes of economy in other countries.
8. Global trade liberalization. Through the development of technology, it affects
our life regarding industrialization. The industries are well developed by means of
computerization. Almost all stores are modernized to get faster in computing the
goods bought. There is phone sale, TV shopping, internet transaction and many
more. If you have a small capital, you cannot follow the modern technology and
you are left behind in the field of industrialization.
 SOLVING PRACTICAL PROBLEMS

Creativity is another important aspect of an entrepreneur. It is the ability to think new

ideas and innovative ways of doing things. It requires inventiveness or vision and
accurate thinking to see problems as challenges to create solutions and attempt brighter
ideas. Creative entrepreneurs are introducing new ideas or methods.

Vision is having the ability to anticipate and provide future needs. Generally,
entrepreneurs set goals and plan activities that would help appreciate their goals.
An entrepreneur is creative if he/she has the following qualities:
1. Outcome-oriented- ability to anticipate feedback.
2. Considerate of people’s needs- attentive on the people’s wants and needs.
3. Include other in decision-making- the decision of an entrepreneur is based on
what they will provide on people’s needs as opportunities.
4. Innovative – creating new ideas and services for the people.
5. Is not satisfied with the common way of doing things- continue to generate
things to satisfy the people’s needs.
6. Taking the risk of investing- take the business as a challenge.

The mind is a tool that utilizes man to think, create, and innovate ways to make things
easier.
The consumers are commonly attracted to creativity, design, packaging, and
advertising.