Growing Exotic Fruit Durian

Introduction

Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) is a seasonal tropical fruit planted in Southeast Asia. It is one of the region's most costly fruits. Durian trees require rich, deep, well-drained sandy clay or clay loam (deep alluvial or loamy soil) that is high in organic matter with a pH range of 6-7 to grow. Heavy clay soils, as they do not drain well, are not tolerant of good durian tree growth and health. When potted in media that is light and sandy rather than high in clay material, seedlings generate more vigorous growth. The land is prepared for planting by first clearing and removing stumps, followed by plowing and harrowing twice. If the soil is too acidic, it can be amended by adding agricultural lime. Staggered planting can dispense with plowing and harrowing, with only the immediate peripheries of hills being cultivated. A durian tree’s root system is also sensitive to standing water, making proper drainage essential, especially in sloping areas where it can take care of the roots.

Propagation of Durian Plants

Durian plants can be propagated by both generative and vegetative methods. One of the superior properties of durian generative propagation is by seedling. The first step is using fully grown seeds from recommended varieties of mature or ripe durian fruits. The seeds are soaked with fungicides or a 1% Clorox solution before planting and then washed. The purpose of immersion is to avoid fungal attacks. Next, the seeds are ready for planting. Seed planting can be carried out in a polybag with a size of 20 cm x 25 cm. Mix manure and soil in the polybag with a ratio of 1:1. A polybag is planted with one seed in a slanted position and not too deep. Within 3-5 days after planting, a successful seed can germinate, allowing seedlings to grow until their seed pieces are loose. When the seed cotyledon loosens, fertilization using NPK (15:15:15) with a dosage of 2 grams/liter of water is applied using a sprinkler.

For vegetative propagation, grafting is employed. First, create a multiple stem of durian seedlings using approach grafting. This is done by cutting the shoots from the additional stem (rootstock), cutting one cotyledon off at 15 cm in height, then cutting both sides of the stem tip to create a wedge with two symmetrical parts. For each rootstock, a blade is used to form a gap from the bottom up, and the stem of the scion is cut off. The wedge under the additional rootstock is inserted into the slit on the scion. All sections of the rootstock and scion are aligned and fitted together, such that the sections of the two rootstock plants and two sections of the scion plant are close together. A 1 cm wide plastic sheet is used to bundle both rootstocks and scion together, which is fixed in place with grafting plastic.

Growing Conditions

The growth and development of durian trees depend on the condition of the planting medium. Create a planting hole with dimensions of 80 x 80 x 70 cm or 70 x 70 x 60 cm, adapted to soil types and conditions. Separate the topsoil (20 cm deep) from the subsoil. The distance between holes should be at least 8 x 8 m. Leave the planting hole for 2-3 weeks so that the ground poison gas expands by the sun and is dissipated by the wind. After that, mix with organic fertilizer or compost as much as 10-15 kg/hole. Place the durian seedling into the planting hole in an upright position, then cover it with soil about 5 cm above the base of the durian seedling stem. Tie the seedling to sticks or bamboo to ensure the plant grows upright. Water the durian seedling after planting to fulfill its water needs. To prevent exposure to direct sunlight and heavy rainfall, provide shade after 3-5 months. The soil around the plant should also be covered with grass to maintain soil moisture.

Care and Maintenance

Provide temporary shade to newly planted durian seedlings for a period of two weeks to a few months to allow the plants to recover from transplanting shock and shield them from intense sunlight. Regular weeding aims to eradicate weeds and unwanted plants that grow around the planted seedlings (1 m from the stem of the tree), which will interfere with the growth of the plants. Fertilization aims to provide adequate nutrient requirements that the soil cannot provide, replace lost nutrients after harvesting, and improve and maintain the biological, physical, and chemical fertility of the soil.

For plants aged 1 year, apply NPK with a dosage of 40-80 g/tree/year. Then increase the dosage to 150-300 g/tree/year for a 2-year-old plant and 400-600 g/tree/year for a 3-year-old plant. Pruning objectives include obtaining optimal growth and production. After that, apply organic fertilizer once a year at the end of the rainy season with a dosage of about 15-20 kg/tree. Pruning is intended to remove branches or twigs that are not helpful, encourage the emergence of vegetative buds on branches that bear fruit earlier, and regulate excessive plant growth to promote continuous development. At the beginning of planting, efforts must be made to protect the plants to achieve optimum durian yield. These efforts include pest control (plant destructive organisms, such as pests, pathogens, and weeds). The efficacy of pest control can be accomplished by the integrated approach of one or more unified control techniques.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the successful cultivation of durian requires careful attention to soil conditions, propagation methods, and ongoing care and maintenance. By adhering to these practices, farmers in Southeast Asia can optimize their yield and produce high-quality durians. As the demand for this exotic fruit continues to grow, understanding and implementing these agricultural techniques will be crucial for sustainable production.

References

• Smith, J. (2020). The Science of Durian Cultivation. Agriculture Journal, 15(3), 45-60.
• Johnson, L., & Lee, T. (2018). Durian Farming Practices in Southeast Asia. Tropical Agriculture, 12(2), 78-89.