Improved Management of Orchards
Pruning and training fruit trees for better yields
Training Workshop and Survey in Thailand
A training workshop on "Best Field Management and Pruning of Citrus" was followed by a survey of six citrus-growing locations in Thailand. The survey gathered information on the soil profile and the presence of soil-borne diseases and nematodes. Trees were also tested for tristeza virus. The survey team demonstrated to local growers at each location proper fertilizer application and pruning of citrus trees. The importance of fruit thinning to improve fruit size was emphasized.
Citrus Orchards in the Philippines
In the Philippines, two citrus-growing sites were surveyed. The survey team demonstrated to growers at each location how to train and prune citrus trees to make them into dwarfs. Cultivation of dwarf trees, from spraying to harvesting, is much easier and safer than tending large trees. Training is particularly important for young trees, since it will allow the trees to develop an ideal canopy shape when they mature. A well-shaped canopy exposed to plenty of light and air not only reduces the incidence of diseas, but also improves the fruit set and the fruit quality. Heavy pruning should not be practiced, since it may restrict root growth. Citrus growers were strongly recommended to practice IPM in their orchards, to prevent reinfection by virus diseases.
The lack of healthy planting materials is a major problem for citrus growers. The survey team discussed the problem with the staff of Cavite State University, and is developing plans for providing technical support for an improved fruit nursery propagation system.
Improved Management of &Quot;Carabao&Quot; Mango
Survey and demonstration were carried out in mango orchards in two locations, Indang and Bataan. The team showed growers how mango trees can be grown as dwarf trees for better field management, so they produce good yields of high-quality fruit.
The most important mango cultivar grown in the Philippines is the famous "Carabao". Trees of this variety grow tall and vigorous. With careful training and pruning, even "Carabao" mango trees can be grown as dwarf trees. Pruning, combined with proper management of water and nutrients, also helps overcome the problem common to nearly all mango varieties, that they tend to bear fruit only every other year.
Nutrient Problems of Tropical Orchards
Most fruit orchards surveyed in both Thailand and the Philippines showed nutrient problems. Growers usually apply only highly concentrated compound fertilizers. As a result, micronutrient deficiencies are widespread. In both countries, most of the orchards surveyed showed a deficiency of at least one micronutrient. The team recommended that growers in both countries should apply more organic matter such as composted livestock manure. This will improve, not only the nutrient supply, but also the soil structure.
Index of Images
Figure 1 Training Young Citrus Tree
Figure 2 Demonstration of Pruning Techniques in FFTC Training Course.
Figure 3 Dragon Fruit, a New Crop in the Philippines
