'Imported' oranges in your own backyard

     A welcome development is that imported fruits such as these can now be grown locally. That this is not an empty claim can be proven at the UP BLISS Economic Garden, a fruits research and development center of the UP BLISS Community Association. Here, grapes and oranges are successfully grown.

     Association President Fidel Coral encourages every Filipino to plant fruit trees. He said that if fruit trees are induce to bear quality fruits to the fullest, it could help in earning dollars for the country. Instrumental in attaining this goal is noted agriculturist Bernardo O. Dizon. He is known for developing and propagating such fruits as miracle grapes, giant calamansi, seedless atis and now, oranges.

     Dizon has also helped set up a fruit research center in Barangay Anupul, Bamban, Tarlac. He makes regular trips to Capas Mayor Arnaldo. Dizon's demonstration farm where Hamlin oranges are currently being grown.

     A one-and-a-half-year-old orange tree which measures five to six feet can already begin to bear fruits. At three years old, each tree can yield as much as 50 kilos of fruits. Quick computations show that growing oranges can be profitable venture. Once the demand for the local marker has been satisfied, the fruit can also be exported to neighboring Asian countries.

     Sweet orange is grown throughout the world but thrives best in subtropical and tropical areas. The tree is moderately large, measuring seven to ten meters or (22 to 30 feet) or even higher if left unpruned. As a seedling it is erect and as it grows, strong branches spread out.

     The Hamlin variety had an auspicious beginning. It was just a chance seedling planted in a grove near Deland, Florida by Judge Isaac Stone. The grove was later bought by A.C. Hamlin. The variety was propagated under his name. Among orange varieties, the Hamlin orange is the most productive, and pest and disease resistant. The fruits mature early and some are harvested as early as September.

     The fruit is round, small to medium-sized and commercially seedless. The peel is thin and smooth, turning orange or yellow when ripe. Its high productivity, seedlessness, and early fruiting make the Hamlin a popular orange variety.

     Below are some pointers form Dizon on how to grow oranges.

     * Citrus varieties of sour and sweet oranges have similar leaves and branches. Once would only know the difference when it bears fruits. To be sure, if you want a Hamlin orange, get your tree only from a reliable source.

     * Hamlin oranges can be planted any time of the year. If there is irrigation, plant during dry season to get best results. For commercial planting seedlings can be planted in plastic bags for one year. First year growth is limited to small areas so it can be cultivated first in plastic bags.

     * Growing Hamlin orange is similar to native calamansi culture. It can be thrive in any type of soil but grows best in soil with a pH of 6 to 6.5. To improve pH, texture and fertility of the soil, apply lime and organic fertilizer.

     * Maintain the trunk one foot from the ground with four branches in opposite directions. Prune the small branches on the trunk and the other branches which are not exposed to sunlight.

     * Water regularly. During dry season, mulch the base with two to four inches of rice hay or other dried grass to conserve moisture.

     * Apply organic (manure) and N-P-K fertilizer. Do not use too much nitrogen or urea as these make the tree susceptible to gummosis disease. As the tree grows, the amount of fertilizer also increases.

     * Fruiting during the first and second year should be controlled. The type becomes stunted when induced to fruit early. Allow only few fruits during the first two years.

     * Spray the tree every 10 to 15 days with insecticide and fungicide during the raining season and insecticide and miticide during the dry season.

     * Citrus fruits do not improve in flavor after they are picked and should be allowed to ripen on the tree. The fruits do not fall even after weeks or months on the tree. Harvesting can be spread for a longer period.