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The Philippine Star, Business,
Sunday, November 21, 2004 |
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Multi-rootstock technology improves productivity
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Productivity of superior exotic varieties of fruit trees
like Magallanes Davao pummelo depends on the rootstock used
during propagation. This also holds true in
Thai longkong
lanzones and monthong and Malaysian D24 durian |
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Rootstock is the foundation of the superior variety
in asexual propagation (grafting) of imported
varieties. In the case of
Magallanes Davao pummelo,
native rootstock are best for long productivity,
according to Dr Bernie O. Dizon. |
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Native pummelo is the best rootstock for
Magallanes
Davao pummelo, according to Dizon. For faster growth
and development and prolific fruiting use double
rootstock, he says. His grafted Magallanes and
Nenita pummelos, two varieties with excellent eating
quality are a favorite of orchard growers. |
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Pummelos
can be grown across the country. They are low growing and,
at five-meter spacing, more trees can be grown compared with
mangoes. Low growing pummelos are not liable to be affected
by typhoons. It also makes them easier to spray with
chemicals for rind borers. In planting the right varieties
appropriate culture in growing should be observed. When the
trees are young they need nitrogen and phosphorus which
helps in the production of extensive root system.
This means that to have a continuously productive
orchard of pummelos one has to observe the right culture of
the trees. They have to be fertilized and irrigated when
necessary. They also have to be protected from pests and
diseases.
It is important to apply more potassium and trace
elements when the trees are showing signs of bearing fruits.
Trace elements - micronutrients such as boron, manganese,
zinc, iron and others - plus potassium make the fruits sweet
and juicy. |
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