Agriculture.ph Blog

The government is not exactly efficient in implementing cattle dispersal program. Dr. Emil Q. Javier, president of the National Academy of Science and Technology, has provided us figures that 88 percent of cattle dispersed by the government were not paid back. And that’s probably why Sen. Edgardo Angara stopped the DA’s dispersal program when he became the Secretary of Agriculture in 1999.

Private individuals are proving to be better at cattle dispersing. One fellow we met lately is Dr. Guin Gerona, a retiree from the Visayas State University, who is now doing his own brand of farming in Sogod, Southern Leyte.

While still employed, Dr. Gerona started his cattle dispersal project in the mid-1980s with five heifers. Today, he has a total of 75 head, including males. Of this number, 38 are female breeders most of which are in the care of other farmers under the so-called “paiwi” system.

The usual “paiwi” scheme is for the owner of the animal to get the first offspring if the animal is already mature when it was given to the farmer. The next offspring would be kept by the caretaker. According, to Dr. Gerona, there is a more equitable scheme of sharing the calves that are born.

n his case, he and the owner have an equal share of every calf born. A valuation of the young animal is made. If it is sold, they divide the proceeds. If one of them opt to keep the animal, the other should be paid by the fellow who wants to keep the animal. Most of the time, though, it’s Dr. Gerona ending as the buyer.

Dr. Gerona feels his system is better. For one thing, the farmer does not have to wait a long time to have his share. For another, the caretaker might not take good care of the calf allocated to the owner of the mother cow if the usual practice is observed.

Another successful private fellow who has been successful in cattle dispersal is Mrs. Lydia Lapastora of Soliven, Isabela. In 1996, she started her project with P20,000 with which she bought six young heifers. Today, she has 15 breeders under the care of other farmers.

If private individuals doing their dispersal programs could be multiplied many times over in various parts of the country, the local cattle population will increase tremendously. What the government should do is to help the private sector to acquire improved animals and provide access to reasonable financing.

Written by Zac Sarian

Source: Manila Bulletin

The Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) has assured farmers and environmental advocates that aerial spraying of fungicides in the vast banana plantations of Mindanao is safe.

Dr. Emily Fabregar, technical committee chief of PBGEA, made this assurance late last month when she presented a paper on “Global Positioning System: A New Technology for Farm Application,” during the foundation celebration of the University of the Philippines – Mindanao (UP-Min) in Davao City.

She joined a panel of experts in the lecture forum spearheaded by CropLife Phillippines and the Initiative for Farm Advocacy and Resource Management (IFARM) on February 25, 2009.

Dr. Eufemio Tan Rasco, Jr.’s book “The Unfolding Gene Revolution” recognized as the NAST “Outstanding Book of the Year 2008,” was also presented during the forum at the UP-Min’s College of Science and Mathematics.

Dr. Fabregar said the use of GPS has greatly reduced the risk to humans since the system automatically shuts of spraying equipment when it leaves the target area.

Aerial spraying had been banned in Davao City based on an ordinance that the Court of Appeals (CA) later determined to be unconstitutional.

Fabegar said the “intelligent spraying” systems employed by PBGEA are also controlled via GPS.

The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) requires 50-meter defaults along the area perimeters of the plantations to be sprayed.

Showing a video clip of an actual aerial spray run by a PBGEA fixed-wing plane, the cut-off mechanism clearly showed that the misty spray stopped before reaching the boundaries (identified by a river in the clip) with enough room to spare. This should allay concerns expressed by some quarters regarding off-target spraying in banana plantations.

Dr. Fabregar emphasized that such GPS-controlled mechanisms are now employed in all banana plantation spray runs since it reduces the volume of fungicide used. GPS allows no room for pilot error that may cause drift or off-target spraying.

The fungicides are sprayed on banana plants to prevent a fungus called “sigatoka” from spreading. This fungus attacks banana leaves and causes premature ripening and freckles on the fruits. With premature ripening and freckles, bananas cannot pass export quality control.

Aerial spraying is considered the most cost-efficient method for addressing the sigatoka fungus problem.

Dr. Rasco said in a previous forum on science-based agriculture conducted in January at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City that the most cost-effective solution to the sigatoka problem was aerial spraying.

He stressed it was funny that the ban was imposed on the solution to the problem besetting the banana industry.

Dr. Fabregar also said the fungicide used in the aerial spraying was diluted with water in the spraying solution to be even less potent than over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos that are sold everywhere and used even by children. A common cause of dandruff is a fungus like sigatoka.

As an early result of the initial ban on aerial spraying in Davao City, Lapanday has closed its Mandug Farm, a banana plantation within the city. More than 150 hectares of a previously viable and productive banana farm has been lost due to an ordinance that was enacted rather precipitately, according to critics.

IFARM has been calling for a science-based agriculture that pays a premium on risk assessment and management.

It also backs the use of safe and responsible use of all farm inputs, particularly those used in protecting cash crops for both domestic and foreign markets.

Source: Manila Bulletin

A Japanese scientist has perfected a system that utilizes microorganisms to increase farm yield, reduce the foul odor of pig manure, and intensify rice cultivation without using petroleum-based fertilizers and chemical inputs.

Dr. Teruo Higa of Okinawa said he worked on the system for decades, eventually coming out with what he called effective microorganisms (EM) that proved superior in growing bananas, cherry trees and other plants in Okinawa and elsewhere.

The Japanese expert was trained in the University of Ryukyu where he earned his doctorate in agronomy and microbiology.

Backers of both organic farming and biotechnology are keen on applying Higa’s system in the country since the government has recently advocated the use of sustainable agriculture in as much as 10 percent of the country’s total arable land.

Higa said he managed to grow bananas, cherry trees and other crops in Okinawa without plowing the field and disturbing the topsoil, an innovation that encouraged many farmers on the island to experiment on the system that he developed.

EM, according to Higa, makes use of such microorganisms as phototrophic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and actinomycetes that are good for sustainable agriculture, livestock health, odor control, human health and environmental protection.

Higa said his system could be utilized anywhere in the world since EM is actually comprised of microbial inoculants that improve soil quality, crop growth and yield. He said the use of microorganisms to boost yield should be recognized as a technology that should benefit humanity and not just a few corporations.

One type of microbial inoculant that Higa developed was “bokashi”. It carries the microorganisms on a base of molasses and water and is added to kitchen and dry waste, rice hulls, banana peels, citrus rind, discarded yams and other biodegradables to create compost in a matter of weeks rather than months.

“Bokashi” was the same solution provided by Higa to the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States when the agency encountered problems with plants carried on board space stations that were eventually found to be the cause of headaches and colds among astronauts.

The success of Higa’s “bokashi” has been replicated in London and in other places where ordinary household waste are stored, heated and transformed into compost, thus reducing trash and eliminating nasty odors from garbage.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Should the fishpens and fishcages in Laguna de Bay be dismantled? Current government pronouncements seem to focus on doing this, suggesting that fishpen and fishcage culture operations are the main culprit in the deterioration of the quality of the water and resources in the lake.

Said dismantling and possible eventual phase out of the fishpen and fishcage culture activities, however, may be unwarranted, according to Dr. Danilo Israel, senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

For one, studies have shown that the main causes of pollutants in the lake come from other sources and not from fishpens and fishcages. And two, stopping the operations will affect the poor who benefit from the cheap freshwater fish produced in the lake.

In a forum on whether fishpen and fishcage culture operations in Laguna de Bay be maintained, reduced or discontinued, Israel noted that there are a number of economic and social benefits that are gained from the fishpen and fishcage culture operations.

The various fish varieties cultured in the lake such as tilapia, milkfish and carp, for instance, are considered as low-value species that are usually consumed by the poor who represent majority of the Philippine population. Moreover, the operations provide jobs and livelihood for a large number of people. What is needed, according to Israel, is to streamline operations in the lake.

In terms of value of the cultured fishes, an estimated R1.8 billion was earned in 2006, with an annual average rate of increase of 9.26 percent. As to volume, carp has been the fastest growing in value terms, followed by bangus and tilapia.

The fishpens and fishcages also provide direct employment to more than 5,000 people. In addition, many more people are involved in the backward and forward linkages of the industry. These include, from the input markets, the sellers of fry and fingerlings, feeds, nets, bamboos and other inputs. Those in the output markets include fish brokers, wholesalers, retailers and other participants.–PIDS Report

More and more people are getting interested in natural farming. To make a profitable operation, you can make your inputs like fermented juices for your plants as well as your animals.

One of the fermented products used in natural farming is the so-called Oriental Herbal Nutrient or OHN, which is a natural pest repellant in growing your crops. It is also used in enhancing the nutrients of livestock feed.

Andry Lim of Helen’s Farm in Davao City, a strong advocate of natural farming, gave us the procedure on how to make your own OHN. It is effective in strengthening the immune system of plants as well as animals.

The ingredients used are 4 kilos of crushed ginger, 4 kilos of crushed garlic, 3 kilos of muscovado sugar; 10 liters of gin or liquor 30 to 40 proof. Use a 5-gallon jar for fermenting., preferably glass or ceramic.

First, mix by hand the 4 kg crushed garlic, 4 kg crushed ginger and 3 kg muscovado sugar or molasses. Cover the jar and keep it sealed. After three days, add 10 liters of gin. Keep the jar sealed. See to it that the jar is not fully filled. Leave at least 2 inches unfilled.

Decant the liquid after 10 days. The first extract is good for animals. Together with other juices (fermented fruit juice, fermented plant juice, and fish amino acid), OHN is incorporated in the animal feeds. That’s how Andry Lim makes his own feed formulation for his naturally-farmed pigs.

After decanting, add the same amount of gin taken from the first extraction. Andry says you may add fresh or dry chili, neem fruit, curry fruit, makabuhay and marigold for stronger potency. After 10 days, extract the juice. This is good for use in growing plants.

After the second extraction, add the same amount of gin. After 10 days, extract the liquid again. Here’s how to use the concoction. Mix two tablespoons of OHN per liter of water. Add this to the other fermented juices and spray on the leaves of the plants and on the soil every week. It is good for all stages of plant growth.

Written by Zac Sarian

Source: Manila Bulletin

TJ touching the unidentified fruits

What is the name of this tree with unidentified fruits that came from Mindanao?

Unidentified fruits as big as the head of the person touching it

Photo Courtesy of TJ Gonzales of Baliuag, Bulacan

As pili nut is indigenous only in the Philippines, the government has long since recognized its economic importance in the country as a potential export crop. It ranks second to cashew nuts and has been a good stand-in for macadamia nuts. Pili nut is produced and processed mostly in the Bicol region.

As the demand for pili continues to grow, the supply is hardly met. One main problem of the industry is in post-production operation and processing. Most of the workers still resort to traditional de-shelling using bolo.

The difficulty of processing pili forced the farmers to sell their pili to traders at very low prices, and making them get most of the benefit. With the use of the pili nut cracker, the farmers are assured of an additional income of 1.50 per kilo of pili nut.

The first prototype pili nut cracker was developed in 1995 by the Agricultural Engineering Department of the Camarines Sur State College (CSSAC). It used steel rollers to crack the pili shells. Unfortunately, the shells were cracked in irregular manner, thus eventually damaging the kernel.

The Catanduanes State College Laboratory High School (CSCLHS) also developed a four-part pili nut cutter made from indigenous materials. The four-part cutter consisted of a framework, case, hammer, and blade. Result showed great improvement in the efficiency of de-shelling. It was 80% more time efficient than the manual method. However, the developed cracker was still insufficient to deliver the acceptable capacity.

There were several pili nut crackers fabricated after the first cracker from the steel rollers-operated machine to the mechanically-operated pili nut cracker. But there were still problems in terms of efficiency or capacity, either the shells are unevenly cut, thus damaging the kernel or the cracking capacity is low. Other problems included the feeding and conveying of pili nuts into the machine and the limited number of skilled workers to crack pili.

pili nut crackerPrompted by the need for appropriate tools and equipment in processing pili nut, the Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (DA-BPRE), Tropics Agro-Industries (KOLBI) and DA-Regional Field Unit (RFU) 5 developed the latest mechanical pili nut cracker. The team was headed by Engr. Arnulfo P. Malinis, Engr. Estrella A. Calpe, and Engr. Alan P. Rabe of BUCAF.

The prototype consisted of a six-blade cracker powered by a 1hp electric motor. The motor’s energy consumption is 0.41 kwhr. The machine consists of five major parts: the cracking unit, conveying unit, stand/frame, transmission, and primemover. The prototype was tested with the help of local cooperators from Casiguran, Irosin, and Guinobatan using three major parameters: cracking capacity, the cracking efficiency and economic viability.

Technology verification of the prototype showed that on the average, it can crack 204 pieces of pili nut in a minute (117 kg/hr) with a cracking efficiency averaging 93% with 89% whole kernel recovery. It is a one-man operated machine that could crack bags of dried pili nuts faster than the other developed nut cracker. For eight hours a day, this simple machine could crack 16 bags of dried nuts. The result is comparative to the output of four persons in one day.

The mechanical pili nut cracker also proved to be economically viable. To produce the machine an outlay amounting to P 40, 000 is needed. The return of investment is guaranteed at 53% after more than a year of use.

The difficulty of processing pili forced the farmers to sell their pili to traders at very low prices, and making them get most of the benefit. With the use of the pili nut cracker, the farmers are assured of an additional income of 1.50 per kilo of pili nut. With this technology, the adoption of a village level pili-processing system is slowly established. Farmers will be trained to use the pili machineries and other equipment for postharvest processing, thus enabling them to develop their own micro-enterprise to sell pili products at prices they set. Farmers are able to sell pili not as fruit but as kernel at a higher price. Also, the mechanization of the de-shelling process will create job opportunities for the unemployed women in the region.

The technology developed by BUCAF was presented during the 14th National Research Symposium on 27 November 2002 at the BSWM Convention Hall. It won the AFMA Outstanding R & D Paper Award for Agricultural Engineering, Processing and Post-harvest (downstream research).

For more information about the mechanical pili nut cracker, please contact Engrs. Arnulfo P. Malinis, Estrella A. Calpe, or Alan P. Rabe at Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF), Guinobatan, Albay or you may call them through these numbers: 484-6336 (Bayantel) or 838-0297 Digitel

Written by Rita T. dela Cruz & Arnulfo Malinis

Source: www.bar.gov.ph

Pili pulp, which is usually thrown away after removing the nut, is now a source of organic oil. Who would ever think that pili pulp contains an economically important oil with many uses? Minda Yee of Sorsogon City, was able to produce organic oil from pili pulp which is suitable for culinary purposes, salad dressing, shortening, for canned sardines and other food preparations. It can also be used for pharmaceutical and cosmetics. It was found to be an anti microbial agent and anti-inflammatory agent and effective in healing wounds and allergies.

Minda saw the potential of pili when she had field visits and discovered that Sorsogon abounds in pilinut the whole year round so she ventured into processing of pilinut and started with pili candies. She was bothered on what to do with the pulp and the shells piled in one corner to rot. She tried to think of possible uses of the pulp and the shell. She discovered that the pulp could be a good medium for mushroom culture and at the same time as feeds for swine while the shell is used for fuel and as medium for anthuriums and orchids. She was not contented with these uses until one day she tried to experiment by getting some of the pulps and press it with her hands and collect the juice extracted from the pulp. She noticed that the next day there was yellowish liquid accumulated on top. The yellowish liquid on top is now her jewel – the pili oil.

The Process
There are two possible process that can be used to extract the pili pulp oil, by mechanical pressing and by solvent extraction. Based on her experience, it is important to use fresh and matured pilinut. To separate the pulp from the pilinut blanching in lukewarm water could be employed or soaking in tap water for two days. After separating the pulp from the nut she then add water to the pulp 1:1 ratio. Using a plastic net the same size as the nets used for mosquito nets she extracted the oil by pressing or squeezing hard the pulp using the net. The liquid extracted is collected and then set aside until the yellowish liquid appears on top. She scooped the yellowish liquid and then cooked in stainless cooking wares. Minda said that it should be cooked in low fire for 30 minutes. It can also be steamed for four hours with the same quality of product produced. After cooking the oil undergoes filtration to remove impurities and then packed in bottles.

Properties and Composition of Pili Oil

Pili pulp oil has clear, greenish yellow color. It has 56.7% oleic glycerides, 13.5% linoleic glycerides and 29.3% saturated fatty acids. Based on the analysis conducted by DOST Region V, the oil produced has very low free fatty acid (FFA) content of 0.06% and moisture content of only 0.04% which favors longer shelf life of the product.
Meanwhile, the results of the chemical and nutritional analysis of pili pulp oil compared with olive oil revealed that it has more beta carotene, a known vitamin A source, and caroteneoids, phytosterols and tocopherols (vitamin E). These substances are known for its powerful antioxidants and protect cells from oxidation and neutralize unstable free radicals. It is also a good source of protein, iodine, minerals and calcium.

Other Uses of Pili Pulp Oil

Minda relates that the oil is suitable for people with delicate skin and are health conscious because it is organic and contains anti-aging element that prevents wrinkles acne and pimples. She is now supplying pili pulp oil to a manufacturer of bath soap and massage oil. The manufacturer also said that they are using it as additive for their anti-dandruff shampoo. It can also be used as massage oil for muscle pain and arthritis.
The pili pulp oil carries a brand name Leslie Organic Pili Oil which has been registered and approved by BFAD and has been applied for patenting. They started manufacturing the oil in 2004 and has expanded due to market demand. They sent samples of the oil to the United States and China and now awaiting for orders. Minda declares that the price of the oil is reasonable and affordable. The oil is available at 50 ml., 150 ml., 350 ml. and 1 liter bottles.
The Pili Processors Association of Sorsogon on the otherhand, where Minda is one of the members joins in the International Food Expo Exhibits and Fairs to promote pili oil and other pili products. The group will establish new market for their products abroad because they believe they could sustain production as more farmers are venturing into plantation type of pili farms.
Aside from pili oil Minda was able to improve pili candy processing and has introduced a different packaging for pili candies which is attractive to both local and foreign market. She now have a wide array of pili candies like chocolate coated pili, glazed pili, roasted pili, and pili tart, all packed for export quality.
Minda is set to increase her production for candies and pili pulp oil because there is an increasing demand. But her constraint now is the inavailability of a pressing machine for oil extraction. She practices the manual method of oil extraction which is laborious and time consuming. She disclosed that for 10,000 pieces fresh pili nut she employs three persons to extract the pili oil that would yield about 400 liters of crude oil. She was able to contact a local machineries manufacturer and they are still fine-tuning the extractor equipment.
With the advent of aroma therapy, health clinics, and massage parlors, pili pulp oil will find its way not only in the local market but also in the global market. To people who want to pamper themselves with body massage try using organic pili oil and feel the difference.#

_____________
Source:
UMAsenso
Official publication of the Department of Agriculture RFU 5
Vol. 15 No. 2
April-June 2006

Pummelo (Citrus maxima), Suha or Lukban is one of the most popular specie of the Citrus family. It has a long shelf life that it can be transported to distant markets.

The pummelo tree grows from 5-15 meters in height and has low spreading branches with a canopy size ranging from 500-900 centimeters. Its leaves are ovate to oblong with leaf size ranging from 5 cm x 12 cm to 8 cm x 20 cm wide when fully expanded.

The flowers are located either in the axial or terminal point, raceme type of inflorescence and fruit is yellowish green in color, nearly round to pear-shaped. It matures five to six months after flowering. The juice vesicles are either white, light pink or red, depending on the variety. Seeds are few to nil ridged, deltoid to globous in shape and mono embryonic.

Uses

The fresh juicy pulp vesicles are eaten fresh out of the hand or in the fruit salad and sometimes the juice is extracted for beverage.

The white inner part of the peel can be candied after the outer peel containing oil glands have been removed.

In Vietnam, the aromatic flowers are used in making perfumes.
The wood is used for tool handles and firewood while leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds are sometime used as herbal medicine to treat cough, fevers and gastric disorders.

Properties

The edible segments form only a small fraction of the thick-skinned fruit. A 100g edible portion is composed of the following:

Water (g) 89.00
Protein (g) 0.50
Fat (g) 0.40
Carbohydrates (g) 9.30
Vitamin A (IU) 49.00
Vitamin B1 (mg) 0.07
Vitamin B2 (mg) 0.02
Niacin (mg) 0.40
Vitamin C (mg) 44.00

Recommended Pummelo Cultivars

Magallanes

Origin Davao City
Yield (No of fruits /tree 227.00
Weight of fruit (g) 859.03
Edible portion (%) 44.20
Total soluble solids (%) 9.00
Flesh color Pink

Amoy

Origin Canton, China
Mantan Yield (No of fruits /tree 203.00
Weight of fruit (g) 814.83
Edible portion (%) 52.85
Total soluble solids (%) 9.22
Flesh color Pink

Siamese

Origin Thailand
Yield (No of fruits /tree 252.00
Weight of fruit (g) 1050.91
Edible portion (%) 51.07
Total soluble solids (%) 9.41
Flesh color White

Dela Cruz Pink

Origin Lubongan, Toril, Davao City
Yield (No of fruits /tree 347.00
Weight of fruit (g) 784.76
Edible portion (%) 57.57
Total soluble solids (%) 9.67
Flesh color Pink

Soil and Climatic Requirements

1. Soil Requirement
Adapted to a wide range of soil types provided, they are reasonably deep, well-drained and aerated with high moisture retention.
Optimum pH range from 5.5-6.5.
Liming to increase pH when it is below 5 (acidic).
Water logged soils, sticky heavy soils, wet soils and those underlain with hardpan should not be used.

2. Climatic Requirement
Grows in lowland tropics in elevation up to 400 meters above sea level with optimum temperatures of 23-300C.
Optimum light requirement of 32.3-86.1 klux
Annual rainfall requirement of 1500-1800 millimeters.

Production of Seedlings for Rootstocks:

* Select fully developed seeds from mature/ripe fruits of Calamandarin (bleieved to be a hybrid of calamondin and mandarin)
* Seeds should be selected from fruit trees that are free from Citrus Canker (Xanthomanas Citri) to avoid contamination on the seed.
* Fruit that dropped or fall on the ground should not be picked up and use as seedlings for rootstock.
* Disinfect the seeds with CHLOROX at 5% solution, rinsed with tap water and air dry before sowing.
* Seed beds (nursery) should be isolated from existing citrus orchard to prevent possible contamination through insect vectors.
* Soil media should be light type (sandy loam) and free from any soil borne insect pests like root grubs and nematodes.
* Sterilize the soil media.
* Extracted seeds should be sown immediately to avoid drying.

Care of Seedlings for Rootstock

* Water the seedbed to facilitate germination.
* When seeds started to germinate, exposed the seedbed to sunlight. Do not put shades. Shades provide a microclimate which favors the growth of dumping-off pathogen. Seedlings that grow without shades are hardy and free from dumping-off disease.
* Seedlings do not need too much water. Too much water on poor drained beds predisposes the seedlings to dumping-off disease.
* Spray chemicals to protect young seedlings from pests and diseases.
* Recommended minimum dosage should be used to prevent leaf burn.

Potting and Transplanting of Seedlings

* Seedlings are ready for potting 21-28 days after germination in “7 x 12″ x .003 polyethylene plastic bags containing garden soil and place them in the nursery.
* Avoid transplanting seedlings with deformed root system (goose-neck root)
* Calamandarin seeds are polyembryonic thus from 1 seed, 2-3 seedlings germinate. One of the seedlings that germinate is an off-type. This seedlings are characterized by their stunted growth, weak and the leaves produced are smaller that other seedlings. These seedlings should be eliminated.
* Water immediately the newly potted plants.
* Fertilize the seedlings when signs of new shoots or growth have developed.

Asexual Propagation and Care of Budded Seedlings

* Rootstocks are ready for budding in 6-8 months; or at least pencil-sized in stem diameter.
* Apply nitrogenous fertilizer at 5-10 grams per plant 2-3 weeks before budding.
* A round bud-stick give more good buds that angular bud-stick.
Budding should be done at a height of 6-8 inches above the ground level.
* Do not fertilize newly budded plants; unless the bud eye have shown signs of growth.
* Remove the wrap of bud 3 weeks after budding.
* To hasten growth of bud-eyes, “lopping” or “cripping” the top of the seedlings 2-3 inches above the bud is recommended.
* When bud-eyes started to germinate; decapitate the rootstock 1-3 inches above the bud-eye union to force the growth of the bud-eye or scion.
* Weeding should not be done when the scion are succulent and tender, thus are susceptible to breakage when touch.
Budded plants are ready for planting at 8 months old.

Orchard Establishment

Land Preparation

* Clear/remove all stumps and grasses
* Plow twice and harrow thrice to loosen the soil.
* If the soil is acidic, incorporate dolomite lime during plowing and harrowing
* Get soil sample for analysis.

Field Layout and Distance of Planting

* The field layout should be either square or quincunx method depending on the topography of the orchard.

Distance of Planting

* 10 m x 10 m = 100 seedlings/hectare
* 8 m x 10 m = 125 seedlings/hectare
* 6 m x 8 m = 208 seedlings/hectare
* 8 m x 8 m = 156 seedlings/hectare

Preparation of Holes and Planting

* Dig a cubical hole measuring 50 cm. Wide and 50 cm deep. The hole will be filled up with a mixture of 50% decomposed measure, 50% top soil and 2 tablespoon of nematicide.
* Remove the plastic bag and plant the seedling into the prepared hole without breaking the ball of soil. Prune the roots to enhance root branching.
* Plant young plants at their dormant stage.
* Cover the hole with the soil-manure and press gently.
* Plant during the rainy season.

Care of the newly planted seedlings

* Water the plants immediately after planting to assure close contact between soil and roots and prevent wilting.
* Apply fertilizer when the newly planted trees started to developed new growth.
* Weed control – weeds compete with the seedlings for nutrients, sunlight and water.
* Mulching the trees with grasses, rice straw, rice hull and banana pseudostem will conserve soil moisture during dry period, prevent the growth of weeds and as source of organic matter after decomposition.
* Wounds on the bark and branches should always be painted with water repellant paints.
* Plowing and planting of intercrops should be 1-2 meters away from the rows or hills of the trees to avoid injury on the trunk, branches and roots
* Prune the young pummelo tree and leave three main framework branches. The lowest branch should be 40-60 cm. off the ground.

Care and management of non-bearing and bearing trees:

* Weeding. Weeds compete with the seedlings for nutrients, sunlight and water. Weeds must therefore be removed regularly or as the need arises. Avoid covercrops to creep around the base of the tree.
* Mulching. Mulching prevents the growth of weeds, and help conserve soil moisture and serve as source of organic matter when decomposed.
During rainy season, however, mulch should not be placed to close to the tree because it is conducive to fungus.
* Intercropping. Intercropping is done to maximize land use. Banana (lakatan, latundan) intercrop can serve as windbreak, shade and source of early income.
* Irrigation. For sustained fruit production, it is important to water the pummelo before flowering and until after harvest to supplement rain.
Pummelo plants are moisture sensitive during flushes of new growth, flowering, fruit setting, and fruit enlargement. As a practical guide for irrigation, watering should be done when 20-30 cm of the top soil is dry.A matured pummelo requires 100-200 liters of water per day especially during flowering, fruit setting and enlargement to a month before harvest.
* Pruning. Diseased and non-productive branches and water sprout using bolo, pruning shear or pruning saw must be pruned. All pruned surface must be painted to minimize entrance of micro-organisms and enhance healing. It is preferably done after harvesting.

Fertilizer Application and Management

1. Soil and Tissue Analysis

Soil and tissue should be collected and analyzed to determine the amount of fertilizer that will be applied. It is the most reliable way to determine the fertilizer requirements of pummelo.

Concentration of minerals found in branches, leaves and fruits of pummelo.

Elements Plant Parts

Fruits Leaves Branches
Nitrogen 2.0% 2.6% 1.2%
Phosphorous 0.2% 0.18% 0.17%
Potassium 2.0% 1.00% 0.75%
Calcium 0.8% 4.2% 1.8%
Magnesium 0.15% 0.25% 0.28%

2. Kinds of fertilizer

a.) Organic fertilizer

Fertilizer materials that came from living things. It can be animal manures or decomposed plant and animal bodies. This fertilizer material can:

* Improve soil structure and non-toxic to the root
* Improve soil aeration that encourage root elongation.
* Contain less nutrients

b) Inorganic fertilizer

* materials from weathered rocks plus the nitrogen coming from the atmosphere.
* granular from that contain on inert material called carrier.
* It contributes 80% I the soil mass
* Crop response in noticeable after a week
* Less bulky and easy to apply but expensive
* Makes the soil acidic, especially N fertilizers
* Toxic to the roots if applied in very high rates

3. Time of Fertilizer Application:

* Apply fertilizer when there is a sign of shoot growth.
* The recommended fertilizer levels should be applied in 2-3 installments; at the onset of rainy season, middle of rainy season, and towards the end of the rainy season
* Fertilizer are applied by digging holes around the tree within the area covered by the canopy.
* Fertilizers applied should be covered with soil to minimize surface evaporation and to prevent soil erosion.
* Maximum efficient utilization of fertilizer was found in 20-30 cm deep and 100-150 cm from the trunk of matured pummelo trees.
Foliar fertilizer can be applied to supplement the soil applied fertilizers.
* It was found that Potassium applied on foliage increases fruit size and sugar content of the fruit.
* Foliar fertilizer are applied at 40 days after fruit set (DAFS); 60 DAFS; and 90 DAFS

4. Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms

1. Nitrogen (N)

* retards enzymatic activities and vegetative growth
* Yellowing of foliage
* Twig die-back

2. Phosphorus (P)

* Retard fruit development
* leaf and fruit abscission
* rough fruits
* thicker rind

3. Potassium (K)

* small fruit size
* immature fruit splitting (rind disorder)
* low sugar and acid content

4. Calcium (Ca)

* Breaking of branch
* short shelf life of fruits

5. Magnesium (Mg)

* yellowing of foliage
* reduce photosynthesis (low yield)

6. Zinc (Zinc)

* Smaller leaves
* chlorotic leaf spot
* twig die-back
* small size of fruits

7. Manganese and Iron (Mn and Fe)

* Small size leaves
* yellow color of leaves
* low fruit setting
* small size fruits

Harvesting

* Pummelo trees bear fruit 3-5 years from planting and can be harvested after 5-6 months flowering.
* Change in color – (green to yellow with 50% color change)
* Acid ratio is 10:1 with 9% Total Soluble Solids.
* Oil glands in the skin becomes more prominent and shiny.
* Juice content of 50% be weight
* Harvest pummelo fruits either by pulling or clipping from the fruiting branches
* The best time to harvest is around 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (with sunlight) to reduce fruit injuries on the peel of pummelo.
* Do not harvest pummelo fruits when the rind are still wet dry it before packaging.

Post harvest Handling and Management

* Sorting. After harvest, the fruits must be brought to a shaded area. Sort the fruits according to size, color, and rind quality. Discard fruits that are injured, bruised, and misshapen.
* Packaging. The fruits must be placed in kaing or wooden crates lined with newspaper or other suitable materials to prevent abrasions and punctures. Size of the containers depend upon the transportation system available
* Storing. For longer shelf life, pummelo fruits can be stored for 12-14 weeks at a temperature of 120C and 85-90% relative humidity. Under ambient conditions, the fruits have a shelf life of 5-14 days.
* Post-harvest treatment. For longer storage life, it is recommended to dip the fruits in thiabenzadole, benomyl or 2 amino butane at the rate of 500-1000 ppm. This will sustantially prevent the spread of post-harvest diseases and reduce losses.

Pests and Diseases and their Control

Insect Pests

1. Rind borer (Prays endolemma)

Plant Part Damage: Newly opened flowers and young fruits.
Control Measures: Apply pre and post bloom sprays with the use of either Cymbush, Gusathion, Decis at recommended dosage; Collect and burn or bury infested fruits.

2. Scale Insects

a. Snow scale ((Pinnaspis sp)

Plant Part damage: Trunks and twigs
Control Measures: Apply Dimethoate and oil-based materials

b. Black scale (Saissetia kemisphaerica)

Plant Part Damage: Trunks, twigs, and leaves
Control Measures: Spray malathion and recommended dosage.

3. Mites

Plant Parts Damage: Leaves and fruits
Control Measures: Spray Dicarzol, Kelthane, Malathion, Dimethoate

B. Bacterial and Fungal Disease

1. Citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri)

Symptoms: Lesion on both sides of the leaf and fruit ridges on the fruit
Transmission: Contaminated budwood, man, animals, tools, and wind
Management:: Burn severely infected trees or eradication; Spray any copper-based fungicide

2. Foot Rot (Phytophtora sp) Gummosis

Symptoms: Sap oozing from small cracks on the bark; lesions spread around the trunk

Management:: Use resistant rootstock; avoid deep planting; water management; aeration around the crown; surgical treatment; treat with copper-based fungicide

3. Pink Disease (Corticium salmonicolor)

Symptoms: White fan-shaped coating of mycelia growth becomes pink; Bark is destroyed, girdled and die

Management: Remove affected barks of trunks and prune diseased parts; disinfect by spraying copper fungicide or lime sulfur mixture

4. Fruit Rot (Diplodia natalens)

Management: Burn rotten fruits to prevent spread of the spores

5. Scab (Sphaceloma faucetti)

Symptoms: Disease starts as small, pale orange, circular spots on young fruits. As disease advances and fruits start to mature, several lesions coalesce and form irregularly shaped spots.
Management: Spray copper fungicides at the time when new flushes of growth appear or at time of blooming when two-thirds of petals have fallen. Successive sprays may follow two weeks thereafter up to the time when fruits are half matured.

C. Virus and Virus-like Diseases

1. Greening/Leafing mottling

Causal Organism: Fastidious bacteria
Carrier: Diplodia citri (Jumping plant lice)
Integrated Disease Management:
Eradicate infected plants
Use disease-free planting materials
Shoot tip grafting
Health indexing and spraying of insecticides (Dimethoate) on citrus trees at shooting stage
Biological control of psyllid vector (Octoparasites)

2. Triztesa (Virus)

Symptoms: Stem pitting
Most varieties of citrus are affected by stem pitting disease which develop large number of pits on trunks and stems

Carrier: Brown citrus aphids (Toxoptera citricidus)
Black citrus aphids (Toxoptera aurantii)
Melon aphid (Aphis gossipii)
Integrated Disease Management:
Use of resistant rootstocks
Mother trees where scions are obtained should be periodically examined and indexed

3. Exocortis (viroid)

Symptoms: Yellow stem blotches and dark splits; die-back; stunting; reduced yield
Carrier: Infected budwood, nursery tools
Integrated Disease management:
Selection and indexing test of non-infected budwood
Use of healthy budwood
Use shoot tip grafting to eliminate the pathogen
Disinfect tools used for budding and pruning with household chlorox.

4. Xyloporosis (viroid like)

Symptoms: Mild wood pitting to advance bark scaling; wood disorganization and impregnation of affected tissues with gums
Carrier: Infected budwood, nursery tools, and contaminated equipments
Integrated Disease management:
Selection and indexing test of non-infected budwood
Use of healthy budwood
Disinfect tools used for budding and pruning with household chlorox.

5. Psorosis (complex of viruses)

Symptoms: Chlorotic blotching in young and mature leaves; bark scaling of branches and trunks

Carrier: Infected budwood
Integrated Disease management:
Use of indexed budwood and seeds free of psorosis
Scions should be cut only from indexed trees known to be free from Taller leaf virus

6. Tatter leaf virus

Symptoms: Stunted growth

Carrier: Infected budwood and sap transmissible
Integrated Disease Management:
Infected materials can be made virus-free by combination of heat treatment and shoot tip grafting (STG)

References:

CARRDEC Techno-Series, May 2005

Loquias, VL. And RT. Serapio. 1998. Technology advances in the commercial production of pummelo. A paper presented during the on-site techno-demo training on the cultural management of high value fruits. Naomi’s Botanical Garden,

Banadero, Ozamis City. April 2-3, 1998. 24 pp.
Plant resources of South-East Asia. 1992. Edible fruits and nuts. E. W. M. Verheij and R. E. Coronel (Editors). Prosea Foundation. Bogor, Indonesia. 444 pp.

For more Information:

Please Contact:

Leonila M. Tolentino
Team Leader, Content Build-up USM-OPAPA

When buying livestock meat such as beef and pork, one may easily feel lost and overwhelmed because of the many different choices and glittery promotions around.

Monterey, recently honored as the “Top Retailer of the Year” by the Philippine Retailers Association and the Department of Trade and Industry, shares the following pointers to make sure that you get the right meat quality for your family.

Check the meat. High-quality lean meats are firm with fine-grained (not watery) fiber, so your beef or pork should have only few fat or white parts. The quality of some meat is also best seen in terms of color. White color is mainly influenced by the animal’s age, species, sex, diet and even exercise that the animal gets. Meats from older animals will also be darker in color since the myoglobin level increases with age. Another indicator is its aroma or smell. Non-fresh meat is easily determined by it stron, offensive smell. Oter tell-tale signs are mouth-feel, texture and similar other sensory attributes.

Check its source. Monterey currently has the country’s largest hog and cattle operation that is equipped with the latest technology in feed milling, breeding, livestock raising, slaughtering, meat retailing and processing. The meats undergo advanced blast-chilling process to neutralize bacterial growth. From breeding to meat storage, every step ensures the meats will reach the dinner table tender and disease-free.

Check its handlers. Monterey Meatshops offer a convenient place where shoppers can imagine and then decide on what tyupe of meat to serve the family. The place also has a modern meat fabrication equipment and display showcase. Each staff is trained in the Monterey Meat School so they know how to handle the meat products safely, and how to serve the customers professionally.

Source: Manila Bulletin