It is crucial to plan ahead in terms of fertilization in the two months prior to flowering. In particular, micronutrients such as boron could increase the number of fruits per tree by nearly four times while improving the overall fruit quality.

“The presence of boron plays a crucial role in many aspects of plant development including regulation of metabolism, cell division and the transport of sugars and hormones throughout the plant.”

According to fertiliser specialist Agrobridge (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. durian farmers should focus on the crucial pre-flowering stage if they’re to realize the orchard’s full yield potential for the 2021 harvest.

Studies have shown that it is crucial to plan ahead in terms of fertilisation in the two months prior to flowering. In particular, micronutrients such as boron could increase the number of fruits per tree by nearly four times while improving the overall fruit quality.

The company believes that durian farmers should induce leaf flush by applying fertilisers that are rich in nitrogen to stimulate the production of new leaves at the end of the harvest season. These healthy new leaves are essential as it’s the part of the plant in which photosynthesis occurs and it’s these new leaves in which the tree will rely on to support its imminent development of flowers and fruits.

Agrobridge (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd also urges durian farmers to manage leaf growth carefully to avoid over production of leaves at the expense of flowers and fruit. The company recommends changing the fertiliser program around 1 month before the flowering stage, reducing nitrogen levels while providing the proper amount of potassium and phosphorus.

INCREASE IN FLOWER BUD INITIATION RATE

The right method of management will prevent the overgrowth of new leaves and help existing leaves to mature. In addition, using a fertiliser containing boron will encourage and enhance the initiation of flower buds. Agrobridge (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd pointed out that the best time to get this done is between mid-October to late November.

The presence of boron plays a crucial role in many aspects of plant development including regulation of metabolism, cell division, and the transport of sugars and hormones throughout the plant. Besides calcium, magnesium and potassium, boron is also one of the main nutrients involved in pollen germination and the formation of pollen tubes, all these elements are necessary for fruit development.

As with many micronutrients, boron deficiency may not be noticeable until it’s too late. Often, durian farmers are only aware of this issue when they find yields have dropped. Agrobridge (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd also stated that farmers should consider the use of foliar fertilisers in addition to granular fertilisers during the critical stages of nutrient deficiency. While foliar fertiliser has been commonly applied in temperate and tropical crops, durian producers in Malaysia have yet to adopt the practice on any scale – with the exception of some big-scale growers.

The right method of management will prevent the overgrowth of new leaves and help

existing leaves to mature.

Usually, durian blooms at night.

THE POWERFUL EFFECT OF FOLIAR FERTILISER

Research from the Philippines showed that a foliar fertiliser with sufficient nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium coupled with necessary micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and boron improved both the yield and the quality of the durian fruits, recording up to 158 fruits per tree compared to 41 fruits per tree.

Therefore, Agrobridge (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd recommends an application of Wuxal Boron, a highly concentrated foliar fertiliser that provides durian farmers with an efficient uptake in an easy-to-apply formulation. Co-formulated with other essential micronutrients such as copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc, the product also contains nitrogen and phosphate to provide boron with additional penetrative strength into the leaf.

The presence of boron plays a crucial role in many aspects of plant development

including regulation of metabolism, cell division, and the transport of sugars

and hormones throughout the plant.

Treat foliar fertilisation as a supplement for a granular fertiliser, not a replacement.

To further enhance flower initiation, growers should reduce irrigation once leaf development is completed. This limits further vegetative growth and this is the best time to apply boron. To promote pollen germination, Wuxal Boron should be applied every 14 days upon flowering in order to enhance its flowering and fruiting rate. Agrobridge (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd stated that foliar fertilisation can be very effective, as long as farmers follow a few basic rules:

1. Treat foliar fertilisation as a supplement for a granular fertiliser, not a replacement.
2. Follow the instructions for dilution very carefully, using only clean and clear water.
3. Check the weather forecast and apply at the right time – not when it’s windy if rain is forecast, or in full sunlight.
4. Consider using an adjuvant – a spray additive that helps the product ‘stick’ to the leaf and works more efficiently. Wuxal Boron already contains this.
5. If appropriate (check labels or ask), combine foliar fertiliser with insecticide or fungicide to reduce the costs of the application. Wuxal Boron has been tested for compatibility with a range of different pesticides, but it’s always advisable to test them in advance.