As durians get ready to drop, growers are being encouraged to think ahead and make plans now for post-fruiting

treatments to aid in tree recovery. Fertiliser and durian nutrition specialists Agrobridge says that with the difficulties of the 2020 season behind us, growers should be doing all they can to maximize tree health in 2021 – holding out the possibility of securing a second fruiting season.

When last year’s durian season coincided with the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, tight movement controls prevented growers from selling all their harvest. Understandably, growers will be keen to make up for lost sales with their 2021 harvest – many having secured advance deals with wholesalers to collect and distribute their fruits.
— Explained Agrobridge —

EXPERIENCE A HEAVY NUTRIENT DEMAND

Agrobridge says that with a favorable harvest predicted this year, both in quantity and quality, trees in growers’ orchards will experience a heavy nutrient demand from developing and maturing fruit. While it’s commonplace for growers to apply a postharvest balance of NPK fertiliser – typically 15-15-15 or 16-16-16 to help the tree recover, something that’s often overlooked is the tree’s need for trace elements too. Agronomists say that trees that lack sufficient concentrations of trace elements will often need a longer recovery period before they’re ready to fruit again. Those growers who manage to extract more than one season in a year are usually those who are aware of the value of trace elements and take steps to remedy any shortfalls. Correcting trace element deficiencies is simple, says Agrobridge, with several options available including Complexsupra Granular T.E., a granular micronutrient formulation that has been specially formulated for durian, oil palm, and other fruit trees. Research confirms that with sufficient trace elements available, trees respond with an increase in photosynthesis, leading to improved fruit quality and yield. Trace elements are also essential for the plant’s ‘immune system’ – just like humans, the availability of micronutrients helps improve their resistance to diseases.

FOLIAR-APPLIED PRODUCT

An alternative to Complexsupra Granular T.E. which is for soil application, Wuxal Microplant which is for foliar application can be used. Wuxal Microplant provides growers with a well balanced formulation of trace elements, including molybdenum (often absent, or at sub-optimal levels, in many soils), copper, manganese and the all-important boron – essential for flower germination – co-formulated with nitrogen, potassium, sulphur and magnesium. Growers looking to simplify their post-harvest nutrition regime should opt for Wuxal Microplant, safe in the knowledge that its complete formulation provides everything the durian plant requires in the crucial recovery stage.

Five golden rules for foliar fertilisation – Agrobridge (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd

1. Treat foliar fertilisation as a supplement for 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.

This year both in quantity and quality, trees in growers’ orchards will experience a heavy nutrient demand from developing and maturing fruit.