Innholdsfortegnelse for Vol. 32 i National Durian

Early Harvesting to Tackle the 101 Fruit Cracking Issue

The 101(D168) durian variety has often been overlooked even though it has held a certain position in the market for decades. However, it is undeniable that this variety is very well-known abroad. For example, the Philippines introduced this variety for commercial cultivation and since then it has become one of the main durian varieties there. So, why have we consistently neglected the 101 (D168), leading to a decline in its number? “That’s because one of the characteristics of the 101 (D168) durian is that it easily splits open,” said farmer Chong Tuk Hong. According to Chong Tuk Hong, this variety often cracks open while still hanging on the tree even when it’s already ripened. “And even if it ripens and successfully falls, given that 101 (D168) durian trees are generally…

7 min

National Durian|Vol. 32

Increase in the Proportion of Deformed Durian Fruits: What’s the Problem?

If POLLINATION is insufficient or uneven, it can lead to poor fruit development and deformities. Recently, durian orchard owners have noticed a significant rise in the proportion of deformed fruits. Over the past month, heavy rainfall has caused a recurrence of flower and fruit drop. Currently, the remaining successfully set fruits have grown to the size of a fist, but farmers have observed a new issue: deformed fruits. These deformations include crooked and curved shapes, and in some cases, the fruits have only 1-2 segments of flesh. What are the causes of these problems? And how can we mitigate them? UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES OF DEFORMED DURIAN FRUITS 1. CLIMATE FACTORS: Recent continuous rainfall, especially excessive rain during the flowering and fruit-setting periods, can easily cause flowers and young fruits to…

5 min

National Durian|Vol. 32

MUSANG KING DURIAN (D197) STANDARDS (Durio zibethinus L.)

Based on first draft MS 2431:2011 Fresh durian-Specification. 1 INTRODUCTION This tree originates from Tanah Merah, Kelantan and was registered under the name Raja Kunyit on December 9, 1993 by Mr. Wee Chong Beng. The main production areas are in the states of Pahang and Johor. The fruit diagram is as in Appendix A. 2 SCOPE This standard is for Musang King durian (Durio zibethinus L.) from the Bombacaceae family for the fresh fruit market. 3 NORMATIVE REFERENCES The following normative references are important for the use of this standard. For dated references, only the editions specified will be used. For undated references, the latest edition of the normative reference (including any changes) is used. MS 78, Method of sampling for fresh fruits (First Revision) Federal Agricultural Marketing Board Act…

4 min

National Durian|Vol. 32

PLANT TISSUE CULTURE: A Savior for Agriculture in Malaysia

Agriculture plays a vital role in Malaysia’s economy, providing food security and contributing to rural development. However, the sector faces numerous challenges, such as limited arable land, climate change, and the emergence of plant diseases. In such a scenario, plant tissue culture offers a ray of hope for the future of agriculture in Malaysia. This innovative technique provides a range of benefits, including rapid propagation of high-quality plants, disease-free planting materials, and conservation of rare and endangered species. In this article, we will explore how plant tissue culture can save agriculture in Malaysia and revolutionize farming practices. UNDERSTANDING PLANT TISSUE CULTURE Plant tissue culture is a technique that involves the in vitro cultivation of plant cells, tissues, or organs in a controlled and sterile environment. It allows for the regeneration…

6 min

National Durian|Vol. 32

RARE GREEN-SKINNED RED PRAWN-YIELDS HIGH OUTPUT

Strong Bitter Taste Has Its Own Market When the Red Prawn durian ripens, its skin naturally turns grey. This is especially true for those Red Prawn durians from Penang, where this colour is more prominent. “The colour of the skin is not a standard to determine its quality, but rather a benchmark for experiencing a different flavour,” explained Ah Keong. Ah Keong’s durian orchard, spanning about 18 acres in Serdang, Kedah, mainly consists of old trees with various durian varieties. The most prevalent variety is the Red Prawn, which has green skin when it ripens. Based on Ah Keong’s observation, the Red Prawn in Penang generally has grey skin and produces the highest yield. However, only in other regions like his, you can find the rare and unique green-skinned Red…

5 min