Durian major agronomic practices

Climate and site selection

Durian (Thurian) is a tropical fruit. Its scientific name is Durio zibethinus. It belongs to the family Bombacaceae in the order Malvales. Durian grows well in humid conditions (75-80% humidity) with a rain fall between 1,600 and 4,000 ml a year, and average temperature between 24 and 30°c. Durian prefers a loamy soil type with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. It requires a tropical climate and will not grow well in areas over 3000 feet altitude.

Water

In site selection the availability of water is important because durian needs water all the year. Select a site which is near river, canal, natural pond, shallow well, or other water source which can provide sufficient water during the dry season. It is important to not use water with a salt content exceeding 0.02% because as this is a cause of leaf blight and durian may die. 

It is also necessary to select a site which will never flood. If durian is grown in low areas, it should be planted on ridges to avoid flooding. Flooding for a few days will kill the trees. Excess water also promotes the development of diseases such as root and stem rot.

Soil type

In high land, select a loamy sand soil which can hold enough water. Sandy soils are not suitable because it can not hold water. If durian is planted in a sandy soil it is necessary to have enough water available. Clay is usually too acid so it is necessary to improve the soil by adding lime before planting. A proper soil should be good ventilating, loose and deep with depth of soil surface at least 1.5 to 2.0 meters. 

Temperature

Optimal temperature for durian growth is between 24 and 30°C. Durian will not tolerate too cold weather, durian leaf will fall if temperature drops below 6-7°C. Durian will have a good flowering if temperature is 14-16°C for 5-7 days.

Air humidity

Durian needs high humidity of the air, about 75-80%. Lower humidity will be the cause of leaf blight. The environment can be improved by shading or by spraying water in the orchards. Also growing banana plants between the durian will help to increase air humidity. However, too high humidity during the rainy season will stimulate root and stem rot. This shows that regulating the humidity at optimal levels is important in the prevention of diseases.

Rain

Durian prefers a lot of rain and will grown well in areas with 1,600 to 4,000 mm a year. During flowering stage rain can be harmful as it is the cause of flushing and flower falling. Also maturing fruits may be damaged when it is raining too much.

Wind

Heavy wind can damage durian tree, by breaking branches or even falling of trees. In flowering and fruiting stage, wind can cause flowers and fruits to drop off. In areas with a lot of wind it is necessary to plant wind breaks such as bamboo. 

Durian varieties

There are about 200 different varieties of durian, but only few varieties are favored and grown commercially. The 4 major varieties are Chanee , Monthong , Kanyao and Kadum.

Chanee variety

Chanee can resist root and stem rot disease quite well. It is very susceptible to damage by Psyllids.

Monthong variety

Monthong is susceptible to root and stem rot disease.

Kanyao variety

Kanyao is susceptible to root and stem rot disease.

Kadum variety

Kadum is susceptible to root and stem rot disease.

Soil

Fertilizer management

Pruning and staking

Branch pruning

Durian trees produce flower bunches both on small and big branches. As fruits are heavy it is necessary to conserve the proper strong branches. Bushy and a small branches should be cut off. Healthy big branches will produce a good quality fruit, but small branch in the bush, produce poor fruits.

Fruit pruning

Fruit pruning is necessary to control the number of fruits and adjust it to the age, size and health of each tree. Fruit pruning also decreases infestation by diseases and insects. It lowers the risk of broken branches due to too heavy loads of fruits.

Staking

Hormones

Plant growth regulators and plant hormones are often used by farmers to stimulate early flowering and fruit bearing or to produce off-season fruits. While this has the advantage of the higher price that can be obtained for the fruits, it has a negative impact on the health of the trees.

Weed management

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