Water management to induce early flowering and fruiting in Lansium domesticum

M. Kamariah, C.H. Mohammud and M. Mohammad Isa

Abstract

A technique to induce early flowering and fruiting in duku terengganu (Lansium domesticum Corr.), using water management as a tool was developed. Three treatments were imposed, i.e. T1, T2 and T3. In T1 and T2, soil moisture content was monitored at the onset of the dry season until depleted to 7–10% and 10–15% (volumetric) respectively. This was followed by irrigation until soil moisture content of 25% was attained. In T3 (control), irrigation was not done until the trees bore fruits. Irrigation applied after soil moisture content was depleted to either T1or T2 promoted earlier flowering and fruiting compared to the control plot T3. Anthesis date for T1 and T2 was significantly earlier by 27–28 days than T3. Commercial harvest was significantly earlier by 39–40 days for the regulated plot. Yield per tree was, however, not significantly different (p >0.05) between treatments. However, with an ex-farm price of RM2.50/kg of fruits for the early season crop (T1 and T2) and RM 0.80/kg for the mid-season crop (T3), income generation was higher for T1 compared to T2 and T3. This technique can increase farm income and can be adopted effectively in areas with a distinct dry period by farmers with irrigation facilities.

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