Improvement of yield and quality of starfruit clone B10 cultivated under netted structure

M. Zabedah, M. Pauziah and N.H. Nik Masdek

Abstract

A study to evaluate the yield and quality of starfruit, clone B10, cultivated under netted structure was conducted in the starfruit farm at MARDI, Serdang, Selangor. Comparison was also made with plants in the open. The presence of bee was very important to ensure good pollination and fruit set of plants under the netted structure. The percentage of fruit set (69% compared to 36% in the open) and the number of wrappable fruits increased under the netted structure (7.4 fruits/branch compared to 1.4 fruits/branch in the open), while the percentage of curved fruits and thinned fruits reduced. Yield under the netted structure remained high in the rainy season and was about 23 t/ha/harvest. Fruit quality was also improved. Although not significantly different, the crunchiness value of the fruit produced under netted structure was higher (4 391 g) compared to fruit in the open (3 828 g). Wrapping of individual fruit was no longer necessary. Fruit cosmetic appearance was improved by protecting the fruits under the canopy. Fruits were also safer to consume with very low pesticide residue. Control of fruit spot anthracnose disease for cultivation under the netted structure was also discussed.

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