Growth, precocity and productivity of starfruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) in response to root restrictive membranes

M. Zainudin

Abstract

Tree vigour control and yield improvement of perennial fruit trees could be achieved through many cultural practices. A study was conducted on starfruit trees using geotextile membrane to examine the effects of root restriction in controlling vegetative growth and improving precocity. Sixty one-year-old starfruit trees (B10 and B17) were subjected to four treatments of root restrictive membranes arranged in a randomized complete block design with six replications. Plant height and stem diameter of root restrictive-membraned plants were reduced by 10–12% compared to the control. Vegetative shoot vigour also decreased as indicated in the reduction of total leaf area, leaf number and shoot number. Although flowering was enhanced, average fruit weight, fruit number and marketable yield were unaffected. Moreover, the yield of restricted plants was more compared to the yield obtained through conventional planting in the second year of production. This study shows that root restrictive membrane is an effective mean to reduce vegetative growth and promote precocity. It offers a practical approach to control tree size and labour saving in commercial planting of starfruits.

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