Unravelling self-incompatibility and polliniser requirements in ‘Musang King’ durian for enhanced cultivation practices

Muhammad Afiq, T. A.¹*, Mohd Musanif, G.¹, Ahmad Norhisyam, A.³, Wan Mohd Reza Ikwan, W. H.², Mohamad Fikkri, A. H.², Mohd Asrul, S.¹ and Nor Hazlina, M. S.²

Abstract
The objective of this study was to study the ‘Musang King’ durian (Durio zibethinus) variety’s self-incompatibility status. The study was conducted in Parit Sulong, Batu Pahat, Johor. The first experimental phase used four pollination treatments (open pollination, assisted self-pollination, cross-pollination with ‘D24’ pollen and autonomous autogamy). The second phase introduced supplementary pollens ‘D190’ and ‘D200’. The fruit set was closely monitored for 12 weeks after pollination. Data were analysed using SAS 9.4 software. The study found that cross-pollination significantly improved the fruit set rate. The average fruit set for cross-pollination with ‘D24’ was 36.24% at 12 weeks after pollination in the first experiment compared to no fruit setting for assisted self-pollination. A lower fruit set was produced during the second phase of the study using ‘D24’, ‘D190’ and ‘D200’ pollens, while no fruit set was observed for assisted self-pollination. The study highlighted the importance of selecting compatible varieties as pollen sources for successful pollination and affirmed the need for multi-variety planting systems in ‘Musang King’ cultivation.

Keywords: Musang King durian, cross-pollination, self-incompatibility, pollen source varieties, fruit setting, pollination compatibility

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