King of Fruits “Durian”

King of fruits “Durian”

Durian is a tropical fruit known as the “King of Fruits.” It has a thick, spiky shell, and its yellow flesh has a distinctive aroma and a rich, sweet flavor. Durian is commonly eaten fresh or processed into various snacks, such as dried durian and durian paste.

Characteristics of Durian:

• Thick, spiky shell
• Yellow or orange flesh, depending on the variety
• Strong aroma (varies by variety, with some having a milder scent)
• Rich, sweet flavor, with some varieties having a slightly bitter taste

Popular Durian Varieties:

• Monthong – Dry, sweet, creamy texture, mild aroma
• Kanyao – Smooth, fragrant, sweet, with small seeds
• Chanee – Juicy, very sweet, strong aroma
• Longlaplae / Linlaplae – Dry, soft, sweet, mild aroma

Durian is an important economic fruit in several Asian countries, particularly Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, which are the world’s major producers. It contributes significantly to both exports and domestic economic stimulation.

Thailand is the world’s largest durian exporter, with China being the top importer, followed by Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore. Durian exports generate tens of billions of baht in revenue annually. The most popular export varieties include Monthong, Kanyao, and Chanee.

Basic Steps for Growing Durian:

1. Soil Preparation
   • Lowland areas: Raise planting beds at least 6 meters wide, with 1.5-meter-wide, 1-meter-deep drainage channels.
   • Upland areas: Plow and level the land, ensuring good drainage.
   • Selecting Seedlings: Choose healthy, disease-resistant seedlings with straight roots and thick, dark green leaves.
2. Ideal Soil Conditions
   • Well-drained loamy, sandy loam, or clay loam soil with deep topsoil
   • pH level between 5.5-6.5
   • Requires sufficient water year-round
3. Temperature & Humidity
   • Prefers hot and humid climates (25-30°C with 75-85% relative humidity)
   • Dry, extremely hot or cold conditions, and strong winds can slow growth and reduce yields
   • Best planting season: Late April (with irrigation) or early rainy season (without irrigation)
4. Planting Hole Preparation
   • Standard method: Dig a 50x50x50 cm hole, plant the seedling slightly above ground level, and firmly cover it with soil.
   • Mound planting method: No hole needed—place the seedling on the ground and cover it with soil.
   • Planting distance:
     • Square or triangular system: 8×8 m or 10×10 m
     • Wide-row close planting: 10×5 m or 12×6 m

Durian Care & Maintenance:

1. Watering
   • Young durian trees require approximately 0.6 times the evaporation rate, multiplied by the canopy area.
   • Use a small sprinkler system for best results.
2. Fertilization
   • Apply fertilizer after pruning.
   • Start with organic fertilizer, followed by chemical fertilizers.
   • Year 1: Apply organic fertilizer every two months; at the end of the year, add chemical fertilizer (15-15-15 or 16-16-16) at 150-200 g per tree.
   • Following years: Fertilize twice annually (early and late rainy season).
3. Shading
   • Use palm fronds, shade nets, or fast-growing trees like bananas to provide shade for young trees.
4. Pruning
   • Trim the canopy 1-1.5 years after planting, keeping a single main trunk with 12-15 primary branches for better airflow and structure.
5. Weed & Pest Control
   • Use herbicides or mowing for weed management.
   • Common diseases and pests: Root rot, leaf blight, thrips, mealybugs, fruit borers, and red mites.

Post-Harvest Care:

• Pruning
  • Remove dead, diseased, or broken branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.
• Fertilization & Irrigation
  • Apply organic and chemical fertilizers to restore nutrients.
  • Maintain regular watering, especially during dry spells.
• Pest & Disease Control
  • Monitor for infestations and apply protective treatments as needed.
• Record Keeping
  • Maintain a log of care activities, including fertilization, pruning, and disease management, for better planning.

Storage & Shelf Life:

• Optimal storage temperature: 14-16°C, with 85-90% humidity
• Shelf life: Approximately two weeks

Planting Restrictions:

• Avoid waterlogged soil
• Avoid planting near certain trees, such as:
  • Bananas (e.g., Namwa, Hakmuk) – Strong roots degrade soil
  • Jackfruit – Spreads pests
  • Mango – Attracts fungi and mealybugs
  • Rubber trees – Dense roots lead to soil compaction
  • Bamboo – Fast-growing roots compete for nutrients
  • Soursop – Requires heavy pesticide use
  • Tamarind – Leaves shed easily, harboring diseases

Recommended Companion Plants:

• Bananas (Lady Finger, Golden, or Pisang Mas) – Improve soil quality
• Coral Trees – Fix nitrogen in the soil
• High-value trees like mangosteen, pomelo, or rambutan – Do not interfere with durian growth

Please message or call me today for advice with your property enquiry.