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> Durian
> Critical Factors |
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Potential Post-Harvest Problems
Phytophthora infection produces brown patches that turn black
under wet conditions and form a whitish bloom from the cottony
mycelia. The rot can extend internally from the durian skin
toward the seeds. The fungus can attack the fruit while they
are attached to the tree or after they have fallen to the ground.
Pre-harvest sprays may help control the fungus, but because
of difficulties with application, additional measures (removing
debris from around the trees and planting plants nearby that
are known to repel vectors such as crawling insects and snails)
are advisable.
Other fungi can infect the fallen fruits as secondary infections
through the bruised skin after the fruit hits the ground. Infection
rates are high in fruits that are left uncollected on the ground
for several days, particularly if the ground is wet. Diseases
that can befall the fruits include Rhizopus, Mucor, and Lasiodiplodia,
which produce soft rots and necrosis that can spread to the
arils. Others diseases that do not cause softening and are superficial
include Phyllosticta, Colletotrichum, and Curvulari. Another,
Fusarium, produces water-soaked, soft, and pulpy lesions. One
can control these diseases by collecting fruit frequently, brushing
off debris such as leaves and soil, or constructing catching
nets. Fungicide treatments for these diseases are normally ineffective,
because the diseases are secondary and infect the fruits through
damaged areas.
Pests and diseases
The most serious durian pest is the fruit borer, which at the
larval stage bores into and feeds on the fruit. Application
of recommended insecticide such as BHC is encouraged. Another
pest is the leaf cutter, which can seriously defoliate young
and older trees.
Patch canker is the most serious disease. Affected trees show
bark decay and gummosis of the collar and stem collars, causing
dieback of branches. The whole plant may eventually die and
infect other plants. Control is mainly cultural, by providing
good drainage, removal of vegetation around the trunk and use
of resistant root stocks. Affected trees are treated by painting
or spraying Ridomil, a systemic fungicide.
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