1.0 Introduction

The Durian fruit is regarded, world over, as one of the most outstanding and coveted fruits. Unlike many other fruits, the spikes that surround the Durian fruit are edible and fleshy. The Durian, also referred to many people as the King of Fruits, is produced by the Durian tree whose maturity is estimated to be between 11 to 15 years, (Tony & Jennifer, 144). Different parts of the world differ in terms of which is the best time to harvest the Durian fruits. Many countries, like Malaysia, the fruit is regarded ripe and ready for harvesting once it detaches from the tree and falls to the ground. However, in places like the Thailand, the fruits are harvested long before they fall on the ground. There has been a general argument among scholars in the field of fruit harvesting that harvesting the Durian fruits before they ripen and drop to the ground significantly impacts on its taste and quality, (Tony & Jennifer, 151).

2.0 Developing the Durian

2.1 Planting and Nurturing to Maturity

Like many other fruit trees, Durian are seedlings are planted and nursed in a bed before they are transferred or allowed to grow on the main field. Since their maturity period is quite long, it is advisable that constant care be taken throughout the life circle of the tree. The best planting periods or the hardening off is mostly recommended to be on February and October. These two periods have been regarded to be the two seasons in which the availability of Durians is high in most markets of the world, (Durio, 09). It is worth noting that while other fruit trees like mangoes, paw paws and avocados do well even when grown in containers, the Durian has never been known to do well in Containers or even is ill-prepared greenhouses. In addition, the best method of the Durian propagation is the seed, but for early maturity most people use grafting and budding which are among the successful asexual methods of this fruit. Due to the recalcitrant nature of the Durian seeds, the seeds are planted soon after extraction without the need of having to subject them to drying. The planting holes are estimated to be 55 CM deep and over 8 CM apart this is mostly to avoid crowding which may call for thinning in the future, (Durio, 33). Furthermore, this spacing is informed by the 80-180 triangular planting system, (Durio, 44). Fertilizer can be used during plant of about 5 grams per hole.

Watering should be done to the new seedlings everyday until when they are well grounded and established. Watering of the fruit plant should be done throughout flushing period and on the onset of floral induction to Durian fruit maturity stages. As the Durian fruit plant matures, formative pruning among the upright twigs and water-shoots is highly recommended. This exercise ensures that the plant receives adequate air and allow for ventilation.

2.2 Fruit Development and Harvesting

Once the Durian tree is mature, the flowers will be inducted and it will begin to fruit. There is always a need to carry out fruit thinning and elimination of deformed fruits. This is done between one and two months after the onset of the fruits. This is not just done to achieve quality fruits or ensure minimal insect attacks, but also to ensure that the tree is assured of a longer life. It is also advised that the Durian fruits be supported by plastic twines or literally tethered to the branch to avoid natural thinning on already matured fruits, (Durio, 67). This ensures that there is no unplanned loss of fruits to gravity and other natural factors.

Mature Durians are recommended for harvest on a sunny day. Due to their fleshy nature, care should be taken to ensure that the fruits are not bruised or broken. A number of indicators have been proposed for evaluation before considering a Durian ready for harvesting. The time between the fruit appearance and the harvesting time should be properly accessed. Secondly, a ripe Durian fruit is mostly yellowish-green or even brown. Thirdly, one must confirm that the sutures are distinctive among the fruit segments. Fourthly, the colour of the spikes' tips should be dark brown at the tip as compared to their rather yellowish-green bases and are pliant. Finally, the scent should be accessed whether it is strongly aromatic.

To conclude, developing Durian fruits is an exercise that should be accorded the seriousness and care it deserves. Like many other coveted fruit plants, Durians should be handled with care in terms of thinning, pruning and watering. The fruits should be nurtured and maintained to keep them away from pests and diseases like borer and phytophthora which are associated with Durians.

Works Cited

Durio, zibethinus, Descriptors for Durian. New York: Bioversity International. 2009. Print.

Tony, Rodd & Jennifer, Stackhouse. Trees: A Visual Guide. California; University of California Press,