Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Notes in Agriculture
Notes in Agriculture
Notes in Agriculture
Planting and propagating trees and fruit –bearing trees is a source of livelihood for many Filipino
families. Nowadays, many people engage in this as a source of additional income for their daily needs.
Fruit –bearing trees can be planted in your backyard depend on several factors: the space in your
backyard , the kind of soil, and, and the type of climate in your own community. The pupils should be
able to demonstrate understanding of scientific practices in planting and propagating trees and fruit
bearing trees.
It is important, however, to first learn the benefits derived from planting and propagating trees
and fruit-bearing trees to families and communities. This lesson will discuss these benefits. It will also
identify successful orchard growers in the country. At the same time, the lesson will present sources of
fruit-bearing seedlings for sale. In addition, this lesson will also present the latest data on the volume of
production of the most in demand fruit crops in the country.
Why is there a need for plant propagation?
Plant propagation is the process of reproducing or creating a new plant or seedling. It is an
important part of gardening, whether outdoors or indoors. Plants are living things that grow either
through their roots, stems and leaves of their flowers, fruits, and seeds. It is a method of growing new
plants from seed or from parts of existing plants.
Benefits derived from planting trees and fruit-bearing trees to families and communities
Trees are valuable to the family and the community for the products and amenities they give
such as:
There are benefits derived from trees to maintain a healthy environment. Some of these
benefits include:
1. They provide shade and fresh air around the house and, along the streets and surroundings.
Trees are very much needed by people in these times of climate change when the temperature
is high and the heat of the sun becomes intense. Without trees, there are no shades to keep us
cool.
2. They protect the soil from erosion. Have you seen big roots that extend several meters from the
trunk or go deeper into the soil? These roots hold the soil, preventing it from eroding when rain
or floods come.
3. They help maintain high quality water supply. The roots of plants and trees help strain the dirt
and cleanse the water as it passes through the roots.
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4. The root system promotes soil stability. This means that the soil held by the roots remain there
and does not erode.
5. They serve as valuable wildlife habitats. Wild animals live in places with many trees like that of a
forest.
6. They serve as windbrakers during typhoons and storms, thus, reducing the destruction of home
and agricultural crops. A typhoon that is strong usually moves at a very fast speed. It continues
to be that strong if there are no barriers on the path where it moves. But when it passes barriers
like mountains and trees, it slows down and its speed is reduced. Small crops and plants as well
as houses are safe when typhoon is weak.
7. They help reduce pollutions in congested urban areas. Remember that trees take in carbon
dioxide emitted from vehicles that belches smoke. The more trees present, the less amount of
carbon dioxide is in the air.
8. They contribute to the beautiful landscapes in the city and the countryside. Imagine a land with
plenty of trees and grass and a scattering of flowers of beautiful colors, sizes, and shapes.
9. They improve the atmosphere of a place by giving a feeling of freshness and coolness as they
reduce temperature.
10. They prevent river and lake sedimentation. Have you observed a river bank that is lined
endlessly with full-grown trees? These trees help hold the water in the lake and river and keep it
there. This prevents the lake and river from drying up.
11. They prevent floods. Floods occur when water from rain rushes in causing soil erosion. However,
if there are trees to serve as barriers and the roots to hold the water, flood will not occur.
Some of the common trees planted in both rural and urban areas are the following:
1. Narra 9. Alibangbang
2. Yakal 10. Banaba
3. Apitong 11. Pine Tree
4. Acacia 12. Indian Tree
5. Ipil-Ipil 13. Fire Tree
6. Palm Tree 14. Molave
7. Rubber Tree 15. Mahogany
8. Bamboo Tree
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12. Longan 25. Balimbing
13. Cacao
If you get to know the success stories of our country’s top orchard growers, you would never
imagine how they got to where they are now. Their hard work, determination, and will to succeed is
truly worth emulating. Below are three of our successful orchard growers:
Editha Aguinaldo Dacuycuy- Manang Editha ventured into the dragon fruit business when she was told
how the fruit can help relieve constipation problems – a condition common to cerebral palsy patients.
Her daughter, Kate, was suffering from this ailment. Selling at Php 450.00 per kilo, dragon fruit was too
expensive for Editha, so she decided to raise her own fruits in their backyard. From a small plot, they
now own a 10-hectare property. Dubbed as “Dragon Lady”, Manang Editha, together with her husband
and daughter, Mimie Mildred), also expanded their business into dragon fruit ice cream, vegan dragon
fruit lumpia, wine, vinegar, and even empanadita, dumplings, and burger patties. Located in Barangay
Paayas, Burgos, Ilocos Norte, REFMAD Farms ( Rare Eagle Forest Marine and agricultural Development)
is now an agritourism showcase offering research and livelihood training to fellow Ilocanos and
interested farmers. No less than President NOYNOY Aquino awarded Manag Editha for her hardwork, as
well as other well- known awarding bodies. Her farm has a steady market in neighboring provinces in
Ilocos Norte and Metro Manila. Dole Philippines orders in bulk, while hotels in Ilocos Norte are their
regular clients.
Alfredo M. Yao – The “Juice King of the Philippines, also owns a farm in Negros Occidental aside from
Zest – O Corporation. At 12 years old, he lost his father and grew up doing odd jobs to help his mother
feed her family of six children. One of his jobs was working in a warehouse of a packaging company.
Encouraged by the promising profitability of a packaging format in Europe (Doypack), he bought one and
tried to market the machine to local juice manufacturers. When no factory took notice, he made his own
fruit juice and launched what was to become one of the biggest local juice brands.
Patricio Base – With his 3 hectare plantation of watermelons, honeydew melons, and papaya, he
produces crops year-round in Alicia, Isabela. He was able to send his four children to college with his
earnings. He used to grow rice before venturing into watermelons. He said there was no money in
planting rice, but now with melons, one can even hit the jackpot. In July 2013, he planted Diana
watermelons in 3,500 square meters and got 12 tons worth Php 480.00.
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Planting, just like cooking, requires systematic way of doing things. It requires a step-by-step
procedure on how to select and prepare the soil, the seedlings, the tools, and the location for planting.
With these requirements, all that is needed is a thorough knowledge and skill on how to do the
planting process and the manner on how plants are to be taken care of.
Trees and fruit trees require more space for growth than ornamental plants or crops. This is
because trees and fruit trees grow tall and wide . There are trees that roots that expand sideward and
those that move downward. Choose a place where trees will grow freely without obstruction like street
fences or walls. Have enough space allowance between trees, or between the streets, fences, or walls.
Consider the type of soil and the amount of sunlight.
2. Choose the seeds that best suit the season and the soil.
This means that the seeds come from a good quality mother and the seeds are healthy, mature,
with no blemishes or cuts, and of the right size and form. Seeds must be prepared before planting.
Planting should be done preferably during the rainy season. The soil must be suited to the type of seeds
to be planted. Consult an expert on what type of soil, or where do trees like acacia, narra, mango,
rambutan, or coconut grow best.
It is advisable to prepare the soil before planting. This means cleaning the soil and its surrounding area
and mixing the soil with organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are safe and economical to use, while
inorganic or commercial fertilizers have to be regulated because overuse can poison the soil. A rich soil
is 40 percent clay loam, 30 percent compost, 20 percent dried carabao manure or chicken dung, and 10
percent sand. Remember, plants need nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to grow and to make them
resistant to pests and diseases.
Caring for the young trees means removing the grass and weeds around them so they do not
compete in getting the nutrients from the soil. Keep the soil always moist and this is no problem during
the rainy season. However, during the dry months, there is a need to water them regularly. Watering is
done during sunrise or after sunset to keep the evaporation of water from the soil slow. Make a ring of
cultivation around the young tree with the size matching the circumference of the crown of the tree.
The soil in this ring is loose and slightly hilling up. In case of pests or insects infestation, do this by
building a fire and allowing the smoke to penetrate the foliage. Use the appropriate pesticide or
fungicide to control plant disease. Consult an expert on this. Likewise, prune the young tree by cutting
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off infected or unproductive branches. Do not leave excess branches on the trunk to avoid infection
which occurs when the cut has not healed.
B. Methods of Planting
Different trees are cultivated in different ways. There are two ways of planting: direct and
indirect. Direct planting is a method of planting where the seeds or parts of a plant are directly planted
in the soil where it will germinate and grow into full-grown trees.
The use of high quality seeds results in high productivity. High quality seeds have a high
percentage of germination and correct moisture content and are free from seed pests, diseases, and
other physical impurities. They should come from a tree with a uniform height and heading, a
characteristic known as varietal purity. To maintain high quality seeds, the following steps are
recommended:
1. Remove off-type, diseased, and damaged seeds.
2. Label seeds properly.
3. Select and preserve only mature seeds and dry them under the sun until proper moisture is
attained.
There are different ways of preparing seeds. One way is by placing the seeds under the sun
before planting. One example of this is the ipil-ipil tree. Some seeds like the mango have to be removed
from their hard shells before planting. Seeds like santol need to be dried before planted in the soil.
There are also seeds that need to be soaked in water before planting, like the seeds of ipil-ipil. Seeds of
avocado are planted as is with the bigger end of the seed below the soil surface.
D. Seed Germination
Seeds need moisture, warmth, oxygen, and, in some instances, sunlight in order to germinate.
Small seeds are sown in a seed box before setting them out in the field. Seeds can also be germinated in
small plastic trays, pots, and other relatively small containers filled with soil medium recommended for
seed propagation. The bottom of the seed boxes should have tiny holes to allow drainage.
Before the seed is sown, the soil should be moistened with a fine spray of water until the soil
has absorbed enough moisture. Make rows with pointed sticks. These rows should be twice as deep as
the size of the seeds. Sow the seeds evenly in rows and cover them with loose soil then press the soil
gently. If you will plant trees, the space should be 10 meters in distance depending on the size of the
tree.
The seed box should be kept in a shady place until the seeds have sprouted. It should be
protected from pests, animals, and adverse weather. Cover the seed box with a sheet of paper to keep
it from drying out too fast during the dry season. When the seeds have sprouted, make sure they get
enough sunlight for proper growth.
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Mortality is high during transplanting if the seedlings are not given proper care. To ensure a higher
rate of survival, the following processes are needed:
1. Thinning – There are times when more seeds are sown than necessary. To produce strong plants,
pull out some crowded seedlings so that the remaining plants will have more room. Thinning
accelerates the circulation of air and provides a greater feeding area for seedlings to make them
sturdier and healthier.
2. Pricking – This is done by transferring seedlings from one seed box to another to provide more
space for proper development. Water the seedlings before pricking.
3. Hardening – This process is done 7 to 15 days before transplanting. The purpose is to make the
tissue of the plants harder in order to survive the rigors of transplanting. The water intake of the
plant is gradually decreased and the seedling is exposed to sunlight for a longer period of time.
F. Indirect Planting
In indirect planting, the plant needs to be transferred to its permanent place. This is commonly
done with trees. Nowadays, you can avail seedlings planted in small plastic bags, ready for transfer.
2. Dig the area where you want to plant them. The length and depth of the hole should be
according to how big the tree will become. Leave two inches allowance in the length and depth
of the hole to allow the new roots to breath. For big trees like santol, mango, or acasia, the hole
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is one meter wide, one meter deep, and one meter long. For small trees like atis, chico, avocado,
and kasoy, the hole should measure 20 inches deep, 20 inches wide, and 20 inches long.
3. Remove the plant from the plastic bag. Do not remove the soil which holds the roots.
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4. Slowly and carefully place the seedlings in the hole. Make sure the main roots are not bent.
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6. Water the new plant early the next morning. Use a water sprinkler. It is important to water the
soil that surrounds the plant.
7. Remember: Plant your seedlings in the afternoon when sunlight is no longer hot to avoid
withering.
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LESSON 3 MARKET DEMANDS FOR FRUITS
Harvesting Fruits
Harvesting is picking fruits in their season when they are ready to be sold or eaten. Harvesting is
done at different seasons depending on the characteristics of each product. Generally, fruits are picked
when they are mature enough. Fruits should reach the market in good condition.
1. Mangoes, bananas, and papayas are harvested before they ripen. They should be green and
matured.
2. Pomelos and chicos should be picked at the right size and maturity.
3. Native oranges or dalandans are picked while green They eventually ripen.
To ensure success in selling fruits, the farmer or seller should consider the following market demands:
1. Buyers select fruits and other products of good quality, usually based on size, shape, and
appearance.
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2. Good quality fruits have the same appearance, size, stage of maturity, state of freshness, and
shape.
3. Fruits should be in their freshest state when being sold. They can command higher prices.
4. Pack fruits properly in good containers to maintain their freshness and to avoid cuts, bruises,
and blemishes.
5. Price your products based on the current price on the market. Going with the current price
makes your product competitive. Generally, when products are sold during the peak season, if
your products are of superior quality, you can demand a higher price . Many consumers prefer
to pay a higher price if they feel they are getting their money’s worth.
LET’S BE INFORMED
Just like vegetables and ornamentals, growing fruit trees is not difficult. The problems lie in the
lack of space or where to plant them.
In urban areas where spaces are very limited, fruit trees are not usually planted. Some home
owners do not like to plant trees because they say, a grown tree will destroy the foundation of their
houses because of their big and long roots.
But for those who have enough space, fruit trees like mango, duhat, tamarind, banana, papaya
and other fruit trees are planted. Aside from the shade that they give, when they bear fruits, the family
is, at least, assured of a supply of fruits for their daily consumption.
In the province, fruit trees are sources of income for the family. Aside from the added fresh air,
they provide the ambience that a city dweller have not experienced.
MANGOES
Our country is famous for its delicious mangoes. Although there are other varieties, the carabao
mango is the most sought after and exported in other countries.
Mango fruits are of these varieties:
1. Carabao or super mango. This variety is the favourite of most people around the world with
its perfect blend of sweet and sour taste, soft, succulent with a pleasant odor.
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2. Pico. This is a smaller in size from the carabao variety but just as sweet, even when it’s not
yet ripe.
3. Indian mango. This originated from India. It bears plenty of fruits the whole year round. It is
a favourite appetizer by most teeners.
Mango tree comes from seed.
PAPAYAS
Papaya is a fruit rich in Vitamins A, B and C and aids in the digestion of food. A good and tasty
dessert, especially when sweet, papaya is an acceptable appetizer or dessert of people of all ages. The
unripe fruits are also valuable for some main dishes as tinola and ginataan. Because of it’s papain, a
protein-spitting enzyme obtained from the juice of unripe papaya, helps tenderize meat and used as an
aid in digestion.
Most home yards grow papaya trees. They are planted by direct seeding, that is, planting
papaya seeds in a hole and cover with ¼ inch of soil. After planting, in 10 to 15 days, seeds will
germinate.
There is the so-called male and female papaya. The male plant, only produce flowers but do not
bear fruit. However, it is necessary for pollination. When planting, allow one male plant to grow for
every 15 to 20 female papayas. Intercropping is a method where papaya can be grown together with
coconuts, coffee, pineapple or bananas. It increases farm income and prevent the growth of weeds
and/or grasses.
Fruit-bearing trees are available and sold in different stages of growth and ready to be transplanted.
Among their sources are:
Commercial Nursery – Run by private individuals usually offering landscaping materials and
services.
Agricultural Institution – A school that offers a course related to agriculture and other plant
studies.
Department of Agriculture – Responsible for any agricultural activities in terms of vegetables
and fruits .
Bureau of Plant Industry – They develop scientific improvement for each plant specie in a
locality and adjacent places.
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Famous Orchard Farms in the Philippines
Rosa Farms is a 12.5 hectare mango orchard in the coastal province of Zambales, home of the
Philippine Carabao Mango. The farm has 888 mango trees nurtured for years. The farm is open to walk-
in guests who want to experience the ambiance of areal functional farm.
Kitsie’s Farm has dozens of fruit-bearing mango trees scattered across its 15 hectares land with
each tree yielding at least 200 kilos each.
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Gapuz Farm has been in business for 30 years. The Gapuz brothers learned the ins and outs of
grapes growing in California.
Banana is the leading fruit grown in the Philippines and a consistent top dollar earner.
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Carmelita Mercado is the top pomelo producer and distributor in the Philippines. The farm has
350 hectares of sweet pink flesh pomelo.
The rambutan tree belongs to a group of fruit bearing tropical trees like longgan and lychee.
The name rambutan came from an Indonesian name “rambut” which means hair.
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Grace’s Lanzones Farm, Guyam, Indang Cavite, Philippines
It has 200 fully growned lanzones that earn about 120,000 to 150,000 per harvest.
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Dalandan or kahel originated from China. This fruit is flattened and turns yellow or reddish
orange when mature. It consists of 10-14 segments easily separated from one another to form an open
core.
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LESSON 5 TYPES OF ORCHARD FARMS
Fruit Orchards
Fruit orchards include any facility focused on growing tree-bearing fruits. Citrus trees, such as those
bearing lemons, limes or oranges, may be grown all together in large citrus orchards, or individually in
smaller facilities. Plantations that grow fruit-bearing bushes generally don't fall under this category. These
include fruits not grown on trees.
Nut Orchards
Nut orchards include a large variety of facilities that produce nut-bearing trees. These include orchards
that grow popular nuts like cashews, walnuts and almonds. This category also includes cocoa and
chocolate-producing nuts, as well as coconuts. Some orchard owners produce pine trees for their edible
pine nuts.
Seed Orchards
Seed orchards focus primarily on growing trees that produce seeds rather than nuts or fruit.
These seeds are then sold to commercial distributors for resale to the public in small seed
packets. They may also be sold to large agricultural facilities or used for food production. Seed
orchards can further be divided into two categories based on how they are established. In a
seedling orchard, trees are selected through controlled pollination. In a clonal seed orchard,
seeds are distributed through methods such as cutting and tissue culture, resulting in an easier
harvest overall.
LOCATION
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Hill side Slope Valley Plain
Coconut Mango Durian Banana
Mango Coconut Banana Mango
Pili nut Cashew Papaya Citrus truits
Palm tree Palm tree Mangosteen Dragon fruit
Pili nut Jackfruit
Guava
Star apple
Santol
Coconut
CLIMATE
MARKET DEMAND
Year-round Seasonal
Banana Jackfruit
Mango Guava
Citrus Star apple
Dragon fruit Santol
Papaya
Coconut
Modern technology and research have gone a long way especially in the field of Agriculture.
There are different agricultural products today that did not exist long ago. We now have seedless
grapes, oranges, and watermelons. There are also various plants with leaves and flowers of different
colors that come from just one plant. Fruit-bearing trees are able to bear fruits within a very short span
of time. Some can bear fruits all year round. These advancements are possible because of an agricultural
technology called plant propagation.
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2. To produce plant varieties that are resistant to some insect pests and diseases
3. To evolve new and better varieties of plants suited to different conditions of soil and
climate
4. To accelerate and at the same time lessen the bearing age of plants
5. To avert the extinction of some plant species
Marcotting or Air layering – induces the stem to develop roots while it is still growing on the
mother plant. The steps are as follows:
a. Select a healthy branch.
b. Remove a ring-like layer of soft bark about 2 to 3 inches long or until you reach the bark about 2 to 3
inches long or until you reach the hard, wood layer.
c. Apply sphagnum moss around the cut surface.
d. Cover securely with a piece of plastic sheet.
e. Tie both ends to prevent drying of the rooting medium. Keep it moist.
f. Cut the marcot just below the ball of sphagnum moss when sufficient roots develop.
g. Remove some leaves to further induce root development.
h. Place the potted in a cool and shady place.
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Grafting – a plant propagation method that involves inserting a scion into a stock so that they
will form a union and grow together.
Steps in Grafting
Preparing the Stock. Start at the cut surface of the rootstock and make a vertical slit through the bark
where each scion can be inserted (2 inches long and spaced 1 inch apart).
Preparing the Scion. Since multiple scions are usually inserted around the cut surface of the rootstock,
prepare several scions for each graft. Cut the base of each scion to a 11⁄2- to 2-inch tapered wedge on
one side only.
Inserting the Scion. Loosen the bark slightly and insert the scion so that the wedge-shaped tapered
surface of the scion is against the exposed wood under the flap of bark. Push the scion firmly down
into place behind the flap of bark, replace the bark flap, and nail the scion in place by driving one or
two wire brads through the bark and scion into the rootstock. Insert a scion every 3 to 4 inches around
the cut perimeter of the rootstock.
Securing the Graft. Seal all exposed surfaces with grafting wax or grafting paint. Once the scions have
begun to grow, leave only the most vigorous one on each stub; prune out all the others. Bark grafts
tend to form weak unions and therefore usually require staking or support during the first few years.
Budding – the process of transferring the lateral bud taken from the scion to the stock of the
same family. The steps are the following:
1. Cut bud sticks from strong shoots of the present season's growth with mature buds that are
slightly brownish in color.
2. Clip off the leaves from the bud sticks, leaving 1/2 inch of the leafstalk for a handle.
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4. Choose branches from the rootstock that are the size of a lead pencil up to 1/2 inch diameter.
Larger branches have too thick a bark for this method to work.
5. On the rootstock, about 15 or more inches from the trunk, make a T cut across the bark.
6. With a knife blade, lift the corners and carefully loosen the bark.
7. Cut a bud from the bud stick which includes a thin piece of attached wood.
8. Slide the bud under the flaps of the bark on the rootstock until the ends are firmly un9. Using
electrician's tape, tie the bud to the rootstock.
10. Wrap the ends tightly, but be sure not to cover the bud with tape.
11. In two to three weeks, cut the tie so you will not girdle the graft.
12. The next year, cut the rootstock off above the graft when the bud starts growing.
14. The second year, remove all growth from the tree except the bud grafted shoots.
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Mango
Mangosteen
Papaya
Rambutan
Santol
Good site preparation and layout are extremely important in successfully establishing fruit
plantings. Eliminating potential problems before planting will reduce money and effort needed in later
management practices for this long-term investment.
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The following suggestions about site preparation apply mainly to the commercial or hobby
producer, but some have equal application to the home gardener.
1. Get soil sample for nematodes. If damaging nematodes are found, this site may have to be avoided
for a period of time until it can be placed into a grass or other plant rotation for 1 or more years. There
are no longer any chemicals registered to kill nematodes in home gardens. Home gardeners may try
solarization of site during summer months. Commercial growers do have nematicides available for use
but are also using nonchemical control methods.
2. Remove stumps, large rocks, and other debris from the site.
3. Plow the top and subsoil in the area to remove as many roots and smaller rocks as possible. Roots left
in the soil can contribute to root-rot problems in fruit trees.
4. Test the soil, and apply lime, phosphorus, and other fertilizer nutrients according to soil test
recommendations.
5. Apply about 50 to 75 percent of the lime, phosphorus, and other elements on the surface, and plow
as deeply as possible to get them into the root zone. Deep-plowing of lime and fertilizer is especially
important for tree fruit. After deep plowing, apply the remaining 25 to 50 percent of these chemicals
according to soil test recommendations, and disc them into the surface 6 to 10 inches.
After preparing the site and determining the size of the orchard, you must next decide on a plan or
arrangement for the orchard.
The plan showing the arrangement of plants in an orchard is known as the “orchard layout”. There
are several systems of planting, these are the following:
A. Square System
For a fairly level site, use the rectangular or square design. It is most easy and popular
method of planting fruit plant. In this system row to row and plant to plant distances are
kept similar. The plants are planted exactly at right angle at each corner. Thus, every
four plants make one square. This is good for Mango, Banana and citrus crops.
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Advantages
2.Operations like plowing, harrowing, cultivation, spraying and harvesting becomes easy.
3.Better supervision of the orchard is possible as one gets a view of the orchard from one end to the
other.
Disadvantages
2. A lot of space in the centre of each square is wasted i.e, certain amount of space in the middle of four
trees is wasted.
b) Mark position of trees on this line using the wooden stakes on both sides of the base lines.
c) Using right angle shaft, extend lines perpendicular to the base line from every position of the trees
marked.
B. Rectangular System
The square and rectangle are the most commonly used systems for laying out orchards. The
rectangular design is used to set trees at unequal distances, as for example with dwarf orange, using a 9-
by 15-foot rectangle to set trees 9 feet apart in one direction and 15 feet in the other. Most growers
prefer to arrange their orchards in straight rows for ease of working. Thus, rectangular system
accommodates more plants in rows. The plants get proper space and sunlight for their growth and
development.
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Lay out procedures :
The procedure is the same as for the square system. The row to row distance is more than the plant to
plant distance and the row to row distance forms the length of the rectangle.
Advantages
3.Light can penetrate into the orchard through the large inter spaces between rows.
5.Intercropping is possible.
Disadvantages
1.A large area of the orchard between rows is wasted if intercropping is not practiced.
The procedure is the same as that of the square system. The row to row distance is more than the
plant to plant distance and the row to row distance forms the length of the rectangle.
This system is also known as filler or diagonal system. This is a modification over square system of
layout.To make use of the empty space in the center of each square is by planting another plant. The
plants that are planted in the center of each square along with tall growing plants at the corners of
squares are termed as “filler ” plants. Generally, filler trees will be of short duration and not be of the
same kind as those planted on the corners of the square. When main plants of the orchard resume their
proper shape, the filler plants are uprooted. Guava, Peaches, Papaya etc. are important filler plants.
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Advantages
1. Additional income can be earned from the filler crop till the main crop comes into bearing.
2.Compared to square to square and rectangular systems, almost double the number of trees can be
planted initially.
3.Maximum utilization of the land is possible. Increases approximately 10% of the plants in the square
method.
Disadvantages
2.Inter/filler crop can interfere with the growth of the main crop.
4.Spacing of the main crop is reduced if the filler crop is allowed to continue after the growth of the
main crop.
Layout procedures :
Follow the procedure for the layout of a square system. In addition to this, mark the center of each
square with stake for the filler plants by drawing the diagonals.
This system accommodates 15% more plants than square system. The plants are planted at the corner
of equilateral triangle. Thus, six trees are planted making a hexagon. Seventh tree is planted in the
center. This is very intense method of planting and hence requires fertile land. In the suburb of cities
where land is costly, this system is worth adopting. However, the laying out of the system is hard and
cumbersome.
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Advantages
Disadvantages
Layout procedures
1. Establish a base line on one side of the field as in the square system.
2. Mark the position of trees on the base line at the desired distance and fix the stakes. Make
equilateral triangles on the base line maintaining the sides of the triangles equal to plant to plant
distance.
3. Mark all the triangles with stakes and join them into a line to form the second line of trees. Similarly,
make equilateral triangles on the second line and cover the whole land.
E. Contour system.
If the land is rugged and steep, follow the contour of the hillside. It is adopted in hilly areas for
planting fruit plants where land is undulated and soil erosion is a great threat. The contour system helps
prevent or reduce erosion and conserve moisture. The layout is started from the lowest level and the
tree rows are planted along uniform slopes at right angle to the slope with a view to reduce loss of top-
soil due to erosion. The width of contour terrace varies according to the slope of the hill. On steep or
rugged sites, contour systems help prevent or reduce erosion and conserve moisture. Since rainfall,
slope, soil, and other conditions vary in different parts of the country, growers use various
arrangements. At the present time, growers use terraces in contour systems when additional erosion
control is needed.
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Advantages
1.This system can be adopted in hilly regions, can control the soil erosion and helps simultaneously in
the conservation of water.
Disadvantages
4.The row to row distance will not be equal and adjustments may be required in the plat to plant
distance.
Layout procedures:
Contour system is a little more complicated than any other system of layout since planting has to
be done on slopes. For the procedure, mark contours at a distance equal to row to row distance on each
contour lines. The contours may be of full length or less than full length depending on variations in the
degree of slope.
Since rainfall, slope, soil, and other conditions vary in different parts of the country, growers use
various arrangements. At the present time, growers use terraces in contour systems when additional
erosion control is needed. In commercial operations, no matter which orchard layout is used, a
minimum 25- to 30-foot turnaround should be left at the ends of rows to allow easy movement of any
equipment and machinery.
Proper spatial arrangement is very important in new plantings. Aligning the trees carefully not
only improves the orchard’s appearance, but it also makes orchard operations easier. Individual tree or
plant sites can be indicated with a stake. The number of plants required to plant an acre can be
determined by multiplying the distance between trees in the row by the distance between rows and
then dividing the figure into the number of square feet in an acre (43,560).
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Determining Home Orchard Size
Not all people enjoy all fruits. Evaluate your family situation, and plant those fruits that best meet
your needs. The number of plants that will supply the annual needs for fresh and processed fruit for a
family of five is listed in Table 1.
Table 1.
Pomelo 5 to 8
Mango 3 to 5
Chico 5 to 8
Atis 5 to 8
Lanzones 4 to 6
If you choose to produce several fruit types, you will most likely have more fruits than your
family can use. Only plant what you enjoy eating, and avoid the chore of caring for more plants than you
really need.
LET’S LEARN
Subsoil – is the layer of soil under the topsoil on the surface of the ground.
Stump – the bottom part of a tree left projecting from the ground after most of the trunk has fallen or
been cut down.
Intercultural operations – permits the intercropping and cultivation even with the use of mechanical
operations.
LET’S EXPLAIN
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1.How do we prepare the site for home orchard?
LET’S REMEMBER
If you choose to produce several fruit types in your home orchard, you will most likely have more
fruits than your family can use. Only plant what you enjoy eating, and avoid the chore of caring for
more plants than you really need.
Most growers prefer to arrange their orchards in straight rows for ease of working. Thus,
rectangular system accommodates more plants in rows. The plants get proper space and sunlight for
their growth and development.
Choosing the right pattern for your orchard project will depend on the shape, terrain, and slope
of the land.
LESSON 8 PROPAGATING TREES AND FRUIT – BEARING TREES USING SCIENTIFIC PROCESSES
Our love for nature and the environment is best shown when we plant trees. Planting trees is a
productive and enjoyable activity that can be turned into an occupation or a hobby. Successful tree-
planting requires some knowledge about trees, what they need and how they grow, and some skill on
when and how to plant and take care of them.
Caring for fruit trees is the same as caring for other trees. Orchard tools and equipment play a very
important role in systematic process of plant preparation. Their availability makes the work easier and
helps in the proper execution of the different procedures.
1.Hoe – a tool used in digging and loosening hard, dry soil. It has a thin blade across the end of a long
handle.
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2.Rake – a long handled tool having a bar at one end with teeth in. It is used for smoothening the soil
and gathering loose leaves, hay, or straw.
3.Trowel – a tool with a curved blade used for loosening the ground and taking up small plants.
4.Axe – a tool with a flat, sharp blade fastened to a handle used for cutting trunk of trees and their
branches.
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1. Crowbar – a straight, heavy iron bar pointed at one end, about 4 feet in length, used for digging
holes and for planting seeds.
2. Bolo – a tool with a wooden or metal handle in which a long blade is attached. It is used for
cutting tall grasses and branches of trees.
3. Shovel – a broad scoop attached to a handle. It is used to dig, lift, and throw loose matter.
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4. Fork – a tool resembling a table fork but much bigger in size. It is used in digging and preparing
the soil for the plants.
5. Water Sprinkler – a can with a spout to sprinkle water on the plants. Plants should be watered
everyday to make them grow healthier.
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6. Wheelbarrow – used to transfer soil plants and other materials from one place to another.
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9. Weighing Scale- for weighing plants, seeds, and fertilizers.
14. Pieces of wood or bamboo – used as fences of seed boxes and plots to protect plants from being
destroyed by animals.
16. Pruning Shears – used for cutting small branches including the unnecessary branches.
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17. Garden gloves – used while working in the garden, made of strong rubber to protect from
thorns and withstand punctures.
3. See to it that the stock and the scion are fitted with each other.
1.Before working make sure you have refresh yourself (like taking a bath) in order to work well.
2.Always wear complete personal protective protective equipment which includes hairnet, hand gloves,
apron, boots if needed, protective eyeglass, and face mask.
3. Make sure tools and equipment are working properly before using them.
7. Work in proper position. Make sure you do not strain your back while working.
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LESSON 9 SYSTEMATIC AND SCIENTIFIC WAYS OF CARING ORCHARD TREES
One needs to carefully plan an orchard project to avoid useless and wasteful spending. It is also
important that once an orchard project is started , the proper care for seedlings and trees are
undertaken. There are tried and tested procedures for taking care of these plants from cultivating , use
of fertilizer, and watering.
This lesson will present systematic and scientific ways of caring for orchard trees and seedlings.
Fertilizer is any substance added to the soil that promotes the healthy growth of plants.
They are classified into two types:
Inorganic- artificial fertilizer made from chemicals ( liquid, soluble, and granular form).
Organic – natural fertilizer from decayed matter, animals, and other natural sources.
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Makes the soil
unfertile(dependent to
it)
Organic Natural Foul odor
Easy to produce It takes time to prepare
Promote the growth of
beneficial organism
Adds more nutrients to
the soil
Very high in production
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The growth of plant will continue to progress.
Higher yield is expected.
The best thing about using organic pesticide is that it is not harmful to humans and other
animals. There is no side effect to health. It can sustain the budget of growers because it is
affordable, the materials are readily available within the community and it is very easy to
prepare.
Always wear the personal protective equipment such as face mask, hand gloves, apron, working
clothes, and boots.
Always read the instruction before doing the activity.
Follow the guide of proper posture while working to avoid straining your back.
Check the working condition of tools before using them.
Never leave your work unattended especially when ingredients are about to be mixed.
Measure all ingredients properly and follow the correct procedures. Do not deviate from the
instructions provided.
Always focus on the work at hand. Avoid destructions.
Avoid exposures to pesticides.
Maintain a clean working place and free from any disturbances.
Never forget to take a bath and clean thoroughly after working.
Once your products have undergone quality control inspection and are deemed marketable, you
may start promoting them. Below are some ways one can promote and market a product:
Conduct survey to find the needs of the community. What fruits are in demand?
Prepare and distribute pamphlet, flyers, and brochures-containing information about the
location and the picture of products.
Use online marketing tools.
Post contact numbers for clients who want to order or inquire about the product.
Keeping a record of sales.
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to integrate fresh produce into one’s diet is a good subtle way to build customer loyalty. It
shows that you care about your clients.
Today, when more and more people are realizing the importance of a vitamin and fiber-
rich diet to one’s health, marketing fruits in this manner can be very effective. It might also help
to provide detailed information such as the use of organic fertilizer, and the variety of produce.
The use of online marketing of orchard trees/seedlings is the fastest way to market
products nowadays. Another is the preparation , distribution, and posting of flyers in
conspicuous places.
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