DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY

Davao National Crop Research, Development &
Production Support Center
 DURIAN (Durio zibithenus Murr.)

Introduction

Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) belongs to the genus Durio and the family
Bombacaceae, which is best known for showy flowers and woody or thin-shelled pods
filled with small seeds and silky or cottonlike fiber. It is the most important native fruit
of southeastern Asia and neighboring islands. Widely known and revered in southeast
Asia as the "king of fruits", the durian is distinctive for its large size, unique odor, and
formidable thorn-covered husk.

The durian, native to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, has been known to the
Western world for about 600 years. The 19th-century British naturalist Alfred Russel
Wallace famously described its flesh as "a rich custard highly flavoured with almonds".
The flesh can be consumed at various stages of ripeness, and is used to flavor a wide
variety of savory and sweet edibles in Southeast Asian cuisines. The seeds can also be
eaten when cooked.

Description

The durian tree, reaching 27 to 40 meters in height in tropical forests, is usually

erect with short, straight, rough, peeling trunk to 1.2 meters in diameter, and irregular
dense or open crown of rough branches, and thin branchlets coated with coppery or
gray scales when young.

The fruits are ovoid or ovoid-oblong to nearly round, 15 to 30 cm long, 12.5 to

15 cm wide, and up to 8 kg in weight. The yellow or yellowish-green rind is thick,
tough, semi-woody, and densely set with stout, sharply pointed spines, 3- to 7-sided at
the base. Handling without gloves can be painful. Inside there are 5 compartments
containing the creamy-white, yellowish, pinkish or orange-colored flesh and 1 to 7
chestnut-like seeds, 2 to 6 cm long with glossy, red-brown seedcoat. In the best fruits,
most seeds are abortive. There are some odorless cultivars but the flesh of the common
durian has a powerful odor

Some fruits split into 5 segments, others do not split, but all fall to the ground
when mature.

Related Species

There are estimated to be 28 species in the genus Durio in Malaysia. Only 5

species in addition to the durian bear edible fruits. These are D. dulcis Becc., in Sabah
and Indonesian Borneo; D. grandiflorus Kost., in Sabah, Sarawak, and Indonesian
Borneo; D. graveolens Becc., in peninsular Malaya and all of Borneo and Sumatra; D.
kutejensis Becc., all over Borneo, and ranked second to the durian in edibility; and D.
oxleyanus Griff., in peninsular Malaya and all of Borneo and Sumatra. All five are
cultivated in Brunei and a few to some extent in Malaysian Borneo.
 It is believed that some of the other species, especially D. malaccensis Planch. and
D. Wyatt-Smithii Kost., which are very closely allied to D. zibethinus, may be useful in
breeding for pest- and disease-resistance and other characters.

There is evidence that natural interspecific cross-pollination is going on because

a hybrid of D. zibethinus and D. graveolens has been found in northeastern Indonesian
Borneo, and some trees of normally white-flowered D. malaccensis have been
discovered in Johore State with reddish flowers, perhaps from cross-pollination by the
pink or red-flowered D. lowianus King and D. pinangianus.

Production Statistics

As of 2016, the area planted to durian in the Philippines was estimated at a total
of 16,618.86 hectares with a total of 1,265,890 bearing trees (Tables 1 & 2). Of these, a
total of 8,344.00 hectares or 50.21 percent with a total of 818,270 bearing trees are
found in the Davao region.

The volume of production in 2016 was estimated at a total of 71,444.19 metric

tons with 53805.71 metric tons or 75.31 percent, coming from the Davao Region
(Table 3).

Table 1. Area planted to durian by Region, 2010-2016.*

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
PHILIPPINES 18,837.75 19,000.80 19,391.50 16,366.20 16,542.00 16,622.75 16,618.86
..CAR .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
..ILOCOS REGION .. .. .. .. .. 1 1
..CAGAYAN VALLEY 3 3 3 3 3 4 4
..CENTRAL LUZON .. 2 4 4.2 4 4 5
..CALABARZON 34 34 36.5 37 37 37 38
..MIMAROPA 30 33 33 35 36 45 43
..BICOL REGION .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
..WESTERN VISAYAS 181 181 181 181 181 171 83
..CENTRAL VISAYAS 17.5 18.5 19 20 22 24 7
..EASTERN VISAYAS 34 38.1 43 43 32 32 32.01
..ZAMBOANGA
PENINSULA 1,037.00 1,061.00 1,066.00 1,080.00 1,088.00 1,091.00 1,102.00
..NORTHERN
MINDANAO 1,419.25 1,419.25 1,425.00 1,426.00 1,432.00 1,432.00 1,431.85
..DAVAO REGION 11,409.00 11,510.00 11,540.00 8,083.00 8,238.00 8,330.00 8,344.00
..SOCCSKSARGEN 1,828.00 1,846.50 1,930.00 2,192.00 2,204.00 2,202.00 2,159.00
..CARAGA 1,689.00 1,689.00 1,796.00 1,947.00 1,950.00 1,935.00 1,949.00
..ARMM 1,156.00 1,165.45 1,315.00 1,315.00 1,315.00 1,314.75 1,314.00
..NEGROS ISLAND
REGION .. .. .. .. .. .. 106
* CountrySTAT Phil., 2017.

Table 2. No. of bearing trees by Region, 2010-2016.

 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
PHILIPPINES 774772 724450 1198341 1217555 1230336 1289104 1265890
..CAR .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
..ILOCOS REGION .. .. .. .. .. 50 50
..CAGAYAN VALLEY .. .. .. .. 260 260 282
..CENTRAL LUZON .. 120 180 235 320 345 345
..CALABARZON 2035 2038 2041 2070 2060 1710 1790
..MIMAROPA 1474 1609 1698 1701 1701 1896 1776
..BICOL REGION .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
..WESTERN VISAYAS 5062 5112 5112 5137 5300 5300 450
..CENTRAL VISAYAS 690 690 698 698 720 738 335
..EASTERN VISAYAS 280 483 522 522 432 436 442
..ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA 21379 22379 22800 24145 26926 34014 34240
..NORTHERN MINDANAO 62324 62931 64935 65160 65615 67370 68361
..DAVAO REGION 492121 431791 870742 812026 810932 841476 818270
..SOCCSKSARGEN 85400 93510 97340 106970 110365 117794 115215
..CARAGA 41805 41495 69986 136441 134530 132390 132390
..ARMM 62202 62292 62287 62450 71175 85325 86554
..NEGROS ISLAND REGION .. .. .. .. .. .. 5390
* CountrySTAT Phil., 2017.

Table 3. Volume of production(MT) by Region, 2010-2016.

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
PHILIPPINES 77548.5 58968.98 85960.88 91211.65 80334.1 87382 71444.19
..CAR .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
..ILOCOS REGION .. .. .. .. .. 1.5 1.52
..CAGAYAN VALLEY 2 45.69 46.15 42.03 28.33 32.85 36.25
..CENTRAL LUZON .. 1.2 1.35 2.25 3.9 3.37 2.49
..CALABARZON 78.81 46.87 49.34 52.02 41.44 41.38 44.59
..MIMAROPA 14.18 14.52 15.73 15.86 15.71 17.17 15.12
..BICOL REGION .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
..WESTERN VISAYAS 338.02 49.01 168.55 151.36 159.28 143.98 3.58
..CENTRAL VISAYAS 17.12 1 1.05 6.5 6.99 9.7 9.76
..EASTERN VISAYAS 8.54 10.65 10.93 9.69 7.35 8.3 8.33
..ZAMBOANGA
PENINSULA 811.06 630.09 541.47 558.46 930.99 1506.14 1344.65
..NORTHERN MINDANAO 2150.93 1981.07 2057.46 2164.55 2156.4 2294.89 2311.94
..DAVAO REGION 55606.33 50850.66 67799.73 70063.66 62768.76 67697.44 53805.71
..SOCCSKSARGEN 3454.86 3738 3949.89 4795.57 5064.2 5158.96 3687.46
..CARAGA 1281.59 1341.4 2285.54 1483.1 2197.63 2677.9 3106.34
..ARMM 13785.05 258.82 9033.69 11866.59 6953.12 7788.42 6916.9
..NEGROS ISLAND
REGION .. .. .. .. .. .. 149.54
* CountrySTAT Phil., 2017.

Uses of Durian
 Durians are sold whole, or cut open and divided into segments, which are
wrapped in clear plastic. The flesh is mostly eaten fresh, often out-of-hand. It is best
after being well chilled in a refrigerator. Sometimes it is simply boiled with sugar or
cooked in coconut water, and it is a popular flavoring for ice cream.

Durian flesh is canned in syrup for export. It is also dried for local use and export.
Blocks of durian paste are sold in the markets. The unripe fruit is boiled whole and
eaten as a vegetable.

The seeds are eaten after boiling, drying, and frying or roasting. In Java, the
seeds may be sliced thin and cooked with sugar as a confection; or dried and fried in
coconut oil with spices for serving as a side-dish.

The dried or half-dried rinds are burned as fuel and fish may be hung in the
smoke to acquire a strong flavor. The ash is used to bleach silk.

The sapwood is white, the heartwood light red-brown, soft, coarse, not durable
nor termite-resistant. It is used for masts and interiors of huts in Malaya.

The flesh is said to serve as a vermifuge. In Malaya, a decoction of the leaves and
roots is prescribed as a febrifuge. The leaf juice is applied on the head of a fever patient.
The leaves are employed in medicinal baths for people with jaundice. Decoctions of the
leaves and fruits are applied to swellings and skin diseases. The ash of the burned rind
is taken after childbirth. The leaves probably contain hydroxy-tryptamines and mustard
oils.

The odor of the flesh is believed to be linked to indole compounds which are
bacteriostatic. Eating durian is alleged to restore the health of ailing humans and
animals. The flesh is widely believed to act as an aphrodisiac.

Young leaves and shoots are occasionally cooked as greens. Sometimes the ash of
the burned rind is added to special cakes.

Nutritional Value of the Durian Fruit

Table 4. Nutritional value of the durian fruit per 100 gram of edible part.

Value Minerals Vitamins

Water - 64.990 gram Calcium, Ca - 6 mg Vitamin C, ascorbic acid - 19.7

Energy - 147 kcal Iron, Fe - 0.430 mg mg
Energy - 615 kj Magnesium, Mg - 30 mg Thiamin - 0.374 mg
Protein - 1.47 gram Phosphorus, P - 38 mg Riboflavin - 0.2 mg
Total lipid (fat) - 5.33 Potassium, K - 436 mg
Niacin - 1.074 mg
gram Sodium, Na - 1 mg
Carbohydrate, by difference - Zinc, Zn - 0.28 mg
Pantothenic acid - 0.23 mg
27.09 gram Copper, Cu - 0.207 mg Vitamin B-6 - 0.316 mg
Fiber, total dietary - 3.8 gram Manganese, Mn - 0.324 mg Vitamin A, IU - 45.000 IU
Vitamin A, RE - 5.000 mcg_RE
Source: US Department of Agriculture
 Adaptation

Durian is adapted to sandy loam and clay loam, with high organic matter,
reasonably deep and slightly acidic soil, pH of 5.6.

Durian grows in lowland tropics in elevation up to 800 meters above sea level
with optimum temperature of 25-35 0C and 80% relative humidity.

Recommended Varieties

Listed in Table 5 are National Seed Industry Council’s (NSIC) approved and
registered varieties of durian.

Table 5. NSIC Registered Durian Varieties and their Characteristics.

 Variety Fruit shape Fruit Maturity Peel Color Percent Aroma Flesh TSS
Size (# of Edible Color
(kg) days) Portion
Chanee Cylindrical 2-4 110-115 Greenish 35-40% Moderate Golden 25
brown
Monthong Elongated 2-5 120-125 Golden 25% Moderate Creamy 27
yellow yellow
Atabrine Ellipsoidal 2-4 105-115 Greenish 25% Strong Naples 25
brown yellow
Mamer -do- 1-2 105-115 Greenish 25% Strong Barium 25
brown orange

GD 69 Obovate 2-4 113-118 Greenish 36% -do- Canary 26

brown yellow

Alcon Round 1-2 90-110 Greenish 35% -do- Yellow 27

Fancy brown

Lacson Obovate 3-6 115-120 Brownish 35% -do- Mimosa 27

Uno green yellow

Arancillo Ovoid to 1-3 115-120 Brownish 38% -do- Chrome 27

Cylindrical green yellow
Puyat Cylindrical 3-5 120-125 Greenish 40% -do- Chrome 27
brown yellow
Oboza Cylindrical 3-4 120-125 Green 21% Moderate Yellow 26

Duyaya Cylindrical 3-5 120-125 Green 31% Weak Yellow 27

brown
SMIARC Ovoid to 2-3 115-120 Brownish- 28 Moderate Barium 27
#2 cylindrical green yellow
From: http://davaoagribiz.da.gov.ph/profile/commodity/durian%20profile.html
 Chanee Monthong Atabrine Mamer GD 69

Alcon Fancy Lacson Uno Arancillo Puyat Duyaya

Fig. 1. Ten NSIC registered durian varieties.

Methods of Propagation

It is reported that, in some countries, seedling durian trees have borne fruit at 5
years of age. In India, generally, they come into bearing 9 to 12 years after planting, but
in South India they will not produce fruit until they are 13 to 21 years old. In Malaya,
seedlings will bloom in 7 years; grafted trees in 4 years or earlier.

In durian, inarching can be accomplished with 50% success but is not a popular
method because the grafts must be left on the trees for many months. Selected cultivars
are propagated by patch-budding (a modified Forkert method. Grafted trees never grow
as tall as seedlings; they are usually between 8 to 10 m tall; rarely 12 m.

Preparation of planting materials

The following are recommended:

a. Use fully developed seeds from mature/ripe durian fruits of the recommended
varieties.
b. Germinate the seeds in seed box or seed bed with coco peat, fine river sand or
saw dust as germination medium.
c. Prick the germinated seedlings into 6 x 10 in. x 0.0025 or 7 x 11 in. x 0.003 PE
bags as growing medium containing 1 part each of garden soil, fine river sand
and compost at 9-12 days after germination and place them in the nursery with
a net cover with 70 percent sunlight penetration.
d. Water them immediately after planting in polyethylene bags, then water them
every 2 to 3 days thereafter or as the need arises.
e. Seedlings are ready for grafting at 21-30 days old using hypocotyl grafting;
epicotyl side grafting at 2-4 months old; cleft grafting for 5-months and patch
budding for 8 months & older rootstock.
f. Gradually reduce nursery shade from 30% to full sunlight two months before
field planting.

Cultural Management
Land Preparation

a. Clear and remove all stumps and grasses.

b. Plow twice and harrow thrice to loosen the soil.

Distance of Planting

a. 8 x 8 meters = 156 plants/ha.

b. 10 x 10 meters = 100 plants/ha.

Preparation of Holes and Planting

a. Dig holes measuring 30 cm wide and 30 cm deep. Deeper and wider holes are
recommended for heavy soil types.
b. Remove the plastic bag and plant the seedling into the hole without breaking the
ball of soil. Prune spiraled roots to enhance root branching.
c. Plant the young seedlings at their dormant stage.
d. Cover the hole with soil-manure mixture and gently press the surface of the soil.
e. Plant during the rainy season.

Maintenance

Provide temporary shade to the newly planted durian seedlings for a period of two
weeks to a few months depending on weather condition to enable the plants to
recover from transplanting shock and to shade it from strong sunlight.

Fertilization

a. Apply as basal 50 grams (5 tbsp.) of complete fertilizer (14-14-14) or based on

soil analysis and cover with thin layer of soil.
b. Periodic application of fertilizers should be based on soil or plant tissue analysis.

Intercropping

Grow seasonal crops between rows of durian before they become productive.

Weeding

Ring weeding should be done regularly and before fertilization.

Pruning

a. Pruning improves air circulation which results in decreased relative humidity,

thus, reducing the incidence of pests and diseases.
b. Removing low-lying branches prevents splashing during rains which help
prevent pathogens from coming in contact with the branches and leaves of the
durian trees.
c. Prune/remove dead, broken or diseased branches and water shoots to obtain
desired canopy shape and to enhance production of fruits.
Mulching

Mulch the trees with rice straw, dried leaves, cut grasses, or coconut husk during
the dry season.

Irrigation

Water the trees during the dry season. Cut banana pseudostems could also be used
as mulch especially in areas where source of water is a problem since these have
high water content.

Pollination

The durian has a high rate of self-incompatibility, thus hand-pollination is

recommended to ensure a much higher percentage of fruit setting.

Fruit Thinning

Normally, fruit thinning is done 4 to 6 weeks from flower opening. However, latest
research revealed fruit thinning in durian cv. ‘Puyat’ at 6 weeks after fruit set leaving 2-3
fruits per cluster may increase yield (Loquias et al., 2015). The small and misshapen
fruits must be removed leaving 1 to 2 fruitlets per cluster.

The recommended number of fruits per tree are as follows:

Age of tree (yrs) No. of fruits per tree

4 5
5 15
6 25 Fig. 2. Durian fruit thinning
7 40 at 6 weeks after fruit set.
8 55
9 70
10 85

Propping

a. Use bamboo or wooden poles

b. Tie the branches upward to the main trunk or to an external support such as
wire network in an orchard.
 Fig. 3. Propping in durian

Major Insect Pests and DiseaseAnd Their Control

Table 6. Major insect pests of durian.

Common Description Plant Parts Control and Management:

Name/Scientific Name Attacked/Nature of
Damage
1. Fruit borer
a. Conogetes  Rare in local clones  Flowers, fruits;  Monitoring of fruit borer
punctiferalis  Dominant in larvae bore into infestation at the early
Arancillo, Chanee the fruits and stage of fruit
and Monthong damage the pulp development.
 Fruit thinning must be
done to reduce
 Eggs are laid singly infestation.
b. Tonica sp. on the fruit spines  Fallen fruits must be
 Entry points are at collected and burned or
the fruit peduncle, buried.
base or side  Light trapping
 Dominant in local decreases adult
clones population.
 Insecticide spraying
starts 4 weeks after
fruit set
2. Shot-hole borer  Tiny black or brown  Shot-hole borer invades
(Xyleborous sp.) beetle damaged or
 Pest associated with physiologically stressed
fungal pathogen trees. Maintain tree
phytophthora vigor, i.e., through
 Beetle-pathogen fertilization, irrigation
confined on main and regular pruning.
trunk or main  Wider planting distance
branches  Use resistant varieties
 Scrape infested portion,
then apply with
insecticide
3. Durian Psyllids  The adult is greenish  Psyllid is  Predators feed on this
(Allocarsidara brown to brownish prevalent foliar pest
incognita) sucks sap of young during  Spray with the following
leaves flushing. insecticides: Malathion,
 deltamethrin,
Lambdacyhalothrin,
Chlorpyrifos, or
dimethoate 4-5 times
from June to November
4. Bao-bao  The adult is  Same as control
(Haplaphalara sp.) brownish in color, measures for durian
short and stubby; psyllids.
infests shoots,
flowers and
fruitlets. It sucks
the plant sap of
young leaves and
flowers and
contributes to
dropping of
fruitlets. The tree
may eventually die
due to
defoliation.
5. Twig Borer or  The larvae bore  Prune or cut damaged
Carpenter Moth holes on young branches, then burn.
plants and small
branches or twigs
of old trees.
6. Mealy Bugs  Spray w/
insecticide when there is
heavy infestation

Damage caused by Damaged caused Leaves infested Fruitlets infested Infested with Infested with
fruit borer. by shot hole borer with psyllids with Bao-bao twig borer mealy bugs

Fig. 4. Damaged caused by insect pests in durian.

Table 7. Major diseases of durian.

Common Name/Causal Description Control and

Organism Symptoms Management:

1. Phytophthora Diseases  Serious disease of

durian
 Soil borne fungus
can infect all
parts of the tree
in all stages of
growth and
development

 Spread
by wind, rain
 water, insects
and snails

 Cause serious
damage among
orchards.
 Commonly
 Appearance of wet
a. Patch canker (Fig. 25a) observed in
lesions on the bark  Provide wide spacing,
durian trees at remove weeds &
surface, usually near
bearing stage prune low hanging
the crotch region
depending on branches.
the variety
Bark necrosis is  Apply chemical at the
planted. accompanied by first sign of infection.
discoloration and  Scrape and remove
exudation of reddish diseased barks. Paint
brown, gummy, infected wood with
resinous substance fungicide.
 Apply Trichoderma
hazianum

 Infection initiated on
the leaves induces
b. Seedling Dieback and Foliar symptoms  Sanitation, aeration
Blight (Fig. 25b) characterized by and drainage are key
small, off-colored, factors in nursery
water-soaked spots
operation.
which become dark
and coalesce into  When needed,
large necrotic or periodically spray
dead patches systemic fungicides
such as Metalaxyl or
Fosetyl Aluminum or
combining Metalaxyl-
 The first sign of Mancozeb
infection appears as
tiny water-soaked
c. Phytophthora fruit rot lesions which later
coalesce and become
 Phytophthora fruit rot
brown then dark on is best controlled by
the fruit surface, integrated
which later result phytosanitary
into peel cracks on measures, cultural
the infected fruit as practices and chemical
it approaches treatment during pre-
harvest stage.
maturity.

Physiological Disorders

1. Uneven Fruit Ripening

 a. Characterized by the formation of hardened leathery aril in a a ripe fruit.
b. Affected aril remains unripe, whitish, odorless and tasteless

2. Wet or Watercore

a. Characterized by the presence of too much moisture and a very soft core and flesh of the
fruit.

3. Tip burn

a. The end part of the flesh turns dark yellow

b. Probably due to lack of water during flesh or aril development

a b

Fig. 5. Physiological disorder in durian (a) wet

core & (b) tip burn).

Harvesting and Post Harvest Management

A well cared durian tree starts bearing fruits as early as five years old. Durian fruits
generally fall from the trees at night when already mature and ripe.

Hand picked fruits have longer shelf life of 5-7 days compared to 2-3 days for fallen
fruits.

Maturity Indices

a. The fruit is 106-108 days old from opening for local cultivars, 112,113 days old
Chanee and 125 days old for Monthong.
b. Change in color. Pericarp turns yellowish green or brown.
c. A dull and hollow sound when tapped.
d. Strong aroma.
e. Very pliable spine.
f. Very distinct suture

g. Sweet with dull characteristic durian flavor.

Harvesting Fig. 6. Very distinct suture

 In rural areas, villagers clear the ground beneath the durian tree. They build grass huts
nearby at harvest time and camp there for 6 or 8 weeks in order to be ready to collect each fruit
as soon as it falls. Caution is necessary when approaching a durian tree during the ripening
season, for the falling fruits can cause serious injury.

Hunters place traps in the surrounding area because the fallen fruits attract game
animals and all kinds of birds. The fruit is also placed as bait for game in the forests.

Yield

Durian fruits mature in 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 months from the time of fruit-set. Seedling trees
in India may bear 40 to 50 fruits annually. Well-grown, high-yielding cultivars should bear
6,000 lbs of fruit per acre (6,720 kg/ha).

Keeping Quality

Durians are highly perishable. They are fully ripe 2 to 4 days after falling and lose eating
quality in 5 or 6 days.

Post-Harvest Treatments

Fruits that naturally drop must be consumed within 2-3 days. Fruits picked at proper
maturity stage can be stored for about a week under ambient condition.

Ripening problems such as uneven ripening of the fruits in locules and variable ripening
rates are encountered among fruits harvested at the same time. To minimize these problems,
harvest fruits at optimum stage of maturity and sort according to cultivar and degree of
ripeness prior to packaging. Fruits allowed to drop may have the best flavor but also have the
shortest shelf life. On the other hand, those picked too early may have longer storage life but
may not develop full flavor.

Refrigeration is the most effective means to extend the shelf life of fruits. In Malaysia,
durian is stored at 10°C for two weeks without manifesting chilling injury symptoms such as
darkening of peel and failure of fruit to ripen normally at ambient temperature. Mature green
fruits of Thailand durian cultivars, 'Mon Thong', 'Chanee' and 'Kanyao' are stored at 15°C. There
is still a need to establish the storage temperature range for locally grown introduced cultivars.

Minimally processed durian, (i.e., the extracted pulp with seeds packed in a styrofoam
tray and covered with transparent cling-wrap film) is gaining popularity in many suburban and
urban centers. Pulp can be stored in the freezer (-18° to -10°C) for as long as six months.

Packaging

Fruits intended for the local or nearby markets are generally packed in 50-kg capacity
bamboo baskets. On the other hand, wooden crates with a 25-kg capacity, which contain 10-15
fruits, are used to ship fruits to Metro Manila (Fig. 1b). For inter-island transport, banana
cartons, which can accommodate 4-6 fruits, are used.

Bamboo baskets are cheaper and provide good ventilation. However, they are not rigid
enough to allow stacking during storage and transport. Therefore, they should not be piled on
top of the other during transport. If a second layer is preferred, provide a simple platform
where the next tier of baskets will be placed. Likewise to prevent mechanical damage, individual
fruits are separated using banana leaf sheaths. A lid may be provided to secure the fruits during
transport and handling.

Wooden crates provide better protection and are sturdy enough to allow stacking.
Several layers of newsprints are used to line the crates and separate fruits in the container.
Fruits intended for distant markets should be packed in wooden crates or cartons.

 Transport and Handling

From the collection center or packing shed, fruits in suitable containers are immediately
transported to intended markets using jeeps and trucks that are covered with tarpaulin or
canvass. Fruits are highly perishable and may crack when exposed to direct sunlight. It is best to
transport the fruits at night to avoid exposure to sunlight and prevent heat build-up within the
containers.

If it could not be avoided to pile fruits on top of the other in transport vehicles, separate
the layers of fruits using pieces of cardboard. This can offer some protection against punctures
of spines and compaction damage.

Farmers transport their fruits directly to the market by trucks. For inter-island trade,
fruits are transported by ship or aircraft.

REQUIREMENTS IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ONE-HECTARE DURIAN ORCHARD

1)  Equipment and tools

 Quantity Item Unit Price (P) Cost (P)

2 units spade 650.00 1,300.00

2 units shovel 350.00 700.00

2 units bolo 350.00 700.00

2 units watering can 125.00 250.00

1 unit weighing scale 1,200.00 1,200.00

1 unit plastic pail 60.00 60.00

  Sub-total 4,210.00

2) Supplies and materials

Quantity  Item Unit price (P)  Cost (P)

172 pcs Grafted durian seedlings 60.00/pc 10,320.00

100 m Rope (1.27 cm thick) 7.00/m 700.00

156 pcs Bamboo stakes (1.0 m) 2.00/pc 312.00

1 pc Meter stick 60.00/pc 60.00

1 pc Triangular stick 25.00/pc 25.00

8 kg Complete fertilizer (14-14-14) 1,200.00/bag (50 kg) 192.00

936 poles Kakawate (1.5 m) 2.50/pole 2,340.00

468 pcs Coconut fronds 2.00/pc 936.00

3 rolls Plastic twine 120.00/roll 360.00

  Sub-total 15,245.00

3) Labor
Activity Man-Day (MD) Cost (P)

Land clearing 12 2,400.00

Plowing and harrowing 12 3,600.00

Lay-outing and staking 3 600.00

Digging holes and basal fertilization 3 600.00

Planting 2 400.00

Putting of shades per plant 6 1,200.00

Watering (2 MD/week for 12 weeks ) 42 8,400.00

Drainage construction 6 1,200.00

Replanting 1 200.00

Sub-total 18,600.00

*Labor cost at Php 200.00/MD and 300.00/man-animal day

Summary of cost of establishing a hectare durian farm

Particulars Amount

Equipment and tools 4,210.00

Supplies and materials 15,245.00

Labor 18,600.00

Total 38,055.00

COST FOR TRAINING AND PRUNING ACTIVITIES

1) Cost of tools and materials for training and pruning

 Year Pruning shear Cost (P) Pruning Saw Cost (P) Total Cost (P)

1 1 650.00 650.00

3 -

4 1 650.00 650.00

5 1 700.00 700.00

9 1 700.00 700.00

10

2) Cost of training and pruning activities1

Year Cost of Tools Labor Cost (P) Total Cost (P) per Per tree
ha.

1 650.00 200.00 850.00 5.45

2 200.00 200.00 1.28

3 200.00 200.00 1.28

4 650.00 400.00 1,050.00 6.73

5 700.00 400.00 1,100.00 7.05

6 400.00 400.00 2.56

7 600.00 600.00 3.85

8 600.00 600.00 3.85

9 700.00 600.00 1,300.00 8.33

10 600.00 600.00 3.85

1
Training will be done as early as first and second year. Pruning activities include removal of low-lying branches,
dead, broken or diseased twigs or branches and water sprouts.

COST OF WEEDING AND UNDERBRUSHING ACTIVITIES

Year Tools Cost Weeding1 Cost Under- Cost (P) Total Cost (P) per tree
MD (Php)
 (Grass- (Php) brushing2 per hectare
hook)
MD

1 3 750.00 6 1,200.00 12 2,400.00 4,350.00 27.88

2 6 1,200.00 12 2,400.00 3,600.00 23.08

3 3 750.00 6 1,200.00 12 2,400.00 4,350.00 27.88

4 6 1,200.00 12 2,400.00 3,600.00 23.08

5 3 750.00 6 1,200.00 12 2,400.00 4,350.00 27.88

6 12 2,400.00 12 2,400.00 4,800.00 30.77

7 3 750.00 12 2,400.00 12 2,400.00 5,550.00 35.58

8 12 2,400.00 12 2,400.00 4,800.00 30.77

9 3 750.00 12 2,400.00 12 2,400.00 5,550.00 35.58

10 12 2,400.00 12 2,400.00 4,800.00 30.77

1
Ring weeding at a distance of 1 meter from the trunk for 1-5 years old and canopy drip for 6-10 years old trees will
be done at 2 months interval.

2 Clearing the spaces in between rows of trees with weeds will be done 4 times a year.

COST FOR FERTILIZATION ACTIVITIES

1)  Cost of tools and materials needed in fertilization1

Yea Plastic Cost Complete Cost Ammo- Cost Foliar Cost Muriate Cost Chicken Cost Total Cost
r1 Pail (P) Fertilizer (P) nium (P) Ferti- of Dung (P) (P)
(pc) (14-14-14) Phosphate lizer (P) Potash (P)
(16-20-0) (0-060) (bags)2
(bags)2 (bags)2 (pack (bags)2
s)2

2 - - 3 3,600 1 1,300 2 440 - 5,340

3 1 60 6 7,200 4 5,200 3 660 11 660 13,780

4 16 19,200 - - 4 880 3 4,800 26 1560 26,440

5 - 19 22,800 - - 5 1,100 3 4,800 52 3,120 31,820

6 1 60 22 26,400 - - 5 1,100 5 8,000 78 4,680 40,240

7 25 30,000 5 1,100 6 9,600 104 6,240 46,940

8 28 33,600 5 1,100 8 12,800 104 6,240 53,740

9 1 60 28 33,600 5 1,100 8 12,800 104 6,240 53,800

10 28 33,600 5 1,100 8 12,800 104 6,240 53,740

1
Fertilization requirements for the first year is already included in the establishment.

2
Prices of fertilizers are: 14-14-14 = P1,200.00 bag (50 kgs/bag); 16-20-0 = P1,300.00/bag (50 kgs/bag); 0-0-60 =
P1,600.00/bag (50 kgs/bag); foliar fertilizer = P220.00/pack (100 g/pack); and chicken dung = P60.00/bag (30
kgs/bag).

2)  Cost analysis of fertilization activities1

Year Tools and Supplies Labor (P) Total Cost (P) Per tree
(P) Per hectare

2 5,340 800.00 6,140.00 39.36

3 13,780 1,800.00 15,580.00 99.87

4 26,440 2,000.00 28,440.00 182.31

5 31,820 2,000.00 33,820.00 216.79

6 40,240 2,000.00 42,240.00 270.77

7 46,940 2,000.00 48,940.00 313.72

8 53,740 2,000.00 55,740.00 357.31

9 53,800 2,000.00 55,800.00 357.69

10 53,740 2,000.00 55,740.00 357.31

1
Cost of fertilization for 1 year is included in the cost of establishment

COST OF IRRIGATION ACTIVITIES

1) Cost of tools and labor for irrigation activities1

 Year Tools Labor (P) Total Cost (P) Per Per tree2
hectare
Watering Can Cost (P)

1 - - 3,600.00 3,600.00 23.08

2 - 4,800.00 4,800.00 30.77

3 3 375.00 7,200.00 7,575.00 48.56

4 7,200.00 7,200.00 46.15

5 - 7,200.00 7,200.00 46.15

6 4 500.00 9,600.00 10,100.00 64.74

7 9,600.00 9,600.00 61.54

8 - 9,600.00 9,600.00 61.54

9 4 500.00 9,600.00 10,100.00 64.74

10 9,600.00 9,600.00 61.54

1
Cost of irrigation for the first 3 months of the plants in the field is included in the cost of establishment.

COST OF PROPPING ACTIVITIES

Year Bamboo Cost (P) Tying Cost (P) Labor (P) Total Cost (P) Per tree2
Poles1 Materials Per hectare

(pcs) (kgs)

1 - - - - - - -

2 - - - - - - -

3 - - - - - - -

4 - - - - - - -

5 468 7,020.00 4 600.00 400.00 8,020.00 51.41

6 6 900.00 600.00 1,500.00 9.65

7 10 1,500.00 800.00 2,300.00 14.74

8 10 1,500.00 800.00 2,300.00 14.74

9 468 7,020.00 10 1,500.00 800.00 9,320.00 59.74

10 10 1,500.00 800.00 2,300.00 14.74

1
Bamboo poles will be utilized only during fruiting season and keep for the next fruiting season.

COST OF MANAGING PESTS AND DISEASES

a. Cost of tools/equipment and materials

 Tools/Equipment Pesticides1 Total Cost

Year Knapsack Cost Insecticide Cost Fungicide Cost (P)

Sprayer
(P) (li) (P) (kgs) (P)

1 1 3,500.00 0.5 475.00 0.5 325.00 4,300.00

2 0.5 475.00 0.5 325.00 800.00

3 1 950.00 1 650.00 1,600.00

4 2 1,900.00 3 1,950.00 3,850.00

5 2 1,900.00 4 2,600.00 4,500.00

6 1 3,500.00 3 2,850.00 5 3,250.00 9,600.00

7 3 2,850.00 7 4,550.00 7,400.00

8 4 3,800.00 7 4,550.00 8,350.00

9 4 3,800.00 8 5,200.00 9,000.00

10 4 3,800.00 8 5,200.00 9,000.00

1
Prices of pesticides are as follows: Insecticide = P950.00/li and Fungicide = P650.00/kg.

b. Cost analysis of managing pests and diseases

Cost of
Equipment and Labor Cost
Year Pesticides Total Cost per Cost per tree
(P) hectare
(P)
(P)
1 4,300.00 800.00 5,100.00 32.69

2 800.00 800.00 1,600.00 10.26

3 1,600.00 1,200.00 2,800.00 17.95

4 3,850.00 1,200.00 5,050.00 32.37

5 4,500.00 1,600.00 6,100.00 39.10

6 9,600.00 1,600.00 11,200.00 71.79

7 7,400.00 2,000.00 9,400.00 60.26

8 8,350.00 2,000.00 10,350.00 66.35

9 9,000.00 2,400.00 11,400.00 73.08

10 9,000.00 2,400.00 11,400.00 73.08

 COST FOR HARVESTING ACTIVITIES
Supplies Cost
Total Cost (P)
Year (Kaing)1 (P) Labor (P) Per tree
Per hectare
1 - - - -

2 - - - -

3 - - - -

4 2 400.00 800.00 1,200.00 7.69

5 1,200.00 1,200.00 7.69

6 4 800.00 1,600.00 2,400.00 15.38

7 1 200.00 3,000.00 3,200.00 20.51

8 5 1,000.00 3,600.00 4,600.00 29.49

9 3 600.00 4,800.00 5,400.00 34.62

10 5 1,000.00 6,000.00 7,000.00 44.87

1
Price of kaing is P200.00/pc which will be used only in hauling the fruits.
 Summary of Establishment and maintenance cost for one hectare durian orchard. 1

Year Establish- Training/ Weeding/ Fertilization Irrigation Propping Managing Harvesting Total Cost Total Cost per
ment2 (P) Pruning Under- (P) (P) (P) Pest & (P) per hectare tree (P)
(Php) brushing Diseases (P) (P)
(P)
1 38,055.00 850.00 4,350.00 3,600.00 - 5,100.00 - 51,955.00 333.04

2 200.00 3,600.00 6,140.00 4,800.00 - 1,600.00 - 16,340.00 104.74

3 200.00 4,350.00 15,580.00 7,575.00 - 2,800.00 - 30,505.00 195.54

4 1,050.00 3,600.00 28,440.00 7,200.00 - 5,050.00 1,200.00 46,540.00 298.33

5 1,100.00 4,350.00 33,820.00 7,200.00 8,020.00 6,100.00 1,200.00 61,790.00 396.09

6 400.00 4,800.00 42,240.00 10,100.00 1,500.00 11,200.00 2,400.00 72,640.00 465.64

7 600.00 5,550.00 48,940.00 9,600.00 2,300.00 9,400.00 3,200.00 79,590.00 510.19

8 600.00 4,800.00 55,740.00 9,600.00 2,300.00 10,350.00 4,600.00 87,990.00 564.04

9 1,300.00 5,550.00 55,800.00 10,100.00 9,320.00 11,400.00 5,400.00 98,870.00 633.78

10 600.00 4,800.00 55,740.00 9,600.00 2,300.00 11,400.00 7,000.00 91,440.00 586.15

ESTIMATED COST AND RETURN FOR A HECTARE OF DURIAN ORCHARD1

Harvestable Yearly Net

Year Gross Income (P)2 Production Cost (P) ROI
Fruits (Kg) Income (P)

1 - 51,955.00 -51,955.00 -1

2 - 16,340.00 -16,340.00 -1

3 - 30,505.00 -30,505.00 -1

4 1,560 46,800.00 46,540.00 260.00 0.56

5 4,680 140,400.00 61,790.00 78,610.00 127.22

6 7,800 234,000.00 72,640.00 161,360.00 222.14

7 12,480 374,400.00 79,590.00 294,810.00 370.41

8 17,160 514,800.00 87,990.00 426,810.00 485.07

9 21,840 655,200.00 98,870.00 556,330.00 562.69

10 26,520 795,600.00 91,440.00 704,160.00 770.08

2
Fruits farmgate price is at Php30.00/kg.
 DURIAN PRODUCTION GUIDE

References

CountrySTAT Phil. 2017. at http://countrystat.bas.gov.ph

Loquias, V.L. et al. 2016. Durian Tree Management for Optimum Production: Proj. 1.
Flower and Fruit Thinning in Durian. Terminal Report.

PCARRD. 2000. The Philippines Recommends for Durian.

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