durian farm in Isaan ?

[noopin2014]

Hi,

 

I would like to cultivate some durian trees. I would to know what it need to grow ? What kind of soil and climate ? Do you think if it's possible to start a farm in Isaan (Chaiyaphum) ? I heard i can do that at the foot of a mountain. Is it true ?

 

Thanks for your advices

[Gary A]

My wife has nearly every kind of fruit trees that you can imagine, EXCEPT durian. She has tried durian a number of times but they always die. She has had no success at all.

[DickThrust]

Is anyone else in the area growing them. If not there is a reason. Most durian are grown down south around Chantaburi and below. Presumably the soil and climate in these areas suit the growth of durian. I would suggest that N/E Thailand is not a good place to cultivate durian.

[KhunBENQ]

What I know is that there is no durian planted in our area.

All durian seems to come from the "south" (and quite expensive this year).

 

I quickly browsed through some sites describing conditions for durian.

(Winter) temperature drops don't seem to be the problem.

But abundant rain (or extensive watering), no lengthy drought, no water logging/flooding and high air moisture don't sound good for Isan.

 

If it would work I would surely see a number of durian farmers.

Looks like good business.

[JungleBiker]

No guarantees, but I reckon you'd have to:

 

(a) Grow the plants on raised mounds of soil or berms (say about 60cm high and 2.5 - 3 metres wide) to prevent the roots from being waterlogged during the rainy season. Durian is very susceptible to Phytophthora root root which thrives when the soil is saturated with water. I suspect that is why Gary A's wife's tree died. I have seen this technique used with durian in Rayong, where they grow a lot of durian, but also in Isaan for growing papaya and mandarins. The plants enjoy the rain but the roots need to breathe. Phytophthora used to be deadly for trees but these days it can be treated by injecting potassium phosphonate into the trunk: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/onairhighlights/durian-disease There are several companies that supply specialist injection tools, e.g. http://www.chemjet.com.au  and www.treeinjectors.com   

 

(b) Have a micro-sprinkler irrigation system to keep the soil moist during the dry season. The irrigation system would also help maintain a minimum level of humidity during the hottest time of the year when the air may otherwise be too dry for the durian.

 

(c) Run the micro-sprinklers during the hottest part of the day during the hottest months of the year to provide some cooling effect (created by the evaporation of the water droplets in the air and from the soil surface). A more effective way to cool the air around the trees would be to use misters or foggers, but this would increase the investment and operating costs. 

 

The OP mentioned growing at the foot of a mountain - such a site may have a deeper soil, better surface drainage (if the land has a gentle slope), and provide shelter from hot drying winds in the summer and cold winds in the summer,  which should increase the chances of growing durian successfully. A south facing-slope would probably be preferable. 

 

 

 

 

 

[noopin2014]

12 hours ago, JungleBiker said:

No guarantees, but I reckon you'd have to:

 

(a) Grow the plants on raised mounds of soil or berms (say about 60cm high and 2.5 - 3 metres wide) to prevent the roots from being waterlogged during the rainy season. Durian is very susceptible to Phytophthora root root which thrives when the soil is saturated with water. I suspect that is why Gary A's wife's tree died. I have seen this technique used with durian in Rayong, where they grow a lot of durian, but also in Isaan for growing papaya and mandarins. The plants enjoy the rain but the roots need to breathe. Phytophthora used to be deadly for trees but these days it can be treated by injecting potassium phosphonate into the trunk: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/onairhighlights/durian-disease There are several companies that supply specialist injection tools, e.g. http://www.chemjet.com.au  and www.treeinjectors.com   

 

(b) Have a micro-sprinkler irrigation system to keep the soil moist during the dry season. The irrigation system would also help maintain a minimum level of humidity during the hottest time of the year when the air may otherwise be too dry for the durian.

 

(c) Run the micro-sprinklers during the hottest part of the day during the hottest months of the year to provide some cooling effect (created by the evaporation of the water droplets in the air and from the soil surface). A more effective way to cool the air around the trees would be to use misters or foggers, but this would increase the investment and operating costs. 

 

The OP mentioned growing at the foot of a mountain - such a site may have a deeper soil, better surface drainage (if the land has a gentle slope), and provide shelter from hot drying winds in the summer and cold winds in the summer,  which should increase the chances of growing durian successfully. A south facing-slope would probably be preferable.

Very interested informations, thanks mate :)

[zlodnick]

I've planted several durian, some from seed, some from seedlings. Tried different methods, but they all died.

 

There are lots of durian seedlings for sale here in Issan. I think everyone is trying to be the first to succeed.