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Today I have just finished submitting my project proposal on "Starfruit grown under netted structure". This project will take about 2 years to finish which cost about RM 145,000 (USD 30,000). The project will take off early next year so we have to submit for budget. If they find that this project is viable than I would have the chance to get the money.
This research is relevant due to the fact may unanswered questions needed to be sought This include growth patterns and yield efficiency in relation to plant forms of starfruit under netted structure. The relationship between crop load and fruiting sites in each plant form needed to known for optimum harvest. Correct training and pruning techniques is very important so as not to waste beneficial plant parts for potential fruit production.
Past research
The project started in August 2002 and treatments consisted of two shapes i.e ‘V’ and rectangular; and two volumes i.e. 91- and 187-litres. The 2X2 treatment combinations and control were randomized with 6 replications. Plants were root-restricted using geotextile membrane with 100 µm porosity. Carbohydrate analysis and NPK analyses were carried out at flushing, flowering and fruiting. Results showed that all treatments had high carbohydrate level at flushing and flowering stage; 0.39 and 0.37 mg/g, respectively when compared to fruiting stage at 0.27 mg/g. While, nutrient analyses showed that N, and K contents were almost consistent at flushing, flowering and fruiting stages. This indicated that there was no nutrient deficiency symptoms detected in starfruit plants due to root suppression. It also showed that carbohydrate remains high at flushing and flowering and reduced during fruiting stage and its built- up at vegetative stage is higher than reproductive stage.
The project started in August 2002 and treatments consisted of two shapes i.e ‘V’ and rectangular; and two volumes i.e. 91- and 187-litres. The 2X2 treatment combinations and control were randomized with 6 replications. Plants were root-restricted using geotextile membrane with 100 µm porosity. Carbohydrate analysis and NPK analyses were carried out at flushing, flowering and fruiting. Results showed that all treatments had high carbohydrate level at flushing and flowering stage; 0.39 and 0.37 mg/g, respectively when compared to fruiting stage at 0.27 mg/g. While, nutrient analyses showed that N, and K contents were almost consistent at flushing, flowering and fruiting stages. This indicated that there was no nutrient deficiency symptoms detected in starfruit plants due to root suppression. It also showed that carbohydrate remains high at flushing and flowering and reduced during fruiting stage and its built- up at vegetative stage is higher than reproductive stage.
