As predicted by Pinghe Agriculture Bureau in Xiamen, China, the harvest of Honey Pomelos for export was expected to be 20% more than last season, from 100,000 tons last season to 120,000 tons this season.

Unfortunately, due to a heavy downpour in week 37, the predicted 20% increase in output was destroyed by fruit cracking during week 38 and 39.

Fruit cracking is a serious disorder to fresh fruit growers. In young fruits it could be due to Boron deficiency, which can be prevented, but fully grown fruits crack due to moisture imbalances as this fruit is very sensitive to variation in soil moisture. Prolonged drought causes hardening of the peal and if this is followed by heavy irrigation or a downpour then the pulp grows and skin cracks.

At Oriental Orchard, we were prepared to manage this problem through following means:
1) Maintaining soil moisture and not allowing wide variations in soil moisture depletion.
2) Cultivation of tolerant varieties, e.g. Red Flesh Honey Pomelo.
3) Spraying of calcium hydroxide on leaves in fruits initiating after fruit set.
4) Wrapping each fruit with a paper bag, which can prevent variation in atmosphere moisture after fruit set.

As an original grower, processor and vendor of Honey Pomelos for export, Oriental Orchard Ltd. is dedicated to offer customers low residue Honey Pomelos, which are in line with safety standards and GLOBALG.A.P. CERTIFICATE from orchard to fork.

Food safety, sustainability, innovation, logistic efficiency and traceability have a high priority in all Oriental Orchard's activities.

Contact:
Johnny Sue
Oriental Orchard Ltd.
609, 6/F. Head Office Bldg.
No. 28 - 30 Banwei Rd.
361004 Xiamen, China
Tel: +86 592 557 1557
Fax: +86 592 220 7692
MP: +86 159 8077 2336

Source: www.freshplaza.com