Action

What action is taken

How is action done?

When is action done?

Why is action done?

Lining and holing

Lining and staking for 10 x 10 m; dig hole 60 x 60 x 60 cm

Lining; manually; holes dug by hand or machine

Planting material

Bud -grafted; plants prepared or purchased

2 months before transplanting

Planting material

Basal fertiliser (see section on fertiliser application)

manually

Before seedlings is placed into hole

To adjust soil pH and provide some soil nutrients

Fertiliser application

(see section on fertiliser application)

Either applied to soil, as foliar applications or via irrigation water

3-6 applications per year, depending on age of plant

To ensure good vegetative and reproductive growth

Irrigation

Regular irrigation during growth of young trees

manually with hose or bucket; sprinkler/drip

2-3 times per week during dry season; after harvesting; but discontinued a few weeks before harvesting and during flower initiation

To ensure good vegetative growth and reduce yield losses

Pest & disease control

Monitor occurrence of pests and diseases. Control as appropriate

Regular inspections of crop

As necessary

To reduce pest infestations and improve yield

Weed control

Weeding around tree trunk; mulching

Manually around tree trunk, chemical control between rows

From transplantation to 3-4 years old

To ensure good establishment of young trees

Pollination

Rear honey bees to improve pollination

One hive per acre (0.4 ha)

During flowering

Rambutan flowers are pollinated by bees and encouraging pollination increases fruit set

Pruning and training

Early training ; removal of water sprouts, infected shoots, crossing branches; topping to reduce tree height

Manually cut

To establish strong framework, encourage fruiting branches and facilitate fruit picking

Harvesting

Fruits are cut with secateurs in bunches together with twigs

15-18 weeks after flowering