BATS AS DURIAN POLLINATORS
In the early stage of land cultivation, farmers only consider of orchard planning. They usually pay attention to the location of water pipes, distance between the rows of trees, water storage facility, variety to be planted and so on.
“If farmers plant durian trees that produce only female flowers, then the trees will bear lots of flowers but no fruits.” said durian cultivation expert Ng Swee Pen. “The farmers have to make sure more trees are planted to that there are also plant female or male flowers for pollination to take place.
Ng Swee Pen is managing an organic durian orchard in Karak, Pahang. His organic approach allows insects to live in his orchard. Relying solely on insects as pollinators is enough to contribute to ample durian fruit sets.
