ISHS Acta Horticulturae 279: III International Workshop on Temperate Zone Fruits in the Tropics and Subtropics
APPLE CULTIVATION IN THE HIGHLANDS OF MALAYSIA |
| Author: | W.W. Ko |
| Abstract:
Many temperate fruit cultivars have been introduced to the highland areas in Malaysia. Among the many temperate fruit types that have been evaluated for growth performance are the various apple cultivars introduced from U.S.A., Australia and Japan. The cultivars which are suitable for the wet humid tropical highland conditions are Granny Smith and Rome Beauty. Other potential cultivars include Gala, Mutsu, Orin, and Fuji. Low-chilling cultivars such as the Anna and Einshemer have also been evaluated, but their fruit quality is low. Vigorous rootstocks such as M1, M25, MM101, MM102, MM103 and MM109 are more suitable for the tropical highlands than the dwarf rootstocks (M9), which remain dormant. Various problems of apple cultivation on steep terrains are encountered. The need for branch arching and manual defoliation of leaves increase the cost of production. High rainfall and a indistinctive dry period reduce fruit yields. Suitable apple cultivars that are not only low-chilling but also rain tolerant are needed for these tropical conditions. | |
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