Source: Bernama
Date: Dec 12, 2011

IPOH, Dec 14 (Bernama) — The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) will intensify efforts to promote durian seedling clones, namely the MDUR 78, MDUR 79 (both launched in 1991) and MDUR 88 (1992).

Perak Mardi director Dr Zabri Abd Wahid said although the clones were produced by Mardi almost 20 years ago, they were not widely known due to lackadaisical promotion.

He said until now, the clones were cultivated on small scales in Pahang, Kedah, Perak and Terengganu, and efforts would be intensified to promote them widely to farmers for commercialisation.

“The clones have better features than their parent plants. For example, the 88 MDUR, which is a cross between D24 and D10, has thicker flesh and the fruit matures faster.

“The MDUR 88 clone starts fruiting faster – between six and seven years after it is planted. It also has higher resistance to canker disease (phytophthora palmivora),” he said when met at a Mardi station in Kuala Kangsar today.

“The clones are well-received when we promoted them at fruit carnivals, but not many people are aware that they have been in the market for so long,” he said, adding that the durian seedling clones are sold at RM8 each at Mardi nurseries.

Zabri said as the clones were awarded the ISO certification, the quality of the durian trees and seedlings were guaranteed.

Twelve more hybrid durians produced by Mardi recently will be launched in the market soon, he added.