There are really a number of good reasons why we should plant more pummelos, the good varieties of course. For one, there are many places suitable for producing pummelo. The market is right here in the Philippines, not to mention the lucrative markets abroad such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and others.

A newly published guide on pummelo production in the Asean region states that there are less than 5,000 hectares planted to pummelo in the Philippines. One problem is that there is low production mainly due to the lack of know-how. And that is one reason why the experts from the University of Southern Mindanao like Dr. Pablito P. Pamplona, Marisa E. Garcia and Rogelio G. Borres, have come up with the new guidebook on pummelo production.

The book contains the technologies consolidated through empirical research and through local and global technology searches. These results could be very useful in producing high yields of high-quality fruits that will readily find their way to local and foreign markets. The researchers put together various technological information on the production and postproduction of pummelo through research and documentation of innovative practices of successful pummelo growers in the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Among the techniques that could be very useful to local pummelo farmers are the doable ways of off-season production that will make the fruit available throughout the year. There are also important guides to the control and prevention of serious pests and diseases.

The book discusses practical guides to nursery establishment and management like basic infrastructure components, accreditation requirements for a pummelo nursery, establishment of foundation stocks, growing of rootstocks, etc. There are useful information on establishing the pummelo orchard, cultural management of immature trees, production management of fruit-bearing trees, nutritional management, irrigation and drainage, weeds and their control.

The book also devotes a chapter on pummelo production on the flooded plains of Central Thailand, including field preparation, crop establishment, water management, induction of flowering through imposed water stress, and conditioning the tree for fruiting.

Another important chapter is the discussion of integrated pest management that includes major IPM techniques. Also included is a chapter on the major pests and diseases of the fruit crop.

Then there is the chapter on postharvest handling, curing, sorting and grading, washing, waxing, storage and packaging.

Inquiries may be sent to Marisa E. Garcia, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, North Cotabato.