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Pummelo is the
hardiest among all variety of citrus, making it resistant to pests and
diseases. It is the only fruit with long shelf life. If harvested at the
right state of maturity, it could last for more than a month under ordinary
room temperature. For this reason, the fruit could be shipped in various
destinations without the risk to being spoiled.
The Magallanes and Nenita
pummelo are the only two commercial varieties
that are prolific, sweet. and juicy
The biggest export markets of these varieties are
Japan and Hong Kong. Pummelo is regarded as a
health fruit so it has unlimited demand here and abroad. In some fruit
stands, these two varieties with brand names such as 'Golden Fruit,' Dizon Farm, Nenita, etc. are
being retailed at around P80 to P150 per kilo.
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A close
look at a one-hectare orchard planted to 400 plants at intervals of 5 x 5
meters can gross P160,000 (10 kilos x 400 trees x P40/kilo) on sixth year;
production expenses is 20 percent. This is for single rootstock.
On the other hand, with double rootstock, more yields can be realized.
Continuously fruiting, harvest frequency is twice annually. On the second
year, the gross is the same as the third year gross of the single
rootstock; on the 10th year and onwards, the gross runs up from P2,400,000 (150 kilos x 400 trees x P40/kilo) to
P3,200,000 (200 kilos x 400 trees x P40/kilo).
Growth and development is accelerated or double in
comparison with single rootstock. Just as a man could travel faster
with two feet than one foot, a plant could grow faster with double root
systems.
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