In durian cultivation, the technique of maintaining and nourishing newly emerged branches is crucial, particularly during the early developmental stage. Healthy newly emerged branches and well-developed leaves support photosynthesis, promoting optimal plant growth. In a recent experiment conducted in Dak Lak, the use of two products, Oligochitosan and Peptides, demonstrated outstanding effectiveness in improving branch length and shortening the development cycle of newly emerged branches. Specifically, using a 1% Peptides solution for root irrigation increased branch length by 6–7% compared to the control. Additionally, a foliar spray of 0.5% Peptides combined with 0.5% Oligochitosan increased branch length by 10–11%. Both Peptides, individually and in combination with Oligochitosan, reduced the development time of newly emerged branches by a quarter, shortening it to 46–47 days compared to the average of 60 days.
Peptides (CR01) provide essential macronutrients and amino acids, enhancing plant mineral and micronutrient absorption. They stimulate branching, vigorous shoot growth, quick recovery after harvest, and promote root development and soil improvement, supporting sustainable farming.
Oligochitosan (COSL-02) acts as a “vaccine” for plants and a growth stimulant, aiding nutrient absorption by forming chelates. Combined with Peptides, it boosts plant growth and resilience to adverse conditions like extreme weather and pests.
Fish-based fertilizers used by durian farmers are often imported, with unstable prices and quality. In contrast, hydrolyzed shrimp protein and Oligochitosan, derived from local shrimp by-products, offer a stable, high-quality alternative, benefiting farmers both technically and economically.
EXPERIMENTAL INFORMATION:
• Location: Krong Nang, Dak Lak.
• Time of implementation: June – August, 2024
• Tested products: Peptides (9 Rồng 01 Fertilizer – CR01) and Oligochitosan (COSL-02 5% SL)
• Oligochitosan Information:
+ Oligochitosan concentration: 5%
+ Degree of deacetylation (DD): ≥ 80%
+ Viscosity: ~ 1.09 cPs
+ Source: 100% chitosan from shrimp shells, produced by Vietnam Food Joint Stock Company
• Peptides Information:
+ Organic content: ≥ 25%
+ Total nitrogen: ≥ 2%
+ C/N ratio: 12
Oligochitosan and Peptides are produced by Vietnam Food Joint Stock Company
• Experimental subject: Dona durian trees (Durio zibethinus L.) (3 years old)
• Experiment method: Based on TCVN 12720:2019 standards for fertilizer trials on perennial crops
• Treatments’ description:
• Application method:
+ Root irrigation: irrigate with 10 liters of diluted solution/ tree, applied every 15 days, 3 times.
+ Foliar spray: in the early morning or late afternoon, applied every 15 days, 3 times.
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN:
The experiment is arranged using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), including 6 treatments for 6 fertilizer formulas, with 3 replications and 5 trees/ treatment. The experimental area is nearly 10,000 m².
RESULTS
* Durian Leaf Size: Using CR01 at a concentration of 0.5% combined with COSL-02 at 0.5% for foliar spraying resulted in the largest leaf size (length x width: 11.5 x 3.4 cm) (Figure 2). In addition, this combination resulted in higher nutrients absorption, as well as darker and thicker leaves (Figure 3).
* The length of newly emerged branches ranged from 31.1 to 34.5 cm. Using CR01 at 0.5% with COSL-02 at 0.5% for foliar spraying resulted in the best length (34.5 cm), an 11% increase compared to the control and a 10% increase compared to the farmer’s control (AT fish fertilizer). It was also recorded that root irrigation of CR01 at 1% increased the length by 6–7% compared to the controls (Figure 5).
*Development cycle of newly emerged branches: Using CR01 sped up the development cycle compared to the two controls. Applying a 1% CR01 solution for root irrigation or a 0.5% CR01 solution combined with 0.5% COSL-02 for foliar spraying shortened the development cycle to 46–47 days, reducing it by 15–16 days compared to the untreated control, and by 7–8 days compared to the farmer’s control (AT fish fertilizer).
CONCLUSION
Using Oligochitosan (COSL-02) and Peptides (CR01), either individually or in combination, had a positive effect on the development of newly emerged branches in durians during the formative stage. It shortened the development cycle by 1/4 and increased branch length. Specifically, using a 1% Peptides solution for root irrigation increased branch length by 6–11% compared to the control. Root irrigation with Peptides was particularly beneficial during the formative stage, while foliar spraying supported quick recovery after harvest or pest attacks. To maximize efficiency and reduce costs, combining both root irrigation and foliar spraying was recommended based on the plant’s condition.
Vietnam Food Corporation (VNF) offers a diverse range of Peptides and Chitosan products suitable for various applications in crop cultivation, such as fertilizers, plant protection products, and agricultural preservatives. These products are derived from shrimp by-products (heads and shells) in seafood processing and are seen as “Value-added solutions from by-products for agriculture.” The solutions align with sustainable farming trends, reducing emissions and enhancing benefits for farmers.
Source: This experiment was conducted as part of the Improving Private Sector Competitiveness (IPSC) Project, funded by the Agency for Enterprise Development (AED) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and implemented by Vietnam Food Joint Stock Company