4 things to know for planting Pili (Canarium ovatum)

Pili (Canarium ovatum) is a fruit-bearing tree that holds significant potential as a major export crop for the country. It is a tropical plant that thrives in regions with evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year, such as the Bicol region. The young fruits of the pili tree are green in color, and they turn purplish black when fully ripe. Pili nuts are particularly popular as a Bicol product. Additionally, the flesh of the pili fruit can be used to make viands like Tampuyak, which is a delicacy in the Rinconada area of Bicol. The versatility of the pili tree provides numerous uses that can help sustain the needs of various industries.

Pili seeds are commonly used for sowing and growing pili trees. To expedite the germination process, there are steps you can take to reduce the waiting time. According to the Bureau of Agricultural Research, pili seeds typically require an average of 57 days for germination, which is almost 2 months of waiting before the plants start to sprout, approximately 70 days after sowing. During this time, the seed will develop a pair of young leaves.

To minimize the germination time, you can follow a simple technique. Using a bolo or similar tool, create a small hole on the spinal part of the pili seed before sowing it. The purpose of this hole is to facilitate the penetration of water and oxygen into the seed, as these two elements are crucial for germination to occur. By allowing easier access to water and oxygen, the seed's germination process can be accelerated.

Soil media used for your seed bed and soil bag

The practice of plant nurseries in the entire region emphasizes the importance of using good quality soil for young growing plants. The soil should possess favorable characteristics such as texture, fertility, acidity, water-holding capacity, and other desirable qualities. Providing proper soil conditions is essential for the optimal growth and development of young plants.

A recommended soil media for the seed bed and soil bag consists of a 1:1:1 ratio of decomposed or carbonized rice hull, sand or animal manure, and loam soil. This combination of organic components provides the necessary nutrients and support for the plants' needs.

Once the pili seeds have germinated, it is advisable to transfer them to soil bags. During the transplantation process, care should be taken to avoid damaging the roots of the plants. Preserving the integrity of the root system is crucial for the continued healthy growth of the pili seedlings.

Practice pricking/indirect planting

Pricking is a technique commonly used in nurseries to acclimatize seedlings to excessive sunlight gradually. It involves gradually exposing the seedlings to increasing amounts of sunlight over time.

After transferring the seedlings to soil bags, the process of pricking begins. On the first day, expose the seedlings to sunlight for at least 2 hours. The following day, increase the exposure time by an additional 1-2 hours. Continue this process of gradually extending the exposure time each day until the seedlings can tolerate a full day of sunlight exposure.

By gradually exposing the seedlings to sunlight, this technique helps them adapt and build resilience to the intense sunlight they will encounter when transplanted to the field. This increases their chances of successful establishment and growth in their new environment.

One male of Pili per hectare

For optimal pollination and fruit set in pili trees, it is recommended to plant at least one male pili tree within a hectare of female pili trees. Male pili trees produce the pollen necessary for fertilizing the female flowers and initiating fruit development. The presence of a male tree ensures that there is a sufficient supply of pollen available for pollination. Without proper pollination, the female pili trees may not produce fruits or may have low fruit set. Therefore, planting at least one male pili tree within a hectare of female trees is essential for achieving successful pollination and ensuring a good yield of pili fruits.