NSIC (National Seed Industry Council) PCTWG (Plantation Crops Technical Working

Group) SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) ON THE EVALUATION OF RUBBER,

COMMERCIALIZATION

A. Screening of Promising Lines/clones/varieties

1. Identification and accreditation of institutions/agencies/etc. (both government and private)

involved in the development and screening of plantation crops promising lines/clones/varieties.

2. Number of locations and years to final evaluation for release and commercialization.

Crops No. of Locations Years to final evaluation/release a) Coffee -at least two (2) -at least three(3) years of productive years b) Cacao -at least two (2) -at least three(3) years of productive years c) Coconut -at least two (2) -at least three(3) years of productive years d) rubber -at least two (2) - 5-8 yrs. Of tapping for class lll

- 9-15 yrs. Of tapping for class ll - more than 15 yrs of tapping for class l

3. Documentation, analysis and evaluation procedures follow the appropriate standards for each

kind of plantation crop (PC).

4. New promising lines/clones/varieties to be recommended for release/commercialization must

be equally or more superior than the control/check clones/varieties.

B. Registration and Naming of New Clones/Varieties for Release.

1. Locally developed clones/varieties shall be registered with name after the appropriate and

legitimate institutions/agencies who submitted the materials for evaluation. Ex. USM rb. 99-03

for rubber.

2. Promising lines, clones/varieties introduced to the country or from somewhere else with known

identity submitted for evaluation when registered for release shall be named using the code

letter of the crop plus the desired number and the original identity name in parenthesis. Ex. (Cf-r

99-01 (l.C. No. 7) for coffee; Rb 99-01 (RRIM 600) for rubber.

Legend: 99 – year released Cn – Coconut 01 Breeders desired numbers Cf.r – coffee robusta r – robusta

a – Arabica h- Hybrid

Rb-Rubber Ca - Cacao

C. Team Meetings

Quarter Place Purpose/Activity Expected outputs 1st Luzon Area To visit, evaluate and monitor

performance of both candidate and old varieties/clones of coffee and other PC in Luzon and also hold consultation meeting either before or after the trip.

a) industry situationer report b) suggestions/ recommendations c) Etc.

2nd Visayas Area To visit evaluate and monitor performance of both candidate and old varieties/clones of coffee, cacao, coconut, etc. in visayas identified areas and hold meeting.

-do-

CACAO, COCONUT, COFFEE AND MULBERRY CLONES/VARIETIES FOR RELEASE AND

3rd

Northern and Western Mindanao Areas

To visit, evaluate and monitor performance of both candidate and old varieties/clones of PC in N and W areas of Mindanao and hold meeting after the trip

-do_

4th

Eastern and Central Mindanao Areas

To visit, evaluate and monitor performance of both candidate and old varieties/clones of PC in E and C areas of Mindanao, and hold meeting after the trip.

-do-

D. Members of the Team (TWG)

Name Agency Discipline Remarks 1. Eugenio A. Alcala, Ph. D. 2. Romulo L. Cena, Ph. D. 3. Herminio M. Pava, Ph. D . 4. Gerardo Santos, M. Sc. 5. Ruben P. Cabangbang, M. Sc. 6. Emmanuel C. Ching 7. Democratico Magpantay, Ph. D 8. Jose F. Reaño, Ph.D. 9. Anita V. Acosta 10. Alexander Ferre, M.Sc. 11. Roman H. Mercado 12. Myma J. Ferrer 13. Constancio deGuzman,Ph.D. 14. Ismael A. Elevazo, M.Sc.

USM USM CMU PCA USM Private Sector PCARRD Nestle Phil. Inc. BPI-Manila CVSU DA-WESMIARC BPI-Baguio City UP Los Baños Private Sector

Crop Physiology Plant Breeding Plant Breeding Plant Breeding Crop Production Crop Physiology

Dir. USM Dept. Chairman VP, CMU Chief Division - Pres. PetCorp. Inc. Division Chief Research Director - Director, CvSU - - Professor Bank Manager

GUIDELINES/METHODS OF GATHERING THE DATA OF CACAO

1. PLANT TREE CHARACTERS

1.1 Age(mos) – determine the age of the tree from planting to the time of data gathering

1.2 Height(cm) – measurement from the base of the ground to the tip of the highest branch.

1.3 Canopy diameter (cm) – measurement from the base of the ground to the tip of the

highest branch.

1.4 Age of first flowering (mos) – days from planting to first appearance of flowers

1.5 Age at first fruiting 9mos) – days from planting to first appearance of fruits

1.6 Number of pods/tree/year – number of developed pods from January to December of

the tree.

1.7 Yield/tree/year – weight of processed beans of pods developed from January to

December (18m.c.)

2. LEAF CHARACTERS

2.1 Leaf length (cm) – length of matured leaf measured horizontally from the petiole.

2.2 Leaf width (cm) – measurement from the widest portion of the leaf

2.3 Leaf shape – shape of the leaves described as lancerate, ovate, narrow elliptic and

elliptic.

2.4 Leaf margin – characteristics of the leaf margin describe as smooth corrugated and

wavy.

3. PODS CHARACTERS

3.1 Pods index – number of pods to make a kilo dried (18%m.c.) bean.

3.2 Pod shape – profile of the flat side described as:

1 – elliptical

2 – narrow elliptical

3- round

3.3 Pod Length (cm) – measurement from the petiole to the tip of the pod.

3.4 Pod width (cm) – measurement from the widest portion of the pod.

3.5 Pod wall thickness(cm) – measurement of fresh pod wall or shell of the pod.

4. BEAN CHARACTERISTICS

4.1 Bean Color – color of bean, e.g. white, violet, others.

4.2 Weight of 100 dried beans – weight of 100 dried(18m.c.) beans randomly selected.

4.3 Number of beans per pod – average from 10 randomly selected pods of each

variety/clone.

4.4 Bean length – longitudinal measurement of beans.

4.5 Bean width – measurement from the widest side of the bean.

4.6 Bean thickness – measurement from the cut beans that is laid flat.

5. REACTION TO MAJOR PESTS AND DISEASES

5.1 Vascular streak dieback (VSD) – reaction to VSD with scale rating as:

1 – very light

2- light

3- moderate

4- severe

5- very severe

5.2 Pod rot – reaction to pod rot rated as:

1- Susceptible

2- Moderately resistant

3- Resistant

6. QUALITY EVALUATION

GUIDELINES/METHOD OF GATHERING DATA OF COFFEE

Variety Name – Name given to the variety during the evaluation.

Location – Place where the tree is planted during the evaluation

Methods of Propagation – type of propagation used (grafting, budding, seeds, etc.)

1. PLANT TREE CHARACTERS

1.1 age – refers to the age of the tree (months) during the evaluation.

1.2 Height – height of the tree (cm) from the base up to the tip of the highest portion of the

tree.

1.3 Vigor – refers to the vigor of the tree rated as:

1 – weak

2 – semi vigorous

3 – Strong

1.4 Angle of primary branches with the main stem – the angle measured in degrees from the

main to the primary branches at the 14-16th node from the apex described as:

1 – horizontal

2 – semi horizontal

3 – semi erect

4 – erect

1.5 Canopy diameter – diameter of the canopy measured in the mid portion of the tree.

1.6 No. of nodes/linear meter – the number of nodes present in one meter length of the

longest lateral branch

1.7 Length of the largest lateral – length in cm of the longest lateral taken from the mid-

portion of the tree.

1.8 No. of laterals – refers to the total number of lateral that could be found in the tree.

1.9 Age of first flowering – age of the tree during the first flowering period.

1.10 Age of the first fruiting – age of the tree during the formation of fruit.

1.11 Yield/tree – yield in grams/tree in dry bean weight

1.12 Regularity in bearing – fruit bearing characteristics described as regular or irregular

1.13 Frequency of harvesting (number of priming per harvesting season) – refers to the

number of times of harvest employed per harvesting season.

2. LEAF CHARACTERS

2.1 Leaf shape – shape of the leaves described as lanceolate, ovate narrow elliptic and

elliptic.

2.2 Leaf margin – characteristics of leaf margin described as smooth. Corrugated and waxy.

2.3 Color of the new leaves – the color of the new leaves described as light green, light

bronze , cooper.

2.4 Angle of the leaves – angle of the leaves to the lateral branch described as horizontal,

semi-horizontal, semi-erect and erect.

3. BERRY CHARACTERISTICS

3.1 Fruit shape – shape of the ripe fruit described as:

1 – elliptical

2 – elliptical pointed

3 –spherical

3.2 Fruit color (immature)

1 – green

2 – light green

3 – dark green

3.3 Fruit color (ripe)

1 – red

2- yellow

3 – red with longitudinal yellowish stripes

3.4 Number of berries per node – number of berries present in one node at the mid portion

of the longest lateral.

3.5 Fresh weight of 100 fruits – weight of newly harvested 100 ripe fruit in grams.

3.6 Fruit nipple characteristics – fruit nipple characteristics describe as flat, protruding and

sunken.

4. BEAN CHARACTERS

4.1 Bean Shape – profile of the flat side describe as:

1 – elliptical

2 – narrow elliptical

3 – round

4.2 Bean Length – length of beans in millimeter.

4.3 Endosperm color – color of endosperm described as white, green, and dark.

4.4 Weight of 100 seed (11% MC) – weight of 100 beans/seed in grams at 11% moisture

content.

4.5 Ratio of fresh weight – the weight to dry bean weight.

Tree weight of coffee In grams to the weight in grams of dry

weight.

5.1 REACTION TO INSECT PEST

5.1.1 Coffee berry borer - reaction to coffee berry borer describe as (1)susceptible (3)

moderately resistance (5) resistant.

5.1.2 Aphids – reaction to aphids attack describe as (1) susceptible (3) moderately

resistance (5) resistant.

5.1.3 Mealy bugs – reaction to mealy bugs rate as (1) susceptible (3) moderately resistance

(5) resistant.

5.1.4 Stem borer – reaction to stem borer rated as (1) susceptible (3) moderately resistance

(5) resistant.

5.2 REACTION TO DISEASE

5.2.1 Anthracnose – reaction to anthracnose disease with scale rating as (1) very

light (2) light (3) moderate (4) severe (5) very severe.

5.2.2 Coffee rust – reaction to coffee rust with scale rating as as (1) very light (2) light (3)

moderate (4) severe (5) very severe.

5.2.3 coffee berry disease – reaction to disease attacks the coffee berries rated as as (1) very

light (2) light (3) moderate (4) severe (5) very severe.

6. QUALITY EVALUATION AND GRADING

6.1 Grade – grade of coffee will be determined using the standards being used by Nestle

Philippines which is according to triage range and are classified as:

Grade I – coffee beans having less than or equal to 8.0% triage

Grade II – coffee beans having more than 8.0% but not more than 12.0% triage

Grade III – coffee beans having more than 12.0% but not more than 16.0% triage.

6.2. Sensory content – analyzed using Nestle Standards.

6.3 Caffeine content – content of caffeine obtained thru chemical analysis

6.4 Flavor – analyzed using Nestle standards.

6.5 Aroma – analyzed using Nestle standards.

6.6 Body – analyzed using Nestle standards.

6.7 Cup taste – analyzed using Nestle standards.

GUIDELINES.METHODS OF GATHERING DATA OF RUBBER

Variety Name - name given to the clone/variety during the evaluation

Location - Place where the tree is planted during the evaluation.

Methods of Propagation – type of propagation used (seedling, budding, grafting)

1. PLANT/TREE CHARACTERS

1.1 Age – refers to the age of the tree (months during the evaluation.

1.2 Growth habit – habit of growth of the tree (tall straight, heavy branching with lead

branching)

1.3 Girth size – size of the girth 6 years after planting (measured 70 cm above the bud

union)

1.4 Girth increment during tapping – girth increment measured quarterly during the

tapping period.

1.5 Wintering Characteristics – response on the clone to wintering (regular or irregular)

1.6 Virgin Bank Thickness – thickness of the bank measured in cm at the tapping panel.

1.7 Response to Simulation – response of the clone to ethrel stimulation classified as low,

medium, high.

1.8 Yield at tapping (S2d2 100% tapping intensity)

1.8.1 Virgin Bark

1.8.1.1 Panel A (% yuears of tapping) – dry rubber yield in Kg/ha of the clone the

first 5 years of tapping

1.8.1.2 Panel B (10 years of tapping) – dry rubber yield (kg/ha) of the clone the 2nd

years of tapping.

1.8.2 Renewed Bark

1.8.2.1 Panel C (15 years of tapping) – dry rubber yield (kg/ha) of the clone the 3rd 5

years of tapping

1.8.2.2 Panel D (20years of tapping) – dry rubber yield (kg/ha) of the clone the 4th 5

year of tapping.

2. LATEX AND RUBBER PROPERTIES (TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE Philippine Rubber Testing Center, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato)

2.1 % dry rubber content – obtained bases on ISO 126, where 20 g of fresh latex coagulated using 2 to 3 ml or 2% VN acetic acid. The acid together with 10 ml of water will be added slowly as the petri dish on rotated. The petri bath for 10 minutes or until the serum will be clear to ensure that even small pieces of it adhere to the larger ones. The thickness of the coagulum will be dried in the oven at 70+20celcius for the 17 hrs, cooled in desiccator and weighed. Determine will be carried out in triplicate. Results will be calculated using the following formula.

Weight of dried coagulum DRC = ---------------------------------------------x100

Weight of latex 2.2 Latex color

Color of the latex will be obtained using the 150 4660 procedure. The resultant dry rubber obtained in the DRC determination will be cut into small circles with 2.0 mm diameter using a punch. The test will be conducted by visual comparison of the color against using a suitable comparator, the Lovibond Tinotometer.

2.3 Mooney Viscosity This will be obtained using the Food cup method. One hundred fifty (150 ml) of latex will be introduced into the viscometer noting that the outlet at the bottom is closed. The latex will allowed to drain. The time necessary for the latex to be totally drained off will be determined using stop watch . the result will be expressed in terms of the time in seconds measured as: Mooney viscosity of the latex =determined in seconds to drain.

2.4 Nitrogen Content The test portion will be sheeted by passing it twice between the rolls with a mill opening which could produce a rubber sheet of less than 2 mm thick. Approximately 0.1 gram of rubber test portion was =weighed to the nearest 0.5 mg and 3 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid (1.84 g/ml) was added to the sample in the flask. Than is was boiled gently until the color became clear green with no yellow unit. Digestion took taken about 2.5 hours. Then it was allowed to cool at room temperature and 10 ml of distilled water was added. The solution was transferred to the distilling falsk, rising the digestion flask with 3 portions of distilled water. A steam generator was used and it was steamed out for 30 minutes. A 10 ml solution of boric acid with 2 to 3 drops of indicator was placed in a flask for the reception of nitrogen. the flask was positioned so that the end of the delivery tube from the condenser dipped below the surface of the acid solution. Fifteen ml of NaOH was added to the distilling flask for 10-20 minutes. If the color of the indicator changed from violet to green, the receiving flask was lowere until the tip of the condenser was above the level of the acid distillation continued for 1 minute of longer and the tip of the delivery tube was rinsed with few ml of distilled water. The distillate was titrated with 0.2N sulfuric solution. The green color changed to light violet color. In parallel with the determination, a blank (without the sample) was carried out using the same quantity of reagent and same conditions. Percentage nitrogen was calculated using the formula

(V1-V2) x N x 0.014 %N= --------------------------- x 100

M

Where: V1 = volume in ml of 1.2 N sulfuric acid required to titrate the distillate from the determination. V2 = volume in ml of 0.2 N sulfuric acid required to totrate the distillate from the flask.

2.5 Phosphorous Content Weigh 1 g sample in duplicate. Digest with 40 ml aqua regia on a hotplate to a paste consistency. Add about 100 ml hot distilled water and boil. Filter to a 250 ml volumetric flask to mark with hot distilled water. Take 25 or 50 aliquot into an Erlenmeyer flask. Place litmus paper in flask and make the solution alkaline with ammonium hydroxide. Neutralize with concentrated HNO3. Add a pinch of ammonium nitrate. Precipitate P by adding 40-60 ml molybdic acid solution. Let stand overnight. Filter and wash precipitate with cold water until acid free. (Catch filtrate, add a drop of phenolphthalein indicator. Add a drop of o.1 N NaOH). Dissolve precipitate with a little excess of standard NaOH. Titrate with standard Hcl using phenolphthalein indicator. Computation:

[(M1 x N) NaOH – (M1 x N) HC1] x P2O5 x d. f. ----------------- 2 x 23,000 %P205 = ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- x 100

Weight of sample

2.6 Potassium content The standard curved will be prepared by pipetting 0,4,8,12,16 and 20 ml of 250 ppm P into six 100- ml volumetric flasks and diluted to the mark with distilled water. The percentage observance will be read in the flame photometer. The standard solutions covered potassium concentrations from 0 to 50 ppm. In determining potassium in supplies, aliquots will be taken from the aqua regia digestion of the samples. Absorbance will be read in the flame photometer right after the standards in read. Dilutions will be made when necessary. Potassium contents will be computed by using the formula: %K20 = ppm K in test solutions 50 x K 2O x d. f. ---------------------------------- x -------- ----- 10,000 1 2k % K = % K2O x 2K ------ K2O

2.7 Total Solid Content Obtained using ISO 124, where seven grams of field latex will be transferred on the petri dish which had been previously weighed the dishes will be placed in the oven for

16 hours at 70celcius , cooled in a desiccator for a few minutes and weighed to constant weight. Percentage total solids will be calculated using the following formula: % total solid = x 100

2.8 Mechanical Stability Obtained using the method used by the American Standard for Testing Methods (ASTM, 1989). About 300 ml of latex will be collected into a 500 ml erlenmeyer flask. The sample will be diluted with 30 ml of 1.5% ammonia solution. The container will be placed in a water bath and the latex temperature will be raised up to 36°C. it will be removed from the water bath, wiped until dry and places in a blender. Simultaneously, the blender and the stop watch will be started. The controller will be adjusted until the sample will be liquefied. The end point will be determine by dipping a glass rod into the latex sample and draw it across the palm. The first appearance of small pieces of coagulum in the film was taken as the end point. The time taken to this point, a test for a further 15-20 seconds will be continued to observed can increase in the coagulum size and quantity. The determination will be duplicated. MST of the latex = 400 sec. + determine reading in seconds.

2.9 Calcium Content Calcium content will be determine using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) (David, 1970). The ash solution will be aspirated into an atomic absorption spectrometer. The absorbance will be read and the concentration of calcium will be calculated based on the calibration, graph prepared from standard solution of CaCO3.

3.0 Reaction to pest and diseases, wind damage and physiological disorder 3.1 percent wind damage – the number of plant damage by the wind will counted and

divided the total number of plants/clone in the area. 3.2 brown bast incidence (% dry trees)

The number of dry trees (do not produce latex)will be counted and the percentage is obtained by the dividing the total number of dry trees over the number of plants planted in that area.

3.3 Reaction to Oidium – the plants will be rated according to the following scale: 1 – very light 2 – light 3 – moderate 4 – severe 5 – very severe 3.4 Reaction to collectrichum – the plants will be rated according to the following scale: 1 – very light 2 – light 3 – moderate

Weight of total solid

Weigth of latex

4 – severe 5 – very severe 3.5 Reaction to Black Strip – the plants will be rated according to the following scale. 1 – a tree small depression 2 – 1- 5 disease strip 3 – greater than 5 strips 4 – tissue coalesced with bark rotting 3.6 Reaction to Mouldy Rot – the plants will be rated. 1 – 25% tapping cut with veerosis 2 – 25 – 50% with veerosis (brown color) 3 – 51-75% veerosis 4 – 75-100% veerosis 3.7 Pink diseases – the plants will be rated according to the following. 1 – very light 2 – light 3 – moderate 4 – severe 5 – very severe

4.0 OTHER DISTURBING CHARACTERISTICS Distinguishing characteristics unique to the clone will be noted down.

B. Maintenance and Operating Expenses (MOOE)

1. Travel 200,000

2. Supplies and materials 150,000

3. Salaries and wages

a. Reasearch Assistants (4) 7,000/mo. 336,000

b. Laborers (6) 4,000/mo. 288,000

4. Communications 30,000

5. Others 30,000

Sub-Total P 1,014,000

TOTAL P 1,140,000

PROPOSED GUIDELINES FOR REGISTRATION OF

MULBERRY VARIETIES

MULBERRY (Morus Alba) is a facultative apomiet, although commonly propagated through

vegetative means i.e. through the use of cuttings/saplings. The Batac mulberry variety is now widely adapted by farmers. Hence this is recommended

as check variety. Plants to be registered must be therefore comparable to or better the check variety. These must have also passed the minimum requirement for recommendation.

Clonally propagated plants may be submitted for registration provided these must have been evaluated for three years by breeding institution concerned with mulberry varietal improvement.

After evaluation, the institution/agency should submit their application for registration to the Executive Director. National Seed Industry Council., c/o BPI. 692 San Andres St. Malate Manila who turn send copies to the Fiber Crops Technical Working Groups (FCTWG)

The group discusses merits of the application and sends recommendation with the Technical Secretariat and upon the approval submits to the Chairman of the Council for final confirmation.

APPICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF NEW MULBERRY VARIETY

Botanical Name : Common Name : Proposed Variety Name : Original Variety Name : Place of Origin : Name of Applicant : Address of Applicant : Years of the plants were evaluated : Method of propagation : __________________________

Signature of Applicant

The registration of the above mulberry variety is:

( ) recommended for approval

( ) not recommended for approval

( ) deferred

_____________________________________________ ___________________________________

Chairman, FCTWG DATE

( ) recommended for approval

( ) not recommended for approval

( ) deferred

____________________________________________ ___________________________________

Executive Director DATE

Action taken by:

__________________________________________ ______________________________________

Chairman, NSIC DATE Reasons for disapproval/deferment:_______________________________________________________________________________________

VARIETAL DESCRIPTION FOR MULBERRY Plant

Height

Growth Habit

Growth and Vigor

Intermodal Distance

Number of Branches

Length of Branch

Survival Rate at 60

DAP Sexuality

Days to leaf harvesting Leaf

Color

Shape

Apex

Base Margin

Pubescence

Arrangement

Lobation

Yield/Harvest

Yield (tons/yea)

Weight (g/100 leaves)

Quality laboratory test

moisture content (%)

protein content (%) carbohydrates (%)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR RECOMMENDATION OF

MULBERRY VARIETY Highland Lowland

Weight of 100 fresh leaves (g) >=300 >=300

Leafyield(tons/year)_ >=22 >=230

Leafyield /harvest >=400-800 g >=400-800 g

Leaf quality

Moisture content (%) >=73 >=73

Protein content (%) >=20 >=20

Carbohydrates (%) >=23 >=23

PROTOCOL FOR CONDUCTING MULTILOCATIONAL TRIALS

EVALUATION FOR MULBERRY VARIETIES

A. Mulberry Sampling Production 1. Planting materials

Select mulberry cuttings from six to eight month-old healthy stems from the basal to central portion of the mulberry branch.

Cut stems neatly without split or bark peeling at an angle of 45 celcius. Each cuttings

should be 10 to 15 cm long, pencil sized (1 to 2 cm), with 3 to 4 active buds.

2. Fungicide application Dip the base of the cutting in a fungicide solution to prevent disease infection.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation in making the fungicide solution.

3. Incubation Cover the cuttings with either rice hay, dried grasses, banana leaves, or comont bage

for 3 to 5 days to facilitate callus formation.

4. Nursery bed preparation Prepare nursery beds in a partly-shaped area. Plow and narrow the field for two

times to pulverize the soil. Construct beds 1 m wide x 10 m long or as desired. The distance between beds must be atleast 30 cm above ground level. Mix organic matter into the soil.

5. Sterilization

Sterilize the beds by heal method. First water the beds, cover with either rice hay, dried leaves ,and other debris, then burn. Remove the ashes and debris after burning.

6. Planting Plant the cuttings in slanting position with 2 to 3 nodes buried in the bed. The

distance of planting must be 3 inches between rows and 2 inches between hills. 7. Watering

Water the plants immediately after planting and as need arises thereafter. 8. Shading

Provide shade during hot days by using local materials like banana leaves or dried rice hay to avoid transplanting shock and to ensure good growth of plants.

9. Weeding

Remove weeds by hand pulling one month after planting so as not to disturb the growth of plants.

10. Fertilization

One month after planting, apply urea fertilizer at the rate of 25 kg N/ha or 1 bag/ha. For a 1 , x 10 m bed, apply 50 gm Urea.

11. Transplanting

The plants are ready to transplanting in the field 3 to 4 months after nursery establishment. Uproot the plants using a shovel.

B. Mulberry Garden Establishment

1. Selection Select an area which is a representative or almost similar to available areas for

mulberry establishment in the sericulture potential areas in the locality. Clay loam soils with not more than 20° slope are preferable.

2. Land preparation, experimental design and field layout

Fifteen days prior to transplanting of mulberry sampling, the area shall be thoroughly prepared by plowing and harrowing the field for two or three times. Top soil and subsoil samples from 10 locations of the areas shall be collected (refer to soil sampling guideline) send for soil samples.

Use the Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. One hundred

(100) holes of 35 cm x 35 cm x 35 cm dimension for each variety per replications shall be prepared with a distance of 1.5 m x 0.5 m x 0.5 m. Each hole should be filled ip with 1 kg or organic matter/manure, then covered with soil.

3. Numbers of entries, locations and trials

A maximum number of 10 entries for each trial for each location shall be used.

A minimum of 6 locations and a maximum of 10 locations representing the different climatic types of the country shall be used for each evaluation test. Two years evaluation of a minimum of 8 should be observed.

4. Transplanting

The mulberry sampling shall be painted in two rows of 50 each for each replications. 5. Irrigation

Water the plants immediately after transplanting. Watering should be done regularly every 10 days or as the need arises.

6. Replanting

Replace missing hills one month after transplanting or earlier when necessary. 7. Sample plants

The number of sample plants from each variety for each replication should be 20. these shall be randomly selected representing the majority and properly labeled.

8. Fertilization ( 1st year)

Apply the first dose of inorganic fertilizer 10 days after transplanting at the rate of 30 g of a mixture of part 12-12-12 and 1 part urea.

Apply the second dose of inorganic fertilizer (urea) at 6 months after transplanting

at the rate 7.5 g per plant. Drill the fertilizer 5 to 10 cm along the sides of the plants. 9. Weeding

Start the mulberry field one month after transplanting and as the need arises. 10. Mulching

To prevent the proliferation of weeds as well as conserve soil moisture, mulch the mulberry plants with either rice straw, dried banana leaves, rice hull, etc. just after planting.

MULBERRY CARE AND MAINTENANCE (second year and onward)

1. Pruning and harvesting

Prune the mulberry plants one year after planting at height of 50 cm above the ground using a pruning shear or pruning saw. Thereafter, prune the plants every 45 days after last leaf harvest as follows:

1st week of June - Fruits pruning

2nd week of July - First leaf harvesting

1st week of Aug. - Second pruning

2nd week of Oct. - Second leaf harvesting

1st week of Nov. - Third pruning

3rd week of Jan. - Third leaf harvesting

1st week of Feb - Fourth pruning

2nd week of March - Fourth leaf harvesting

1st week of April - Fifth pruning

2nd week of May - Fifth leaf harvesting 2. Weeding and intercultivation

Weed the mulberry field regularly. Plow the space between double rows to loosen the soil to a depth of 10 cm.

3. Fertilization Apply 10t/ha of organic matter like animal waste, manure or compost once a year. apply these before the onset of rainy season and incorporate it in the soil.

Mulberry plants should be fertilized with 300-120-120 kg NPK/ha every year as

follows:

NPK rate Type and amount Amount of When to apply of fertilizer fertilizer bags/ha 60-60-60 14-14-14 9 bags Right after pruning 22.5g/plant 60-0-0 Urea 7.5g/plant 3 bags 2 weeks before 2nd leaf harvesting

60-60-60 14-14-14 9 bags 2 weeks before 3rd 22.5g/plant leaf harvesting

60-0-0 Urea 7.5g/plant 3 bags 2 weeks before 4th leaf harvesting

60-0-0 Urea 7.5g/plant 3 bags 2 weeks before leaf harvest

4. Irrigation Irrigate the mulberry plants regularly at an interval of a 10 to 15 days depending upon

the soil condition. Light soils need more frequent irrigation than heavy soils. Allow the irrigation water to follow along the furrows with uniformity of rate and time.

5. Data gathering

Gathering of data should coincide with each leaf harvesting schedule.

6. Data to be gathered A. Survival, growth and morpho-agronomic characters

1. Survival rate at 30, 60, 90 DAP 2. Resistance to diseases 3. Number of branches 4. Height of the plant 5. Leaf yield

5.1 6 months after planting 5.2 Every 45 days thereafter

6. Moisture content of leaves 7. Protein content of leaves

B. Climatic 1. Rainfall 2. Temperature 3. Relative humidity

C. Edaphic 1. Soil type 2. Soil testure 3. NPK 4. – 5. CEC

----- * send sample to SRDI for analysis

D. Environmental

1. Occurrence

2. Drought