26
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Seeking technical info on judging mango maturity on the tree
« on: July 12, 2023, 05:09:35 PM »
Can nobody help me with further information?
The Tropical Fruit Forum
Uniting Growers Worldwide!
News:
We are looking for Facebook editors for the forum's Facebook page.
Show Posts
This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
27
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Seeking technical info on judging mango maturity on the tree
« on: July 11, 2023, 12:31:56 PM »
I'm scheduled to give a workshop explaining how to judge mango maturity on the tree.
I have some references already and a good video by JFP films out of Africa but am wondering if anyone on the forum might know of some other specific references I could use? I understand the basic rising shoulders, lenticels changing from white to yellow finally brown, and stem/peduncle drying out. Id like to go fairly deep, beyond what a homeowner might want to know.
Can anybody add some references to help me go deeper?
It doesn't matter if it gets technical chemically or metabolic processes, I will try to adapt the information to a less informed audience. Thanks to anyone for help!
Here is the best video reference in case you'd like to know. Excellent explanation,animation, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4qSHrepLL8
I have some references already and a good video by JFP films out of Africa but am wondering if anyone on the forum might know of some other specific references I could use? I understand the basic rising shoulders, lenticels changing from white to yellow finally brown, and stem/peduncle drying out. Id like to go fairly deep, beyond what a homeowner might want to know.
Can anybody add some references to help me go deeper?
It doesn't matter if it gets technical chemically or metabolic processes, I will try to adapt the information to a less informed audience. Thanks to anyone for help!
Here is the best video reference in case you'd like to know. Excellent explanation,animation, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4qSHrepLL8
28
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Is "World's Best Mulberry" overrated?
« on: June 13, 2023, 10:43:11 AM »I am growing in south Florida. Maybe you folks got something different. I got the World's best direct from Bryce Garling and they are comparable to Thai Dwarf.
Not sour.
It's also possible that the variety performs differently in Florida compared to California. In our springtime we regularly get temps into the 80's or approaching 90's and around 70 at night. How does that compare with the temps you folks are seeing when yours fruit?
29
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Finding Land in South FL
« on: May 30, 2023, 09:37:55 AM »For me, I like the idea of putting an RV on it, getting a management company and throwing it on Airbnb. Then it isn't sitting vacant most of time, deterring squatters and (some) theft. Yes there's strangers on it, but a different clientele, so should be a worthy trade off. Plus the added income opens up your price ceiling a bit.There may be some areas you could put an RV but other areas that isn't allowed. Don't count on it but they did get lenient in my area but only temporary because of hurricane recovery. The regulations in Florida are ridiculous not at all like Tennessee or other rural states.
It's such a hard time to buy here right now.
Note to other natives: yes, I realize that encouraging someone to move here from out of state is against The Code, but I would like to argue leniency in the case of growers. I would trade my newest neighbor for Jabo in a heartbeat. ... Maybe we should institute a draft!
30
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Finding Land in South FL
« on: May 30, 2023, 09:35:09 AM »Ok, so thank you for the advice everyone.
I talked with my parents and we came to the conclusion that my 1/4 acre in the middle of Florida isn't a good idea lol. First off, I'm worried about frosts (couldn't do coconuts). and second, there is nothing to do within a 1.5 hour drive. lodging would be a pain too.
They'd rather buy a land themselves in a better location with things to do.
I'm eyeing Pine Island now. It's a beautiful place with a great microclimate too. Can grow basically whatever I want.
Now, the main problems are going to be my absence from the land if it ended up happening.
I was thinking of doing a salak hedge or something to keep intruders out.
And I thought I could just plant the trees and leave...but looks like they need to be watered regularly for the first few years.
I was hoping to just spam down a bunch of bananas and coconuts. Top tier fruits and coconuts are always producing. Coconuts seem like it's just plant and forget.
I guess the others may be tougher like mango. Also would have to plant away from the street too.
But still, if I'm only at the land 6 or so times max a year, something could always happen.
That's more than I thought I had to think about
Im on Pine Island so anything you are looking at just get in touch. Regarding absentee I do know a fellow who planted 1/4 acre mango plot and set up a wireless camera system so he could watch his trees. They are only just planted not bearing yet but he got pleasure sitting in Atlanta admiring his trees on the screen. He eventually sold the lot. It was 13820 Stringfellow Road, you can see it on Google Maps.
31
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Sea weed
« on: May 24, 2023, 04:57:56 PM »
There is some evidence that iron from Saharan dust is part of the reason for proliferation. In the ocean, iron is often a limiting nutrient.
http://railsback.org/Fundamentals/SFMGFeasnutrient02.pdf
Back in the 90's some were proposing a scheme to use the great Southern Ocean where hardly anybody goes as a giant carbon sink to absorb CO2 just by spreading iron in the sea down there. It might make more sense than many proposals currently in vogue. You could turn it off very quickly by stopping if negative concerns came about.
http://railsback.org/Fundamentals/SFMGFeasnutrient02.pdf
Back in the 90's some were proposing a scheme to use the great Southern Ocean where hardly anybody goes as a giant carbon sink to absorb CO2 just by spreading iron in the sea down there. It might make more sense than many proposals currently in vogue. You could turn it off very quickly by stopping if negative concerns came about.
32
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: What’s a fruit tree that you would -NOT- recommend growing?
« on: April 23, 2023, 09:04:22 AM »
The only tree I gave up on was Muntingia calabura. It grew into a huge beast in just a few years and made some Ok small fruit.
The problem came when it started throwing out dozens of root suckers up to 50 feet away by year 4. It had to go.
The problem came when it started throwing out dozens of root suckers up to 50 feet away by year 4. It had to go.
33
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: I found a mature avocado tree in zone 8b - video
« on: April 23, 2023, 08:59:15 AM »So it seems mexicola can be egg shaped as well. According to UCR:Not all avocados are the same shape. Much commercial fruit is culled out so that you don't see the variation in shape.
Yup, based on the Miami Fruit box photo alone, I'd say shape is unreliable for ID. New flush color might be better, Mexicola has more red than many Mexican types, Joey has almost no red.
34
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: I found a mature avocado tree in zone 8b - video
« on: April 19, 2023, 01:46:22 PM »
It matches my Mexicola planted by Treehouse Nursery Pine Island SWFL.
35
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Does anyone find mango tasting video useful entertaining or humorous
« on: April 18, 2023, 08:14:25 AM »
One thing about tasting is that individual fruits can vary. I know of one couple who came down and would go out to a vendor then taste test a different mango every day. They had no idea of the ripeness and kept hating on a variety based on their first taste of fruit which wasn't picked right or representative. I offered to let them try a better example, mentioned that they were getting a poorly picked or underripe fruit but they felt I was hating on them. Even from year to year there can be a lot of difference so besides being personally subjective it sually takes a few tries to really get to know what flavor they can have.
36
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: 10b (south florida) perennial staple foods
« on: April 16, 2023, 10:49:35 PM »
Yes, grows just like the air potato or other yams and dormant in winter. I don't have any left this season. There should be a lot next fall. This is what they looked like on the fence just before Hurricane Ian blew them all off:
37
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: 10b (south florida) perennial staple foods
« on: April 14, 2023, 10:21:56 PM »
I have had good success with Xanthosoma sagittifolium as a root crop. Common english name is Tannia, common Spanish names are malanga or Yautia. This is different from Taro which is Colocasia esculenta. The Xanthosoma is a native american plant, takes much longer than the large taro and needs far less water. It also keeps in the ground much better. You can eat the cormels like potatoes, and even the large 4 inch diameter stems are edible. They work in fairly shady spots within fruit tree areas but just outside the canopy. I got a start with grocery store cormels but within a few years I have unlimited planting material at any time.
The big advantage is they are available year round and can be dug and used whenever, versus cassava which goes bad quickly after harvest or gets hard if left too long in the ground, or yams which have limited dormancy and are unavailable mch of the year.
The second best new staple I am growing is an edible Dioscorea bulbifera yam. This came from India originally but mine was sent from Puerto Rico. This is a completely edible type of "air potato" which is the bane of Florida, except is an edible form, very smooth skin and good eating. While seasonal the same as other yams this one is perennial in the ground and you never have to dig the "mother", just pick the potatoes off the vine. I put in a 100 ft row on a fence last year.
The big advantage is they are available year round and can be dug and used whenever, versus cassava which goes bad quickly after harvest or gets hard if left too long in the ground, or yams which have limited dormancy and are unavailable mch of the year.
The second best new staple I am growing is an edible Dioscorea bulbifera yam. This came from India originally but mine was sent from Puerto Rico. This is a completely edible type of "air potato" which is the bane of Florida, except is an edible form, very smooth skin and good eating. While seasonal the same as other yams this one is perennial in the ground and you never have to dig the "mother", just pick the potatoes off the vine. I put in a 100 ft row on a fence last year.
38
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Grow Amazing Monstera deliciosa for Fruits Production
« on: April 14, 2023, 10:01:48 PM »Very good detailed information. I have more than 50 in the ground some are 5 years old and fruiting. Last year I planted out 30 pots in the ground. I have 50 more pots to plant out this year. They are easy and live well around tree crops. I have sold a few but agree the fruit harvest and profit is uncertain. Regardless of everything I enjoy looking at them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpaYcdb4bN0
39
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: YUN CHANG Pruning Shears -- Anyone tried these? The price is right/
« on: December 29, 2022, 10:15:32 AM »
With lots of use, the rubber on pruners tends to slip and ruin the tool. Almost all of them. For me, that is a deal-killer if the rubber isn't very well done, not something quick dipped in liquid rubber.
40
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Is aquajem on ebay legit?
« on: December 13, 2022, 09:50:18 PM »
There must be one of us in Florida Keys where the seller says is their location. If I lived nearby I'd try to make a visit just to see how they are doing business.
Back in the '60's when I was a kid I got ripped off ordering stuff from comic books with my 'hard earned' money. I got taken by the "sea monkeys" (brine shrimp eggs) then the "monster that grows green hair" (piece of cardboard with chia seeds glued on). So, at a very early age developed a distaste for scammers.
Back in the '60's when I was a kid I got ripped off ordering stuff from comic books with my 'hard earned' money. I got taken by the "sea monkeys" (brine shrimp eggs) then the "monster that grows green hair" (piece of cardboard with chia seeds glued on). So, at a very early age developed a distaste for scammers.
41
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Evil weevils
« on: December 07, 2022, 06:27:44 PM »
Mango can easily overcome some leaf damage so I don't worry about weevils. Who knows what the roots look like but even with heavy weevils mangos still do fine. Leaf damage is much heavier on Lychee and Longan, still they bear.
The damage seems to be selective, not all mangos get eaten, other varieties in the same grove are unaffected. I notice that stressed trees get eaten worse.
The damage seems to be selective, not all mangos get eaten, other varieties in the same grove are unaffected. I notice that stressed trees get eaten worse.
42
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Anybody know aquagem on ebay?
« on: December 03, 2022, 06:18:48 PM »
https://www.ebay.com/itm/394260607889?hash=item5bcbc37391:g:iN4AAOSwpDtjMlUJ
This is an 8 inch seedling avocado for $34. No way should that be described as
"Semi-Dwarf Weeping Holiday Avocado starter tree! Large Delicious Fruits!"
This is an 8 inch seedling avocado for $34. No way should that be described as
"Semi-Dwarf Weeping Holiday Avocado starter tree! Large Delicious Fruits!"
43
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Anybody know aquagem on ebay?
« on: December 03, 2022, 06:03:15 PM »
Isn't it aquajem?
When I see sellers using stock images of their soursop from Walmart it gives me pause.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Soursop-Tree-Annona-muricata-Grow-Indoors-or-Out-6-Pot/736780996
https://www.ebay.com/itm/394337961908?hash=item5bd05fc7b4:g:1YEAAOSwo-pjdbAg
When I see sellers using stock images of their soursop from Walmart it gives me pause.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Soursop-Tree-Annona-muricata-Grow-Indoors-or-Out-6-Pot/736780996
https://www.ebay.com/itm/394337961908?hash=item5bd05fc7b4:g:1YEAAOSwo-pjdbAg
44
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Growing subtropicals under eucalyptus- plant suggestions?
« on: December 03, 2022, 05:21:31 PM »
Very difficult to establish trees under large dominant trees, oaks, pine, whatever. They are called "dominant" for a reason. Ironically, some eucalypts are being used as nurse trees, while young, to good effect because of their extreme fast growth and coppice ability. The dominance hasn't taken place and frequent hard pruning seems to stop allelopathy.
45
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Laurel Wilt Avocado (Stump or Remove)
« on: December 02, 2022, 08:23:02 AM »
Stump remover is supposed to work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnL_depDcfg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnL_depDcfg
46
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Jack Bean for Nematodes
« on: November 26, 2022, 10:08:23 PM »I hardly ever pull out jack beans because I'm seeking them as nitrogen fixers but am wondering if what you are seeing might be the nodulation rather than galls?
OK please keeps updated on that investigation.
There are also some plant species that trap nematodes in their roots.
I can report after this season that the Jack Bean I am growing does form galls on the roots from nematodes. So, I am assuming that its primary effect is from the break down of its plant chemicals.
Interesting that you mention the trapping. I just read an article claiming that radish can be used to reduce nematode levels even though it is susceptible. Apparently, radishes are typically harvested so quickly (28 days) that most nematodes do not have a chance to reproduce (typical life cycle is 3-6 weeks). Upon harvest, many nematodes are removed with the radishes since it is a root crop. It got me thinking that this could be a really fast way to rid a spot of nematodes. Just grow several fast crops of radish, solarize the harvest in bags, and then compost. This could probably be done with any number of crops as long as they were pulled up by the roots in three weeks time or so.
47
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: What's wrong with these bananas?
« on: November 18, 2022, 03:36:52 PM »
A well grown healthy Dwarf Nam Wah will make 10 or more hands.
Here is a comparison set of photos which can help identify Nam Wah vs Blue Java. The difference is clear enough but there are many out there mixing these up. Some tissue culture plantlets can be off-type and mislabeling does happen.
Here is a comparison set of photos which can help identify Nam Wah vs Blue Java. The difference is clear enough but there are many out there mixing these up. Some tissue culture plantlets can be off-type and mislabeling does happen.
48
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Tropical Fruit for Beer, Wine, or Liquor?
« on: November 18, 2022, 03:26:28 PM »
This youtube channel has many recipes for liqueurs made with fruits.
I have made wine and vinegar with many fruits. It isn't so hard and most turn out ok, some very good.
The recipe for dragonfruit liqueur uses the peels.
Pineapple wine you use the peels, so you can get extra products out of fruit this way beyond the pulp.
https://www.youtube.com/@licor
I have made wine and vinegar with many fruits. It isn't so hard and most turn out ok, some very good.
The recipe for dragonfruit liqueur uses the peels.
Pineapple wine you use the peels, so you can get extra products out of fruit this way beyond the pulp.
https://www.youtube.com/@licor
49
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Concrete dragonfruit post
« on: November 15, 2022, 08:00:18 AM »I made a bunch of posts with these top features but Ive decided to just go topless with them. My friend Thy sent some videos of vietnamese techniques and convinced me its not necessary to have tops. So the rest of the posts won't have any top feature going forward. Much easier, cheaper overall Im happy with that.
The indented part of these posts is there so that the top piece can slip on. I used threaded hot dipped galvanized 1/2 inch bolt to attach my top but I like the idea of the indent. My 10 concrete dragonfruit posts survived Hurricane Ian 150 mph winds without leaning and most branches hung on. I really doubt they would have held on with no top piece.
50
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Leaning papaya
« on: September 27, 2022, 11:19:14 PM »
If it is a male very unlikely to ever make a fruit. Sometimes rarely they can make a fruit so this is an ornamental and wouldnt be carrying fruit.