Thailand
Gra-doom-tawng matures early (with fruits ripening in 90-100 days from anthesis)to get the high market price,
Chanee and
Kanyao mature in mid-season( 105-115 days ) and
Monthong late season(120-130 days). This lenghtens the durian season, thus avoiding the risk of over-production to meet consumers demand, and maintaining good market prices throughout the season
Water is also very crucial especially during flowering and fruit development stages to achieve good and quality yields. Many farmers use the irrigation system not only to supply water but to deliver plant nutrients, supplements and chemicals directly to the durian trees. A stream with a regular flow of water even in the dry months or a well with high water table are excellent features for a durian orchard.
Operating a durian orchard without irrigation facilities is a very risky venture. Rainfall can varies greatly from year to year and from month to month. The dry months that occur in-between the monsoons play a critical role in durian production.
A period of 3 to 4 weeks dry weather is needed to stimulate flowering. It takes about one month for a durian flower to develop from first appearance as a tiny bud to an open blossom. Water is important to promote growth and development of the flower buds, blooming, fruit set, fruit growth and maturity.
To rely entirely on available moisture in the soil and rainfall is perilous. If the weather is too dry and hot, the flowers will shriveled, and fruit development hindered. On the other hand, too much rain and high relative humidity cause poor fruit set. The best option is to have an efficient irrigation system to manage water properly during the durian reproductive stage to achieve high yields of good quality fruits.