THIS week, NAREI continues its focus on the West Indian Cherry.

Fertilising
FERTILISER needs are directly related to the type and nutrient status of the soil. It is necessary therefore that a soil analysis is conducted to determine these factors for the particular location. In the absence of precise soil analysis, a compound fertiliser (normally 12:12:17:2) could be used. It is usually applied twice per year (at the beginning of each wet period) at a rate of 100 gm to 1 kg per plant depending on the size and age of the plant. Alternatively, use can be made of composted material.

Weed Control
The control of weeds is highly desirous to reduce competition for nutrients and the incidence of unwanted pests and diseases. Manual weed control is usually conducted around the plants, while between the rows weed control is accomplished by the following, singly or in combination:Manually, Chemically, and Mechanically by the use of brush cutters and/or mowers.

Pruning
Pruning is the practice of removing existing branches from a tree to remove diseased material, improve light penetration and reduce local humidity and to shape and train trees to facilitate harvesting and other field practices and stimulate growth. If not done properly, pruning can cause reductions in the field directly or indirectly. The use of sharp tools and making angled cuts are two of the proper pruning practices, but the time of pruning and the selection of the parts to be pruned are also important.

Pest and Disease Management
Apart from nematodes mentioned previously, the major pests of West Indian cherries include: stink bugs, scale insects, aphids, mealy bugs, ants and whiteflies. These can be controlled using a broad-spectrum insecticide. The most common disease is leaf spotting caused by a fungus. This can be controlled by using Kocide at the recommended rate.
Harvest

The Cherry plant usually comes into fruiting about two to three years after transplanting, depending on the size of the plants after transplanting. Rooted cuttings can produce much earlier with the first important crop produced 18 -24 months after planting. Successive annual yields increase, peaking at four to five years after planting. Healthy six-year old trees have been reported to yield 15 kg per tree per annum. This soft fruit is harvested by handpicking. However, systems of using tractor hauled hydraulic shakers with fruits being collected on tarpaulin or plastic sheeting spread under the trees have been tried elsewhere. In some large operations, all fruits are picked at the same time. This has several advantages, especially for the management of labour, timing and standardisation of field operations; and optimising yield potential by reducing damage to new flowers. It also improves Vitamin C content since green fruits have a higher concentration of ascorbic acid than ripe fruits.

Post Harvest
Handling High losses are to be expected if sufficient care is not taken when picking and handling. This may be of minor importance if the fruits are to be used shortly after harvesting. If fruits are to be stored for long periods before use, then refrigeration (for three to five days storage) or freezing (for more than seven days storage) are recommended. In all cases, it is important to store in the shade because exposure to direct sunlight lowers ascorbic acid content, alters the flavour and leads to undesirable colour changes. Fruits should be stored in open crates or baskets, which provide good ventilation. Bags provide poor ventilation and storage in bags should be avoided.