EFFICIENCY COMPARISON OF POLLINATION METHODS IN DURIAN (DURIO ZIBETHINUS) CULTIVATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55766/sujst9306Keywords:
Durian Pollination, Mechanized Pollination, Fruit Set Rate, Sustainable AgricultureAbstract
Durian (Durio zibethinus) requires cross-pollination for optimal fruit set, yet natural pollination rates remain below 10% due to declining pollinator populations. This study evaluates the efficiency and economic feasibility of mechanized pollination methods, focusing on their impact on fruit set and quality. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was implemented in a commercial Mon Thong durian orchard to compare four pollination treatments, namely natural pollination (control), hand pollination, drone-assisted pollination using a DJI Agras T20P operated at an altitude of 7-8 meters above the canopy and air blower-assisted pollination using a KAWA BL5202 positioned 30-50 cm from the flowers. Each treatment was applied to 50 female flowers per tree under controlled conditions to assess fruit set and operational costs. Results showed that drone-assisted pollination achieved a 75% fruit set rate, surpassing air blower pollination (63%), hand pollination (58%), and natural pollination (9%). Economic analysis indicated that drone-assisted pollination reduced labor costs by 40% compared to hand pollination while maintaining comparable fruit quality in terms of size, weight, and seed abortion rates. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among methods (p < 0.05), with regression analysis demonstrating a strong correlation between pollination efficiency and yield profitability. To further optimize drone-assisted pollination, future studies should integrate Pollen Tracking Camera Systems for real-time pollen dispersion monitoring, Anemometer Sensors to adjust airflow based on wind conditions and sugar-based pollen adhesives to enhance pollen adhesion and fertilization efficiency. These innovations could refine drone-based pollination, ensuring higher consistency and maximizing fruit set in commercial durian production.
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