Prospect of grape planting on a commercial scale in Malaysia

Sharifuddin H.A.H., . and Mohammad M.A., . (1993) Prospect of grape planting on a commercial scale in Malaysia. [Proceedings Paper]

Research on grape cultivation in Universiti Pertanian Malaysia was started in 1981 with the main objective of studying the feasibility of growing grapes commercially in Malaysia. During the first six years 1981-1987 the team worked on the White Malaga variety from Thailand. Since then many other varieties have been imported or collected locally. The areas of study include varietal trials propagation techniques nutrient requirements agronomic management control of pests and diseases climatic requirements physiology and economics. The studies show that propagation by cutting is the most convenient and successful method. The nutrient requirements are relatively high where about four tonnes of fertilizer are required per hectare per year and in addition liming and organic manures are also essential. The plants are susceptible to anthracnose rusts and downy mildew particularly during rainy seasons. Among the pests that attack grapes are caterpillers grasshoppers mealybugs thrips red spider mites leaf hoppers beetles birds wasps and nematodes. It is a demanding crop requiring intensive agronomic management including erection of Arbour type support systematic and well-timed pruning thinning of young berries watering and regular spraying with 'cocktail'. The wet and humid weather with no distinct dry periods of about four months is the major constraint to successful and commercially viable grape growing in Malaysia. This problem can be overcome by providing plastic shed. Technically it is possible to grow and produce good quality grapes similar to those imported but the major problem for commercial production is the economic viability. Grape growing is labour intensive and requires high capital input and running costs. An initial feasibility study about M405 000 in 15 years. It takes about 12 years to break even thus making it difficult to compete with other more established crops. Recently a variety which can withstand wet weather and can produce fruits up to 13-15 t/ha starting from the second year was found. If this variety continues to perform as expected commercial grape growing in Malaysia can be a reality in about five years' time

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Abstract

Research on grape cultivation in Universiti Pertanian Malaysia was started in 1981 with the main objective of studying the feasibility of growing grapes commercially in Malaysia. During the first six years 1981-1987 the team worked on the White Malaga variety from Thailand. Since then many other varieties have been imported or collected locally. The areas of study include varietal trials propagation techniques nutrient requirements agronomic management control of pests and diseases climatic requirements physiology and economics. The studies show that propagation by cutting is the most convenient and successful method. The nutrient requirements are relatively high where about four tonnes of fertilizer are required per hectare per year and in addition liming and organic manures are also essential. The plants are susceptible to anthracnose rusts and downy mildew particularly during rainy seasons. Among the pests that attack grapes are caterpillers grasshoppers mealybugs thrips red spider mites leaf hoppers beetles birds wasps and nematodes. It is a demanding crop requiring intensive agronomic management including erection of Arbour type support systematic and well-timed pruning thinning of young berries watering and regular spraying with 'cocktail'. The wet and humid weather with no distinct dry periods of about four months is the major constraint to successful and commercially viable grape growing in Malaysia. This problem can be overcome by providing plastic shed. Technically it is possible to grow and produce good quality grapes similar to those imported but the major problem for commercial production is the economic viability. Grape growing is labour intensive and requires high capital input and running costs. An initial feasibility study about M405 000 in 15 years. It takes about 12 years to break even thus making it difficult to compete with other more established crops. Recently a variety which can withstand wet weather and can produce fruits up to 13-15 t/ha starting from the second year was found. If this variety continues to perform as expected commercial grape growing in Malaysia can be a reality in about five years' time

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Summary En
AGROVOC Term:	MALASIA
AGROVOC Term:	UVA
AGROVOC Term:	AGRICULTURA COMERCIAL/ VARIEDADES
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:26
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/15362

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