Seedless lemon tree on Thien Nghiep land

The seedless lemon growing model in Thien Nghiep commune (Phan Thiet) has initially achieved results, the trees grow well on sandy soil that lacks water for production. This is a crop conversion suitable for local climate and soil conditions.

Mr. Ly Thanh Phung (Thien Nghiep) watering the seedless lemon garden

Thien Nghiep Commune has 3 households participating in the seedless lemon growing model, with a planting area of 0.5 ha, equivalent to 500 trees. The model is implemented in the form of the State supporting 50% of seeds, 40% of fertilizers and pesticides, and households contributing the remaining counterpart capital according to the norm. Seedless lemon is one of the agricultural products with high export value and stable output.

Mr. Ly Thanh Phung, Thien Binh village (Thien Nghiep commune) shared: “Thien Nghiep is a land lacking water, mainly growing cashew trees, but the income from this tree is not high. Thanks to the support of the People's Committee of Phan Thiet city and the People's Committee of Thien Nghiep commune, 3 households converted to growing seedless lemon trees, the trees grew well, initially achieving efficiency. With this lemon tree, growers have to take care of it, use more water than cashew trees, the better the care, the lower the loss rate and control stem borers.

Seedless lemon tree planted on Thien Nghiep land bears fruit

With 3 households growing seedless lemons, the lemon trees grow well, harvesting the first batch of fruits, the lemons are big, round, juicy, with a selling price of 15,000 VND/kg. Mr. Phung himself does not harvest the first batches of fruit, because the yield is not high, the trees are easily exhausted. Therefore, Mr. Phung continues to nurture the trees to harvest the next batches.

According to the Phan Thiet Agricultural Technical and Service Center, after 16 months of monitoring the growth and development of seedless lemon trees, this crop is suitable for the land and soil conditions of the sandy land of Thien Nghiep commune. The center guides households on timely measures to prevent and control some harmful pests such as leaf miners, root-eating worms, yellow leaf rot, and leaf spot disease. Therefore, the survival rate of the trees is 96%.

Ms. Pham Thi Bich Thom - Director of Phan Thiet Agricultural Technical and Service Center said: The seedless lemon growing model helps people convert crops to increase income, improve life and diversify agricultural products in Thien Nghiep commune. Seedless lemon trees are suitable for many different types of soil, including sandy or sandy loam soil. However, the trees will not tolerate waterlogging. This model has the potential to be replicated in Thien Nghiep commune, so the Center is always ready to accompany people to guide techniques and plant care.

According to Ms. Thom, seedless lemon growers need to pay attention to the following techniques. These include buying healthy, disease-free seedlings from reputable sources; choosing grafted trees to ensure an earlier harvest; transporting trees to avoid "disturbing" the roots and breaking the tree; after transporting, let the tree stabilize before planting, watering to keep it moist; in the summer, cover with dry straw, about 20 cm from the base; pruning branches to create a canopy to help the tree be airy and less prone to pests and diseases.

To effectively prevent pests and diseases on lemon trees, spray pesticides when the new buds are about 10 cm old, using low-toxicity pesticides or biological pesticides. This helps seedless lemon trees not only prevent pests and diseases but also ensures safety for growers and harvested products.

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