Grafting Tools, First Trial.

Did a trial run on the grafting tool on on Rubber trees, Jackfruit Tree and Avocado last month. Checked on the grafting when I came back to the nursery. None of the Rubber trees & Jackfruit trees took. Only a small numbers of Avocado took.

Look like the Grafting tool is not an easy to use tool. I have to learn how to use it effectively & successfully. As it's my first time, I am playing around with it. I started off with the U blade as it came attached with the tool. Cutting a U on the scion is not as easy as it seems. There is no aiming and I usually missed the center while cutting the rootstock. Cutting the scion is much easier. While playing with it I realized that the pruning part may post a danger and may injure our fingers. Kindly take necessary precaution. Thank goodness I was not cut. Personally I would prefer the pruning part to be on another tool.

Grafting Avocado with a U blade grafting tool.

Avocado grafting, U join.

Rear view of the grafting tool.

Can I use the hole at the bottom to aim? When cutting on the rootstock, it could be an issue. I then turned it around and tried U "saddle". Inverted U on the rootstock.

Avocado, saddle U cut.

Avocado grafting Saddle U cut.

I then switch the blade to the Omega style. Blade switching, click here.

Omega Cut, saddle.

Omega cut, grafting of rubber tree.

Yes, for Omega, we can use it straight or saddle. For the Omega style, we have to slide in the scion from the side. If we were to push it in, it shall damage the 'O' part.

One side matching.

Not matching side.

Scion and rootstock of different size, we can only match i side.

While turning the bobbin  I was surprised to see that the mark of the U and Omega side by side.

Note the cut marks of U & Omega cut.

 I only realized that they are of different 'depth'. I took the  V blade to compare and it's at the same length of the U. I wonder why.

Finally, I decided to try the V blade. This is the style that I had the most reservation. I feel that it is difficult to wrap as the sides shall slip out when the sides are compressed.

V blade attached on the grafting tool.

Did a couple of Avocado graft. Again The V can be used straight or saddle.

Avocado V shape grafting.

I just did a couple of straight V. Shall try the saddle when I have the opportunity. Stay tune for my impression of the grafting tool, coming soon.

Jackfruit Tekam Yellow & SongSang Red, Artocarpus Heterophyllus.

Accessed my current Jackfruit status. I have quite a number of rootstock, new and used (failed grafting). The present good planting cultivar in my  possession are
Tekam Yellow J33, 3 infant tree growing, 1 infant tree recovering, 1 recently field transplanted, 1 still waiting for it to grow after graft taking.
Mastura (still trying to confirm if this is classify as J35 or J37), 
CJ3, 1 infant tree waiting for it to grow.
The fruiting tree of J29 & J31, feedback on the fruit is not acceptable. Hence there is no use to graft further. also those grafted & planted ones has to be re-grafted/replaced. Before I left the farm, I was grafting with 2 unknown variety, but fruits were known to be sweet, large and crunchy.

I guess that when I return to the farm, the 3 infant J33 should be able to contribute some scions, but again due to my limited grafting skill (improving), there aren't many successful take.

In order to put Project Jackfruit on a faster track, decide to bring in more Jackfruit plants. Decided to concentrate on Tekam Yellow first as it's fruit characteristic is very popular / in demand. Very Sweet (hence the name Honey), crunchy, golden yellow, longer shelve life, average fruit size (16~20kg).
Tekam yellow is also low in latex content. Jabatan Pertanian also recommend this for commercial planting.

Bought 10 certified plants J33 Tekam Yellow. I guess it's better to go for certified plants as I intent to clone from these. J33 can be identified with it's distinct leafs.

On standby since 22nd March.

I also got some Red Jackfruit from Thailand. Was told that the characteristic is similar with Tekam Yellow, but orangy red flesh. Took 5 for trial.

Need to transport these, soiless and make them grow fast in order to produce more scion later part of the year.
The Tekam Yellow uses the normal bud grafting, but the Red Jackfruit uses the splice graft.

Bud grafting on Tekam Yellow.

Splice grafting on Red Jackfruit.

 Maybe I can emulate the splice grafting. Need to study more on this.

Project Jackfruit 2014, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Nangka, 婆罗密.

Planning to launch my project Jackfruit into a higher gear. Had delivered 30  grafted Jackfruits on December for field planting and about 10 had been planted. Have about 15 more, almost ready for delivery. All this while the grafted were from clone J29 & J31.

Mother Jackfruit Tree J29.

Jackfruit J29
Fruit Size Medium to large (11-15 kg).
Fruit Characteristics Round, yellowish green skin, coarse spines, well-spaced, big seed.
Flesh Characteristics Medium-thick yellow orange flesh, fine texture, sweet, with strong aroma. Flesh recovery 33.3%
Notes  Fresh consumption cultivar registered with DOA in 1973. Originated in Sungai (River) Chua, Selangor.

Mother Jackfruit Tree J31.

Jackfruit J31
 Fruit Size Medium (8-12 kg).
Fruit Characteristics Elongated to roundish, 45-55 cm long. Green skin, moderate thickness, a lot of latex, spines closely spaced, big pulp units.
Flesh Characteristics Medium thick flesh, yellow, crispy, sweet, strong aroma with fine texture. Flesh recovery 31-35%. 
Notes Previously known as NS1. Dual purpose cultivar suitable fresh as well as canning.

These are the older clones, and I have access to scions from my previous little farm. Also it gave me the opportunity to learn Jackfruit grafting. Thank you to them.

As I shall be moving into the newer clone, the Honey Jackfruit Range. Starting off with Tekam Yellow J33. Had planted 4 back in August 2013. 1 wasn't doing well and was relocated back in October 2013. 3 of them are producing scions which am already using. The 1 that was relocated is still recovering with minimal growth and I can't harvest any scion from it yet. After many tries, I manage to clone it. Clone Number 1 was planted in the field on 13th Jan. It replace the Avocado that had died, with a location by the roadside, I figure it should give me easy access to harvest more scion from her. This location we have planted Avocado twice and was never successful, so hopefully it's more suitable for Clone Number 1. Should have a couple more which shall be 'taking' soon. Was doing a projection that should I produce about 15 more clones of J33 then I should have endless supplies of scions later part of the year. This shall be my top priority.

The relocated Tekam Yellow, still recovering.

Honey Jackfruit Tekam Yellow, already contributing scions.

Another contributor, Honey Jackfruit Tekam Yellow.

Jackfruit J33, contributing scions.

Jackfruit J33 Tekam Yellow, Honey Jackfruit
 Fruit Size Large (12- 25kg).
Fruit Characteristics Elongated, yellowish green skin, dented shoulder.
Flesh Characteristics Medium thick flesh, yellow, crispy, very sweet.
Flesh recovery 31-35%. 
Notes Long shelve life, suitable for export. Very popular for fresh consumption.

Other clones of Mastura, CJ3 and SongSang Red. Due to the drastic change in weather, am only left with 1 X Mastura, 1 X CJ3, and another very weak Mastura, in ICU, most probably shall not make it. As these are still in a very infancy stage, still in poly bag, I don't expect them to be able to produce scion in the near future. It shall be another 9 months to go. May work on acquiring more of these on my trips home.

Clone Number 1 Tekam Yellow.

Too small and need time to grow.

 More heavy rain forecast till 25th Jan. Decided to move the 2 Jackfruit plants to the ICU.

Jackfruit at ICU.

During the transfer, quite some water had drained off. When parked at ICU, water drained within minutes. I already cleared some soil from the colar and replace with rice husk to create a faster drying day before.

I am Number 2, the second J33 Tekam Yellow clone.

I am Number 3, the second Honey Tekam Yellow clone.

Goodbye 2013, Hello 2014.

2013 was an eventful year.

Universal Studio, Singapore.

Koh Samui, Thailand.

Krabi, Thailand.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.

Had a couple of very memorable vacations with my love ones. Singapore, Koh Samui and Krabi, in Thailand and Sandakan.

 Night view of KLCC, Kuala Lumpur.

Took 4 months off and spent it with my loving wife. Strengthening our relationship, learn and care more about each other. One very important lesson learned is to always seek second medical opinion. Our deepest gratitude to Dr. Azis Yayha and Dr. Loh Chit Sin. This event made use closer and I find that I'm falling in love, all over again with my wife Alice. Thank you for loving me.

Read and started to practice some self improvement. Improving mostly my mental well being in a holistic approach. Adapting to our different life style as am passing 50 hence need to do things in a certain way. Came on a couple of very great books.

My bike.

Bought a per-owned motorcycle, had been wanting to for a long time. Event though it's not my wish bike, it's still a bike I like and I can use this in our farm (with some mod).

Double Rainbow over my little farm.

Finally, the time had come to say goodbye to my little farm. Decided not to resist the involuntary take over. Arrangement had been made for my helper. Am grateful and happy for him as through our discussion I learn that he is moving up to a higher plane. Wishing him good success.

Looking back, set up this farm back in February 2011 and was a tourist farmer then. Had to take over on October 2011 due to some turns of event. I was a newbie with no farming experience and this was when my Farming Quest started. It was a big challenge with 3 helpers and all of us no good farming experience. My little farm had taught us lots of valuable experiences in a relatively short time of 2 years. It took me from growing very short term vegetables to caring for long term fruit trees. Had also learn about weed & soil management, pest & disease control, germination & grafting. My little farm also gave me some valuable data on care of fruit trees like Avocado, Breadfruits, Jackfruit and Soursop. Most of these, I do not know until I came in contact with them. Thank you, thank you and thank you to my little farm.

My little farm had also gave me positive confidence to concentrate on my present fruit tree project of supplementing our rubber trees with Avocado, Jackfruit, and Soursop. This shall be my main quest for the time being. Very grateful to my little farm, it had given me a clearer vision of my wish farm.

Thank you 2013 for the progress that I've made, things that I've learned and our well being, on all my love ones.


Hello Mini Nursery.
I'm sure this parting from my little farm is part of my evolution, to move me on to a greater heights. This shall free me and let me concentrate on the longer term projects of our rubber and fruit trees. I also find more happiness and joy moving from the "competitive plane to a creative plane". Had been reading about this on a book by Rhonda Bryne- Secret but just couldn't grasp it, until now. Also shall prepare to start tapping of our rubber trees in stages beginning most probably June. I am already producing planting material for Avocado, Jackfruits, Soursop and Rubber trees. Successfully done micro-propagating of Banana. On going germination of Pomegranate (trial), grafting Rubber trees, Limes and Mango. All these, learned through My Little Farm. Thank you.Shall be operating our mini nursery at the little farm until end of the year (2014).

Had added more varieties of clones for Jackfuit and Avocado. Hope to create higher quality planting materials with these. On Jackfruit, am already producing grafts on clones J29 & J31. Targeting for clone J33 now (managed 1 at the moment). The newer clone for Jackfruit & Avocados shall have to wait, (until I can harvest scions). For the first six months of 2014, am targeting 50 grafted plants per month.

Practicing whip & tongue graft.

I shall need to improve more my grafting skill, which shall help me quickly develop our fruit / rubber trees project. Once I improve my skill, I shall be able to produce more planting materials for our farm. Working on finer points of grafting like sanitizing grafting tools and sealing off cuts on scions.

Land cleared for planting fruit trees.

Had cleared some vacant land at Parcel 1 and had already started planting. Once we fill up parcel 1 to the max, 2nd phase shall be Parcel 3, which we had identify some land in the inter terrace. Unfortunately about 40 grafted Avocado seedlings had be "lost" due to road maintenance. Shall replant with Jackfruits or Soursop as these can be pruned to a smaller canopy and not to cover up the road. Anticipating Parcel 3 to take us a while as we may clear some land to set up our new nursery too.

Looking forward to 2014, so excited to put our plan into action. It's gonna be our biggest challenge, to finish off planting for Parcel 1. Targeting to start tapping our rubber trees in June (stages). With 2 coming vacation with my love ones, Bangkok & Turkey, Life is great and full of excitement.

Reinforcing my vision of my wish farm. A very big farm with vast acreage, rows and rows of my favorite fruit trees, Durian, Jackfruits, Avocados, Soursop, Banana, Papaya and Rubber trees. Greenhouses to plant high value fruits, vegetables & herbs. A small river running across the land, supplying water for irrigation, aquaculture and running of a micro generator. A vast number of farm livestock, roaming freely. A small retirement / vacation home, perched on a small hill, with a small garden, swimming pool, a small open kitchen, a number of quest rooms, run by solar / wind power. Linked by both land lines and wireless communication. Dreaming on.

Jackfruit, Acquiring More Varieties (Transporting Jackfruit Sapling) Part 2.

Previously from Jackfruit, Acquiring More Varieties.

The transported Jackfruit saplings, from Temerloh, Pahang to Keningau, Sabah, day 1. They look ok.

Jacfruits sapling, Day 1 after transporting.

 Day 2, things don't look well. The leafs and stems start to dry up.

Jackfruit Day 2, drying up.

Jackfruit sapling drying up.

Jackfruit sapling drying up.

Bag up Jackfruit saplings.

I immediately bag up all the Jackfruit saplings.
Day 9, some Jackfruit show signs of budding. I removed the bags of those.

Some bags removed.

 Day 12, I figure that after 12 days, things are stabilized now. I then decided to remove all the bags.

All bags removed.

Day 17, Those that are not well are turning worst. Decided to re-bag again.

Re-bag the Jackfruit saplings.

Did a stock count.
SongSang Red Transported 5, 1 budding.
CJ 3 Transported 10, 3 budding.
Mastura J 37  Transported 10, 4 budding.
Leaving them as they are as I'm on leave from 20th Nov. Shall be back on December to check on them. Hopefully more can recover.

Summarizing for a better transport
Sapling has to be very healthy, with lots of established roots.
Soil removal has to be done with care, without damaging the roots.
Maintain high humidity at all times, in a cool dark environment.
'Pot' it as soon as possible. Water thoroughly and regularly. Keep under shade.
Remove all new leafs, leaving maybe 2 ~ 3 matured green leafs. Bag up the plant, to keep humidity high for a week then slowly reduce humidity.
Then 'harden' it.
Ready for field planting.
Good luck.
Happy transporting.

Jackfruit, Acquiring More Varieties (Transporting Jackfruit Sapling).

Jackfruit, I love Jackfruit. Had been going banana over Jackfruit lately. Since I was having difficulties in getting various varieties of Jackfruit clone in Keningau, Sabah, I decide to acquire it from Peninsular. On this trip home, I tried to source for these. Pricing is definitely much cheaper over here.

Had planed to acquire Mastura J 37, CJ-3, CJ-6 and the New Red Jackfruit. I started on area closer to Kuala Lumpur, but unfortunately was not successful. Was on the verge of giving up, but thank goodness I manage to locate most of these ex-stock at Termeloh, Pahang.

Called up the owner for a final confirmation as it's quite a distance from Kuala Lumpur, about 140 KM. Started off 8 in the morning.

Along the way, I found some Jackfruit trees at the R&R Hentian Lanchang. As I came out of the Gents, I noticed quite a numbers of trees at the rear.

 I think these could be the Mastura.

Reached Tapak Samaian Suzi at about 10.30 am. Locating it was easy, exit the Pantai Timur highway at Termeloh, turn left at the T junction toward Termeloh after the toll plaza. It's about 300 M on the right. There is a small white signboard. As the owner had gone out station, Suzi's mum was at site to meet me. Makcik is a very nice lady, I took some plants and managed a short chat with Makcik. Was granted permission to take a couple of photos. They have a mid size nursery at the road side and they concentrate more on Jackfruit. I manage to acquire Mastura, CJ-3 and the Red Jackfruit.

I managed to load about 25 plants onto the MyVi. As this is a trial these shall do.

Reached home in the late afternoon and transferred these to the balcony.

Wavy leafs, Mastura.

Preparation before traveling
I started to pack up the night before my flight. Flight is next morning 7.50 am. hence I need to start off from my home about 4.30 am. I started packing early 7.00 pm the night before as this was my 1st time.Thank goodness for that as there was no working space in my small home. It's a small apartment located on the 1st floor. I did prepare by watering these plants regularly a couple of days before, but it's still difficult to separate out the soil. I tried on 2 Mastura and found that I broke many of their roots.

I then tried dunk the whole bag into a pail and try to bath the soil out. This is much better, but still not a perfect method, but giving the circumstances and time, it's the best that I can do. Getting rid of the soil is very messy as I need to walk thru' the living hall, dinning hall and kitchen, then out of our home and down the stairs. Being wet and muddy, it left a trail of messy dirt & footprint. Thank you to Alice my wife who help to clean up after me. Have to dispose the soil for every plant. Alice even brew tea for me. How lucky of me with a supportive wife. Couldn't get more photos as my hands were too muddy.

Packing Jackfruit sapling for transport.

I only manage to finish up at 11.00 pm. That is 4 hours of packing. I'm sure that doing it in a farm with proper equipment shall be much faster. I line the plastic bag with old news print, spray it moist. I need to seperate the different varieties in different bags, Mastura, CJ-3 and Red Jackfruit.

Packed and floor cleaned.

I bag all these 3 bags into a larger yellow bag. Cover the top with another bag. I tried to stuff this into my backpack, but it's slightly too long. Had no choice but to bend it slightly.

Traveling with my Jackfruit.
Zip up my bag, off to catch my flight with AirAsia As am hand carrying, was afraid that I may have issues with the custom department. Well it went smoothly. Was only queried on the content and is there any soil.
I tried to take care of the sapling through out my journey. On the bus and in the airplane. Today being traveling day, the sapling have to withstand approximately 40 hours before I can replant them. I pray that they can survive the long journey. I immediately open the top bag for inspection upon arrival to my place.

Arrived safe, Jackfruit sapling.

 I found that one of sapling was damaged. The old news print is still moist and some leak out to my backpack. Shall add in some water to keep them moist as it's already evening.

Damaged Jackfruit sapling.

Took them to the farm 1st thing in the morning. Immediately started to " pot" them.

Welcoming our new members upon arrival at our farm.

 I started with the Red Jackfruit, we only had 5 saplings.

Done, I marked them SR Songsang Red.

Next comes the Mastura. We have 11 of them.

Done, I marked them M37.

Next and lastly the CJ-3. We have 10 of these.

Done, I marked them CJ3.

Since I still have time, I germinated the Honey Jackfruit seeds from CML trading which I bought from AEON Jusco. These tasted very sweet, strong jackfruit aroma with strong after taste, crunchy and golden yellow color. I reused the disposable packing for the seeds, which have been clean of the sack and soak in water. I left some water there to keep them moist for the journey as Jackfruit seeds drys superfast. Let's see if I can identify this variety when they grow up.

Arrived still moist.

Have 22 seeds. I marked these S cml.

Finally got it all done. "potting" them was much easier as I'm in the farm and I have tools at my disposal. I shall keep all of them in the shaded nursery, let them recover, grows then only transfer.

Say cheese for the Jackfruit album.

Let's have a group photo for our album. With these we now have 6 varieties of Jackfruit in our farm. J 29, J 32 Mantin, J 33 Tekam Yellow, J 37 Mastura, CJ-3 and Songsang Red. Let's wish every one of them a speedy recovery so that they can be planted in the field and do their variety proud by manifesting their variety. This complete our story on our Jackfruit Journey, from Temerloh, Pahang to Keningau, Sabah. Stay tune for their outcome on their migration.

“Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give your whole heart and soul to it”
― Gautama Buddha