LONGKONG, the lanzones variety from Thailand, is not really new in the Philippines. However, many of our countrymen are still not familiar with this superior variety.

The man responsible for popularizing this lanzones variety is Dr. Pablito P. Pamplona, a retired professor from the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato. He was assigned to undertake global technology search about high-value fruits and one of the varieties that fascinated him is Longkong.

People love Longkong for a number of good reasons. First, the fruits are sweet, latexless and most of them are seedless. Some may have just one or two small seeds. Imported Longkong fruits sell for as much as P400 per kilo in upscale supermarkets in Metro Manila. There are now locally grown fruits which are just as good and they sell an average of P150 per kilo at farmgate.

Longkong is prolific under local conditions. But to have a good crop, the trees should be adequately fertilized with both organic and chemical fertilizers, plus a regular spraying with Power Grower Combo and Heavy Weight Tandem, the plant growth enhancers formulated by Alfonso G. Puyat.

Dr. Pamplona observes that Longkong is more resistant to drought than the native lanzones. During summer, drip irrigation will keep the trees in good stead. Our own trees which were drip irrigated gave us a good crop this year.

Plant grafted Longkong, using the large planting materials if available. Properly taken care of, grafted seedlings will bear fruit in five to seven years after planting.