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National Metal and Materials Technology Center
Name
Magik Growth
Background
Durian is an important fruit crop in Thailand. Its export value just hit the record high of 58.344 billion THB over the five-month period of 2021, generating the second highest revenue out of all farm product exports after rubber. To maintain high productivity and quality, pest management is the key aspect among durian orchards. Fruit bagging is a method that orchards use to prevent insect pests infesting durian fruit. The practice is preferred over pesticides which is more expensive and not safe for workers, consumers, and the environment.
To overcome this problem, MTEC-NSTDA introduced an innovative fruit wrapping bag Magik Growth. Developed by MTEC Textiles Research Team, Magik Growth is made from a nonwoven material designed to meet the needs of modern agriculture. The material is porous, thus allowing water and air to pass through. It also filters appropriate wavelength of the light for optimum plant growth, resulting in improved productivity and product quality.
Goal
- Reduce the pesticides with nonwoven fruit bagging and make the farmer awareness of this alternative method
- Cooperation between farmer network, government agency and private sector in term of utilized the knowledge to durian farmers
What does the research team do?
MTEC team developed the polymer compound formula and designed structure in lab scale and upscale to nonwoven fabric production. To field-test Magik Growth, MTEC worked with Assist. Prof. Dr. Lampan Khurnpoon, Department of Plant Production Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang and a durian orchard in Rayong province. The trial has been conducted since 2019, covering three cropping seasons so far. This year Agritec (NSTDA) and EECi helped to increase the awareness of durian bag in Rayong and Chantaburi province with online seminar and onsite visit. The development of the Thai economy and people have more income conforming to the national agenda: BCG model (Bio-Circular-Green Economy).
Research results
The results show that fruits wrapped with Magik Growth have 20-30% thinner shell and are 10-15% heavier. The flesh color and skin appearance are also more appealing. Magik Growth is found to be effective against durian fruit borer and rodents. In addition, it can be re-used, at least for 3 cropping seasons as demonstrated in this experiment. On top of better-quality fruit, the orchard owner also saved on pesticide cost and sell at 10-30% higher than market price
Research status
Magik Growth technology has been licensed to a company for commercial production and sold to durian farmers, include with government and private sectors since, the first quarter of 2022
Outlook
- Design the new version which can reduced wind damage and equipment for high attitude durian bagging
- Apply for other fruits such as jackfruit or dates
Research team
Dr. Natthaphop Suwannamek, Dr. Chureerat Prahsarn, Wattana Klinsukhon, Sirada Padee and Prapudsorn Wannid
Contact
Dr. Natthaphop Suwannamek (Researcher)
Textiles Research Team
Advanced Polymer Technology Research Group
Tel. +66 2564 6500 ext. 4464, 4727
Email: natthaps@mtec.or.th
