Malta farming method. Features and care of Barry Malta-1 date : 29/01/2022 time:12:17

One of the most popular fruits in Malta citrus crops. Sweet orange or known as Malta in Bangladesh. The main difference with orange is that the orange peel is loose but the malt peel is attached (tight). Malta accounts for two thirds of the world's citrus crops. Origin of Vietnam, Northwest India, and South China Malta. However, at present this fruit is being cultivated more in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This fruit is in great demand in Bangladesh and is increasing day by day. As it has more adaptability than orange, it can be easily cultivated in other parts of the country besides hilly areas and farmers of different regions are succeeding in cultivating it. Its production can be multiplied by using improved varieties and modern farming methods.

####Climate and soil:

Definite summer and winter with less rainfall i.e. dry and warm climate is most suitable for Malta cultivation. Atmospheric humidity and excess rainfall affect the quality of Maltese fruit. In areas with high humidity and rainfall, the Maltese peel is thinner and the fruit is more juicy and of lower quality. The quality and taste of the fruit is better in dry weather. In humid climates, diseases and pests are more prevalent. The Maltese tree prefers light and grows in shade and the quality of the fruit decreases. Although grown in all types of soils, well-drained, fertile, medium to light loam soils are ideal for Malta cultivation. Malta grows in moderately acid to slightly alkaline soils. However, it grows well in 5.5 to 6.5 (ph) acidity. Cannot tolerate waterlogging at all and is sensitive to high heat and salt.

Varieties: Green and orange Maltas imported from abroad are sold in the market of Bangladesh. Malta developed this improved variety in 2003 under the name "Bari Malta-1" of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute.

####Characteristics of Barry Malta-1:
Regular fruit bearing high yielding variety. The trees are short, scattered and bushy. The tree flowers from mid-Falgun to mid-Chaitra and is suitable for fruiting in Kartik. The fruits are round and medium (150 g) in shape. The color of ripe fruit is green. At the flower buds, there is a small, money-like circle. The peel of the fruit is medium thick and attached to the stalk. Shas yellowish, juicy, sweet and delicious to eat. The tree bears 300-400 fruits per plant. Yield 20 tons per hectare. Suitable for cultivation in all regions of the country.

###Propagation:
Maltese can be propagated by seeds and cuttings. However, seed seedlings cannot survive long by adapting to the soil and climate of our country. So it is better to make seedlings through pen. Moreover, the seedlings made by the pen retain the maternal quality and bear fruit quickly. In addition, transplanting through disease resistant and strong root-rich roots increases the life span and yield of the plant.