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Fruits

Aratiles

Muntingia calabura

Aratiles, also known as Jamaican cherry, is a fast-growing tree that produces small, sweet, cherry-like fruits. The tree can reach heights of up to 10 meters and has a broad, spreading canopy. The fruits are typically red or yellow when ripe and are enjoyed fresh or used in jams and beverages. Aratiles is valued for its ability to thrive in poor soils and its potential for agroforestry systems.

Calculate System for Aratiles
400.00–600.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
30.00–60.00cm
Root Depth
25,000 kg/ha
Yield
20,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Aratiles can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It is important to select healthy seeds or cuttings to ensure successful establishment. The tree is relatively pest-resistant but may require monitoring for common pests such as aphids.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 400.00600.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Water Productivity: 15.500 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Fixed Sprinkler70.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.5

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 2.00%
Soil should be enriched with organic matter to improve fertility. Regular soil testing is recommended to monitor pH and nutrient levels.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 15.0°C – 30.0°C

Temperate Continental
ETo: 1.006.00 mm/day
Temp: -20.0°C – 30.0°C
Frost: high
Mediterranean
ETo: 3.007.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 35.0°C
Frost: low
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Aratiles thrives in warm climates and should be protected from frost. Consider planting in areas with good sunlight exposure.

Planting Layout

100.00cm
Row Spacing
50.00cm
Plant Spacing
20,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)150 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)60 kg/ha
Potassium (K)180 kg/ha
40
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
25
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
20
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen in 3 splits during growing season
Organic Matter: 2-3% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

25,000
kg/ha
2.500
kg/plant
0.450
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, color, sugar content

Design Your Aratiles Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Aratiles field.

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Related Guides

Introduction to Growing and Irrigating Aratiles

Aratiles, also known as Jamaican cherry or Muntingia calabura, is a tropical fruit tree that is native to the Americas. It is highly valued for its delicious and nutritious fruits, as well as its ornamental qualities. Growing Aratiles can be a profitable venture due to its high demand in local and international…

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