International Journal of Noni Research - Noni Family

13 Intl. J. Noni Res. 2007, 2(1-2)
Table 2. Noni Fruit physical character and recovery
Yield
P. Rethinam et al. Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) - the Miracle Fruit - a holistic review
Fruit weight 147.9 g
Length of fruit 9.8 cm
Girth of fruit 5.26 cm
Specific Gravity 1.13g ( wt./ vol. )
Recovery of juice 38.95 - 48.50% ( range )
Pulp Percentage 44.76 - 46.72
Seed Percentage 3.24 - 4.31
Morinda citrifolia is a perennial bush and it is possible to find fruits at
different stages of maturity on the same plant at the same time. Under
favorable conditions, the plant bears fruit about nine months to one year
after planting. At this stage, the fruits can be harvested, but they are generally
small and the yield per tree is low. Some producers choose not to harvest
in the first year, and they prune in order to let the bush grow stronger. In
Hawaii, Noni fruits are harvested throughout the year, although there are
seasonal patterns in flowering and fruit bearing (meteorological factors,
fumigation, and irrigation) (Nelson, 2001, 2003). In India the plants are
allowed to grow for two years without any side growth by periodical pruning
so as to make the plant sturdy. It is reported that noni plant is capable of
giving yield up to 250-300 kg under better cultivation conditions. after 7-8
years of planting. However in the initial stages yield may range from 30-40
kg per plant and the well grown tree will produce an average of 90 - 100
kg per tree. It is also reported that the productivity of the trees will be up
to 40-50 years and the harvest can be done more than 6 - 7 times in a year.
In Hawaii, noni plots are usually harvested two or three times per month,
although fruit production is lower during winter. With a density of 638 plants
per hectare with good soil fertility, drainage, and irrigation and appropriate
pest, disease and weed control, along with an appropriate fertilization plan,
it is possible to obtain yields of between 7 tonnes/ha/year in the second year
after planting to approximately 70 tonnes/ha/year after the fifth year (Nelson,
2001, 2003). With a juice extraction rate of approximately 50% (w/w), one
hectare can thus yield around 35 tons of juice. However, many factors may affect
these yields, and most producers do not obtain such good results because of
diseases or poor agricultural practices (grown wild plants). In Hawaii, an average
annual yield of 50 tonnes/ha is generally attained (Nelson, 2001, 2003).