Decision No. 06/2002/QD-BNN On Issuing the Standard for Technical Procedures for Planting, Cultivating, and Harvesting Robusta Coffee

 

DECISION

Regarding the issuance of Technical Standards on Planting, Cultivation, and Harvesting Robusta Coffee

 planting and harvesting robusta coffee

 

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Pursuant to Decree No. 73/CP dated November 1, 1995 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, authorities, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development;

Pursuant to Decree No. 86/CP dated December 8, 1995 of the Government "Regulating the division of responsibilities for state management of product quality";

Pursuant to Decision No. 135/QĐ/BNN-KHCN of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development issued on October 1, 1999 regarding the Regulation on the establishment, review, and issuance of industry standards;

Considering the proposal of the Director of the Department of Science, Technology, and Agricultural Product Processing;

Pursuant to …;

Article 1. Now hereby promulgates Technical Standard 10TCN 478-2001 on the technical procedures for planting, cultivation, and harvesting robusta coffee to replace Technical Procedure for Planting Coffee TCN 84-1987 for robusta coffee.

Article 2. THIS DECISION SHALL TAKE EFFECT 15 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF SIGNATURE.

Article 3. The Heads of the Ministry's Office, Directors of the Department of Science, Technology, and Agricultural Product Processing, Institute Directors of Southern Fruit Trees, and Heads of related units shall be responsible for implementing this Decision.

 

 

 

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
=======O0O======

INDUSTRY STANDARD
10TCN 478 - 2001

 

TECHNICAL PROCEDURE FOR PLANTING, CULTIVATION AND HARVESTING ROBUSTA COFFEE
AND HARVESTING ROBUSTA COFFEE

 

HANOI 2001

 

 Prepared by: West Central Highlands Agricultural and Forestry Science Institute

 Proposed for issuance by: West Central Highlands Agricultural and Forestry Science Institute

Reviewed by: Department of Science, Technology, and Agricultural Product Processing

Approved and Issued by: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Decision No.../QĐ-BNN-KHCN and CLSP, Date...Month...Year 2002 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

 

 

INDUSTRY STANDARD: 10 TCN 478-2002

TECHNICAL PROCEDURE FOR PLANTING, CULTIVATION AND HARVESTING ROBUSTA COFFEE
The technical procedure for planting, maintenance and harvesting of robusta coffee

b) In cases where funds from organizations and individuals within and outside Vietnam are used for victim support work and victim support benefits, such activities shall be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Finance and the donor; in cases where there is no agreement between the donor or their authorized representative and the Ministry of Finance regarding the expenditure level, the expenditure level prescribed in this Circular shall apply.

 This procedure applies to all regions growing robusta coffee from Hai Van Pass southward with an altitude lower than 800 meters above sea level, having at least two months of dry season annually, and during flowering periods without rain or mist.

||| 2. Referenced standards

10TCN84-87 Technical procedure for planting coffee

10TCN97-88 Fresh coffee fruits

 10TCN98-88 Technical procedure for processing coffee

TCVN 4334-2001 Coffee products - Terminology and Definitions

3. Economic and technical objectives

 Basic construction period (KTCB): 3 years (1 year for new planting and 2 years for maintenance).

 Average yield during the business phase (KD):

+ On basalt soil: 2.5 - 3 tons of beans per hectare.

+ On other types of soil: 1.8 - 2 tons of beans per hectare.

4. Technical Procedures

4.1. New Planting

4.1.1. Planting Season

Starting at the beginning of the rainy season and ending two to three months before the dry season. In the Central Highlands and Southeast regions, the planting season is from May 15 to August 15, while in the South Central Coast region, it is from August 15 to October 31 each year.

4.1.2. Soil for Planting Coffee

Soil with a slope of 0-15 degrees, preferably less than 8 degrees, must have good drainage, a soil layer depth of more than 70 cm, underground water level deeper than 100 cm, and surface soil layer (0-20 cm) organic matter content over 2.5%. Various soils weathered from Poochia, limestone, slate, granite, etc., can be suitable if they meet the above conditions, but basalt soil is the most appropriate.

Soil from old or diseased coffee gardens should not be replanted with coffee for at least three years. During this time, measures for soil improvement and disease control must be applied. Before replanting, the soil must be checked; only if the disease has been eliminated can new planting proceed.

4.1.3. Planting Distance

On good, flat land, coffee plants are planted at a distance of 3x3 meters. For poor or steep land with slopes greater than 8 degrees, rows of coffee plants are arranged along contour lines with a distance of 3 meters between rows, and plants within rows are spaced 2.5 meters apart.

4.1.4. Seedling Standards

a. Seedlings

Seedlings grown from seeds before planting must meet the following criteria:

- Age: 6-8 months

- Stem height from soil surface: 25-35 cm, straight stem growth

- Number of true leaves: 5-7 pairs

- Stem diameter: 3-4 mm

- Free from pests and diseases, and acclimatized to full sunlight for 10-15 days before planting.

- Pot size: 14-15 x 24-25 cm.

b. Grafted seedlings

 In addition to the standards for seedlings, grafted seedlings must also meet:

- Graft shoot height over 10 cm and at least one pair of fully developed leaves.

- Grafting completed at least one month before planting.

4.1.5. Planting

Holes are dug with dimensions of 50-60 x 50 x 50 cm. The topsoil is mixed with 5-10 kg of compost and 0.5 kg of phosphorus fertilizer, then filled back into the hole. This mixing and filling process must be done at least one month before planting.

Just before planting, a small hole is dug in the center of the previously filled hole, with a depth of 30-35 cm and width larger than the pot size to ensure straight planting. If planting two trees per hole, the hole must be wide enough to accommodate two pots of coffee separated by 20-30 cm. Carefully tear open the pot bag to avoid breaking the soil ball and cut any bent roots at the bottom of the pot. Place the soil ball 10-15 cm below ground level (planting below ground level). Gradually fill and compact the soil around the soil ball, being careful not to break the soil ball. In sloping areas (>30 degrees), after planting, create a depression to prevent soil covering the plant. The depression has a diameter of 50-60 cm.

Timely replanting of dead plants and cessation of replanting two to one and a half months before the end of the rainy season. When replanting, only dig holes where dead plants were and replant.

4.1.6. Creating Basins

Dig basins around the base of the coffee plant to limit erosion and retain water during the dry season. Basin digging should be carried out one to two months before the dry season. In the first year, the basin is dug in a square shape with a width of 1 meter and a depth of 0.15 to 0.20 meters. In subsequent years, the basin is expanded according to the tree canopy until it reaches a stable size: width of 2-2.5 meters and depth of 0.15 to 0.20 meters. When excavating the basin, minimize damage to the coffee roots.

4.1.7. Planting Hedge Trees, Shade Trees, and Intercropped Plants

Hedge trees and shade trees are planted simultaneously or before planting coffee.

4.1.7.1. Hedge Rows

a. Main Hedge Rows

Consists of two rows of black locust (Cassia siamea) spaced 2 meters apart, with a distance of 2 meters between trees, planted in a zigzag pattern. Depending on the terrain and wind speed of each area, the distance between main hedge rows is 200-300 meters. Main hedge rows are arranged perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction (can be angled at 60 degrees).

b. Secondary Hedge Rows

Consists of a row of black locust trees or fruit trees, planted at intervals of 6-9 meters and designed to be perpendicular to the main forest belt.

4.1.7.2. Shade Trees

a. Long-term Shade Trees

Suitable shade trees for robusta coffee are black locust with planting distance of 24x24 meters or Leucaena (Leucaena glauca, L. leucocephala) with spacing of 12x12 meters.

The above types of trees must be sown in pots and cared for until they reach a height of 25-35 cm before transplanting. During the rainy season, lateral branches need to be pruned. When the shade tree canopy stabilizes, it must be at least 4 meters away from the coffee canopy.

When the coffee garden is stable (in the fourth or fifth year), in areas with suitable climate conditions and potential for intensive cultivation, the number of shade trees can gradually be reduced by 30-50% to increase coffee yield.

b. Temporary Shade Trees

Golden Shower Tree (Crotalaria sp.), Flemingia congesta are suitable temporary shade trees for basic construction coffee plants. Seeds of temporary shade trees should be sown at the beginning of the rainy season between two rows of coffee, with every 2-3 rows of coffee having one row of shade trees.

4.1.7.3. Intercropped Plants

Short-term legume crops can be intercropped between two rows of basic construction coffee plants to increase income and protect the soil, with legumes being planted at least 0.7 meters away from the coffee rows.

Some perennial trees with sparse foliage such as cinnamon (Cinnamomum iners), durian (Durio zibethinus) can be intercropped in coffee gardens to replace shade trees and increase income. The appropriate planting distance for durian intercropped in coffee gardens is 12-15 meters x 12-15 meters. Cinnamon requires high shading during its early stages, so it should be planted in coffee gardens that are 2-3 years old with a spacing of 15 x 3 meters.

4.2. Care

4.2.1. Weeding

For basic construction coffee plants, weeds must be cleared along the rows of coffee plants with a width larger than the coffee canopy on each side by 0.5 meters. Weeding should be done 5-6 times per year.

For commercial coffee plants, weeds should be cleared 3-4 times per year across the entire area.

To eliminate perennial weeds capable of vegetative reproduction such as cogon grass, elephant grass, etc., herbicides containing glyphosate such as Roundup, Spark, Nufarm, etc., can be used at a rate of 4-6 liters per 400-500 liters of water per hectare. Application should be made when the weeds are actively growing (cogon grass height of 30-40 cm, elephant grass height of 10-15 cm).

At the beginning of the dry season each year, weed control around the coffee garden should be carried out to prevent fires.

4.2.2. Fertilization

4.2.2.1. Organic Fertilizer

Decomposed manure should be applied periodically every 4-5 years with a volume of about 10-15 cubic meters per hectare for good soil (organic matter content over 3%), and every 2-3 years for poor soil with the same amount. If there is no manure available, other organic sources such as green manure or other organic fertilizers can be used. Each year, plant residues such as small branches, leaves, and coffee peels should be buried in the plot.

Organic fertilizer should be applied in trenches at the beginning or middle of the rainy season, trenches should be dug along one side of the planting bed, 20 cm wide, 25-30 cm deep, and after applying the fertilizer, the soil should be covered back. In subsequent years, trenches should be dug in different directions.

4.2.2.2. Chemical Fertilizer

a. Dosage

To determine the balanced and reasonable fertilizer application for each region, it is necessary to base it on the fertility of the soil and the yield capacity of the orchard. For regions without the condition to analyze the soil and leaves, the following fertilizer dosage can be applied:

Table 1: Fertilizer Dosage for 1 hectare of Robusta Coffee (kg/ha)

 

 

- First time (mid-dry season, combined with irrigation): Apply 100% SSP.

- Second time (beginning of rainy season): 30% urea, 30% potassium chloride, and 100% rock phosphate.

- Third time (mid-rainy season): 40% urea, 30% potassium chloride.

- Fourth time (one month before the end of the rainy season): 30% urea, 40% potassium chloride.

For the first year (new planting): All rock phosphate should be applied as basal dressing. Urea and potassium chloride should be evenly divided and applied twice during the rainy season.

b. Method of Application

Rock phosphate should be evenly spread on the surface at a distance of 30-40 cm from the trunk. Rock phosphate should not be mixed with nitrogen fertilizer.

Potassium chloride and nitrogen can be mixed and applied immediately. Dig trenches around the coffee tree canopy, 10-15 cm wide, 5 cm deep, spread the fertilizer evenly, and cover the soil.

4.2.3. Irrigation

Depending on the climatic and weather conditions of each region, direct irrigation techniques can be applied where water basins are created for irrigation or sprinkler irrigation with different irrigation regimes. Areas with distinct and prolonged dry seasons may implement the following irrigation regime:

Table 2: Amount of Water and Irrigation Cycle

Amount of Irrigation Water

 

 

The timing of the first irrigation is determined when flower buds have fully developed at the outermost nodes of the branches, typically occurring 2-2.5 months after the end of the rainy season.

During the irrigation period, rainfall amounts should be monitored to adjust the amount of irrigation water or the irrigation cycle (35-40 mm of rain can substitute for one irrigation cycle).

4.2.4. Shaping

4.2.4.1. Basic Shaping

This is carried out during the basic construction phase to create a canopy framework for the tree, including the following tasks:

a. Trunk Cultivation

If one plant is planted per hole, an additional auxiliary trunk should be cultivated from the first year at a position as close to the ground as possible. If two plants are planted per hole, no additional auxiliary trunk should be cultivated except in cases where the canopy is deficient.

b. Terminal Bud Pinching

- First time, when the tree reaches a height of 1.3-1.4 meters, pinch the terminal bud at a height of 1.2-1.3 meters.

- Second time, when 50-70% of the primary branches have produced secondary branches, cultivate new shoots above the old canopy. Each trunk should have one shoot 0.4 meters high and maintain the tree height at 1.7-1.8 meters. Excess shoots should be regularly removed.

4.2.4.2. Pruning

Commercial coffee plants should be pruned twice a year.

a. First Time

Immediately after harvesting, including the following tasks:

- Remove ineffective branches (dry, diseased, weak, etc.), cut some secondary branches from the upper part of the canopy.

- Cut back old branches to concentrate nutrients on inner secondary branches.

- Remove branches touching the ground.

b. Second Time

b. The second time

During the middle of the rainy season, thin out secondary branches growing in unfavorable positions (deep within the foliage, growing vertically, or densely clustered on the same node) to ensure good air circulation in the canopy.

4.2.5. Pest and Disease Control

4.2.5.1. Insects

a. Green scale (Coccus viridis), brown scale (Saissetia hemisphaerica), mealybug (Pseudococcus sp.)

These insects typically gather on young parts of the plant such as new shoots, branches, leaves, and unripe fruits, sucking sap which causes leaf and fruit drop, weakening the tree and potentially leading to its death. The insects develop year-round but cause significant damage during the dry season and on Robusta coffee. Ants are the primary insect vectors for spreading these pests.

Prevention measures:

- Clear weeds from the plantation and remove branches touching the ground to limit the spread of scales through ants.

- Apply one of the following insecticides at a concentration of 0.2%: Bi 58, Subatox, Suprathion (Supracide), Pyrinex... Spray the affected plants twice, with intervals of 7-10 days. Note that spraying should only be done on infested plants, not on a regular basis or over the entire area.

b. Root mealybug (Pseudococcus citri)

Mealybugs usually concentrate around the root collar but when their population increases, they spread down to lateral roots and root hairs, forming mounds that prevent insecticide contact. Wounds caused by mealybugs provide entry points for fungal diseases, leading to root rot. Ants and water runoff are the main agents in the spread of mealybugs.

Prevention measures:

Regularly inspect the base of coffee plants. If the mealybug density reaches 30-50 individuals per plant around the root collar (10 cm deep), take the following actions. Dig soil around the root collar in a funnel shape, 10 cm away from the base and 10 cm deep, then apply one of the following liquid insecticides at a concentration of 0.2% plus 1% kerosene: Bi 58, Basudin, Subatox... Pour 0.5-1 liter of solution per plant and cover the soil back. Alternatively, use one of the following granular or powder insecticides at a rate of 20 g per plant: Bam, Sumithion, Basudin, Furadan... Follow the same procedure. Note that when digging around the base, treat immediately to avoid ants spreading the mealybugs elsewhere, and only treat infested plants.

c. Shoot borer (Xyleborus morstatti)

Borers thrive in the early months of the dry season and mainly attack tender shoots. They bore small holes beneath the shoots causing them to wilt and die. Currently, there are no effective chemical treatments, so the best approach is to promptly identify and prune affected shoots. Cut 2 cm inside the hole and burn the pruned branches to prevent further spread.

d. Fruit borer (Stephanoderes hampei)

This pest primarily affects mature green fruits (when seeds have hardened), ripe fruits still on the tree, and can also develop in dried fruits left on the tree or on the ground. It can also damage dried beans stored in warehouses if moisture levels exceed 13%.

Prevention measures:

- Store dried fruits or beans at moisture levels below 13%.

- Maintain field hygiene, harvest ripe fruits promptly, and collect all dried fruits from the ground and trees to break the pest's cycle.

- In heavily infested areas, spray Thiodan at a concentration of 0.25% during the late fruit development stage.

 

4.2.5.2. Diseases:

a. Coffee rust (Hemileia vastatrix)

This is a common disease affecting coffee plantations. The severity depends on each plant's resistance, but once infected, the plant remains susceptible throughout its life cycle. The fungus infects the underside of leaves, initially appearing as pale yellow spots that later develop into orange powdery patches, eventually causing partial or complete leaf drop, weakening the plant. The disease typically appears at the beginning of the rainy season and peaks at the end.

Prevention measures:

- Use resistant varieties.

- Remove seedlings showing symptoms from nurseries.

- Graft healthy scions onto severely affected plants.

- Spray one of the following fungicides at a concentration of 0.1%: Tilt, Bumper, Sumi-eight, Bayleton, or 0.2% Anvil to control the disease. When applying, ensure the following:

+ Apply 0.5-1 liter of solution per plant to the underside of the leaves.

+ Start spraying when 10% of the leaves show symptoms (usually 2-3 months after the start of the rainy season), repeat every month for 2-3 applications.

+ Annual spraying is necessary as the fungicides only protect against the disease for one year and should be applied only to affected plants.

b. Root rot

Root rot is a dangerous disease capable of killing large numbers of plants, and currently, there are no effective chemical treatments. The disease results from the combined attack of the nematode Pratylenchus coffeae and fungi such as Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, and Rhizoctonia bataticola. Affected plants exhibit slow growth, few secondary branches and new shoots, yellowing leaves, rotted root hairs and collar roots, and in Robusta coffee, the plant may lean during the rainy season with rotted stakes. To prevent this disease, follow these guidelines:

- Regularly inspect the plantation to detect and uproot diseased plants. Surrounding plants can be treated with Benlate C or Bendazol at a concentration of 0.4-0.5%, applying 5 liters of solution per hole, twice with 15-day intervals.

- Provide balanced fertilization, especially organic, particularly in high-yielding continuous cropping systems.

- Minimize soil disturbance in affected areas to avoid damaging the roots.

c. Branch and fruit blight

Caused by nutritional imbalance or the fungus Colletotrichum coffeanum, this disease primarily affects branches and fruits, causing them to dry and fall off. Initial lesions appear yellow-brown and expand, turning dark brown, often sunken compared to unaffected areas.

Prevention measures:

- Plant shade trees appropriately and maintain balanced fertilization to prevent excessive fruiting and plant exhaustion. Prune diseased branches.

- Apply one of the following fungicides to control Colletotrichum coffeanum: Derosal 0.2%, Carbenzim 0.2%, Tilt 0.1%, Bumper 0.1%. Spray at the beginning of the season (1-2 months after rain), repeating every 15 days for 2-3 applications.

d. Pink disease

The disease is caused by the fungus Corticium salmonicolor. The main affected areas are on the upper branches near where branches fork and at the tips of the tree. The disease usually occurs during the last months of the rainy season. Initially, the symptoms appear as white spots on the underside of the branches, which later turn pink. As the disease spreads around the circumference of the branch, it can cause the branch to die. The primary preventive measures include timely detection and removal of diseased branches. If the disease becomes widespread, fungicides such as Validacin at a concentration of 2% or Anvil at 0.2% may be applied, with spraying conducted every 15 days for 2-3 times.

d. Root collar rot disease

This disease primarily affects seedlings in nurseries and plants during the early growth stage. It is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani. The root collar rots either completely or partially, leading to slow plant growth, yellowing leaves, and potentially plant death.

Prevention measures:

- In nurseries, avoid overly moist soil or soil crust formation on top of the pots, and adjust light conditions appropriately. Remove and burn diseased plants, and spray surrounding healthy plants with Validacin at 2% or Bendazol at 0.2%.

- In orchards, prevent water accumulation. When weeding or caring for the plants, avoid causing injuries to the root collar area. Remove and burn severely diseased plants, while lightly diseased plants can be treated by watering each plant base with 1-2 liters of a solution containing Bendazol at 0.4% and Validacin at 3%, repeated every 15 days for 2-3 times.

e. Yellowing leaves due to sulfur deficiency

Symptoms of sulfur deficiency typically appear on young leaves. These leaves have a pale green color, become brittle, and their edges easily tear. Older leaves often fall off prematurely. Applying sulfur-containing fertilizer (SA) at a rate of 200-300 kg/ha can prevent sulfur deficiency. To mitigate sulfur deficiency, spray the leaves with a solution of sulfur-containing fertilizer at 1% or zinc sulfate at 0.4%, repeated every 15-20 days for 2-3 times.

g. Leaf curling due to zinc deficiency

Symptoms of zinc deficiency usually appear on young leaves at the tips of branches, tops of stems, and new shoots. Leaves curl and exhibit a yellow color interspersed with green veins. Internodes at the tips of branches and stems are very short due to stunted growth. To treat zinc deficiency, spray a solution of zinc sulfate at 0.4% onto the leaves at the beginning of the rainy season, repeated every month for 2-3 times, or apply zinc sulfate at 20-30 kg/ha.

4.3. Harvesting

4.3.1. Harvesting Techniques

Coffee fruits are harvested manually and are collected in multiple rounds within a single crop cycle to ensure timely harvesting of ripe fruits. Unripe green fruits should not be harvested, and entire branches should not be stripped or broken. Harvesting must cease three days before and after flowering.

4.3.2. Technical Requirements for Harvested Products

 The harvested product must have a ripeness ratio (fruits displaying the characteristic color when ripe covering more than two-thirds of the fruit surface) of at least 95%, and the impurity ratio should not exceed 0.5%. During the final round of harvesting, the ripeness ratio should be above 80%, the impurity ratio should not exceed 1%, and these impurities should not exceed 10% of the total yield of the entire crop.

4.3.3. Preservation of Raw Materials

After harvesting, coffee fruits must be transported promptly to processing facilities and should not be left for more than 24 hours. Transport vehicles and packaging materials for coffee fruits must be clean and free from contamination by fertilizers, chemicals, etc. In cases where transportation or processing cannot be done immediately, the coffee fruits should be spread out on dry, well-ventilated surfaces and should not be piled up thicker than 40 cm.