Fruit production in Vietnam has developed very significantly in recent years. This sector has experienced rapid growth because income per hectare from growing fruits is four to eight times greater than from growing rice. In the rapidly expanding markets of Vietnam, it has been easy to sell fruits so producers have concentrated on quantity rather than quality. However, this system of production is likely to change, because traditional growing techniques are often irregular and inadequate, disease-control measures are poor and markets are changing, with better quality fruit being sought by consumers.
The lack of basic information of the fruits grown in Vietnam is a bottleneck for further development. Although there are numerous kinds of fruits in Vietnam, it is not possible for the author to cover them all in this small publication. The present document only attempts to compile existing information on six major fruits, four potential fruits, and six minor fruits. Pertinent information on each fruit includes scientific and vernacular names (in English, French, and five Southeast Asian nations - Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam), general description, origin and distribution, ecology, genetics and improvement, major cultivars in Vietnam, propagation, planting, pests and diseases, fruiting season, harvest and yield, post-harvests operation, problems, and prospects.
These are fruits that are most commonly found in Vietnam. They are listed in Table 1. However, the present document covers only six major fruits having the highest priority in development, namely longan, lychee, mandarin, mango, orange and pummelo.
Table 1. List of major fruits of Vietnam
|
Scientific name |
Common name |
Vienamese / other SE Asian names |
|
Anacardium occidentale |
cashew |
Dao Lon Hot, Cay Dieu / Jambu Monyet (Ins), Gajus, Jambu Monyet (Mal), Kasoy (Phi), Mamuang Himmaphan (Tha) |
|
Ananas comosus |
pineapple |
Dua, Thom, Khom / Nanas, Danas, Naneh (Ins), Nanas, Nanas Pager (Mal), Nanas, Apangdan (Phi), Sapparot (Tha) |
|
Annona squamosa |
sugarapple, sweetsop |
Na, Mang Cau Ta / Sirkaja, Sarikaja, Atis (Ins), Nona Sri Kaya, Buah Nona, Sri Kaya (Mal), Atis (Phi), Noi Na (Tha) |
|
Annona muricata |
soursop |
Mang Cau Xiem / Sirsak, Nangka Belanda, Nangka Seberang (Ins), Durian Belanda, Durian Benggaka, Durian Makkah (Mal), Guayabano, Atti, Illabanos (Phi), Thurian Thet, Thurian Khaek (Tha) |
|
Artocarpus altilis |
bread fruit |
Sake [seedless] / Sukun [seedless], Kelur, Timbul [seeded](Ins);Kelor [seeded] (Mal); Rimas [seedless], Kamansi [seeded] (Phi); Sa-ke [seedless], Khanum Sampalo [seeded] (Tha) |
|
Artocarpus heterophyllus |
jackfruit |
Mit / Nangka (Ins, Mal), Jak, Lanka (Phi), Khanun (Tha) |
|
Carica papaya |
papaya |
Du Du / Pepaya, Gedang, Kates (Ins), Betek, Ketelah, Kepaya (Mal), Kapaya, Lapaya (Phi), Malako (Tha) |
|
Citrullus lanatus |
watermelon |
Dua Hau / Betek (Ins), Beteka (Mal), Taeng Mo (Tha) |
|
Citrus aurantifolia |
lime |
Chanh Vo Mong, Chanh Ta / Jeruk Nipis, J. Pecel (Ins), Limau Nipis, L. Asam (Mal), Dayap (Phi), Manao (Tha) |
|
Citrus medica |
citron |
Thanh Yen / Jeruj Sukade, Sitrun (Ins), Limau Susu (Mal),Bulid (Phi), Manao Khwai (Thai) |
|
Citrus reticulata |
mandarin |
Quyt / Jeruk Keprok, J. Maseh, (Ins), Limau Kupas, L. Langkat, L. Cembul, L. Tommbong, L. Hijau (Mal), Sintones, Dalangghita (Phi), Som Khieo Wan, Som Saeng Thong (Tha) |
|
C. reticulata x |
king mandarin |
Cam Sanh / Jeruk Jepun, J. Cina, J. Cina C. sinensis mandarin, Licin, J. Kondeh, J. Cempage, J. Kuwik (Ins), Limau Tangor Cina, L. Kupa Raja |
|
C. reticulata xC. maxima |
- |
Cam Bo Ha / - |
|
Citrus sinensis |
sweet orange |
Cam / Jeruk Manis, Chula, Choreng, (Ins), Limau Manis, L. Langgat, L. Hupa, L.Wangkang (Mal), Kahel, Daladan, (Phi), Som Tra, Som Kliang (Tha) |
|
Cocos nucifera |
coconut |
Dua/ Kelapa, Nyiur (Ins, Mal), Niog, Lobi, Inniug, Ongot, Gira-gira, I-ing, Ngot-ngot (Phi), Maphrao (Tha) |
|
Dimocarpus longan |
longan |
Nhan / Lengkeng (Ins, Mal), Lamyai (Tha) |
|
Diospyros kaki |
persimmon |
Hong / Kesemek, Buah Kaki (Ins), Buah Kaki, Buah Samak (Mal), Phlap Chin (Tha) |
|
Durio zebethinus |
durian |
Sau Rieng / Durian (Ins, Mal, Phi), Thurian (Tha) |
|
Fragaria x ananassa |
strawberry |
Dau Tay / Arben (Ins), Strawberry (Mal), Freasa (Phi), Satroboery (Tha) |
|
Garcinia mangostana |
mangosteen |
Mang Cut / Manggis (Ins, Mal, Phi), Mangkhut (Tha) |
|
Hylocereus undatus |
dragon fruit |
Thanh Long / Kaeo Mangkon (Tha) (being a newly developed fruit, no local name in other country is available except for Thailand) |
|
Lansium domesticum |
langsat |
Bon Bon / Langsat, Kokosan (Ins), Langsat, Langseh (Aglaia domestica) (Mal), Lansones, Boboa, Buahan (Phi), Langsat (Tha) |
|
Litchi chinensia |
lychee |
Vai / Litsi, Kalengkeng (Ins), Laici (Mal), Letsias, Licheas (Phi),Linchi (Tha) |
|
Mangifera indica |
mango |
Xoai / Mangga (Ins, Mal, Phi), Mamuang (Tha) |
|
Manilkara zapota |
sapodilla |
Hong Xiem (N), Xaboche (S) / Sawo Manila, Ciku, Sawo Londo (Ins), Ciku, Sau Menila, Zapote (Mal), Chico (Phi), Lamut, Lamut Farang (Tha) |
|
Musa |
banana |
Chuoi / Pisang (Ins, Mal), Saging (Phi), Kluai (Tha) |
|
AA |
ladyfinger banana |
Chuoi Ngu [King banana] (N), Chuoi Gia (S) / Pisang Mas (Ins, Mal), Kluai Khai (Tha) |
|
AAA |
Cavendish banana |
Chuoi Gia / Pisang Ambol (Ins, Mal), Kluai Hom (Tha) |
|
BB |
wild balbi, siana banana |
Chuoi Hot (pig banana) / Butuhan (Phi), Kluai Tani (Tha) |
|
AAB |
plantain |
Chuoi Bom / Pisang Tanduk (Ins, Mal), Kluai Klai (Tha) |
|
ABB |
Bluggoe |
Chuoi Tay / Pisang Awak, P. Rastali (Ins, Mal), Kluai Namwa (Tha) |
|
Nephelium lappaceum |
rambutan |
Chom Chom / Rambutan (Ins, Mal, Phi), Ngo (Tha) |
|
Passiflora edulis |
passionfruit, purple granadilla |
Dao Tien, Qua Lac Tien / Buah Negeri, Pasi, Konyal (Ins), Buah Susu, Buah Selasih, Markisa (Mal), Pasionaria, Maraflora (Phi), Lin Mangkon, Katoklok Farang, Saowarot (Tha) |
|
Persea americana |
avocado |
Bo / Adpukat, Avokat (Ins), Buah Mentega, Avokado, Apukado (Mal), Luk Noei, Awokhado (Tha) |
|
Prunus selicina |
plum |
Man / Ijas Jepang (Ins, Mal), Phlam (Tha) |
|
Psidium guajava |
guava |
Oi / Jambu Batu, Jambu Biji (Ins, Mal), Bayabas, Guayabas, Kalimbahin, Biabas (Phi), Farang (Tha) |
|
Punica granatum |
pomegranate |
Lu’u, Thap Lu’u / Delima (Ins. Mal), Granada, Dalima (Phi), Thapthim (Tha) |
|
Pyrus pyrifolia |
oriental pear |
Le /Apel Jepang (Ins), Lai (Mal), Peras (Phi), Sali (Tha) |
|
Sandoricum koetjape |
santol |
Sau / Kecapi, Ketuat, Sentul (Ins), Sentul, Kechapi (Mal), Santol, Santor, Katul (Phi), Krathon (Tha) |
|
Spondias cytherea |
ambarella, otaheite apple |
Coc (S), Sau Van Nam (N) / Kedongdong Manis (Ins), (S. dulcis) Kedongdong (Mal), Hevi (Phi), Makok Farang, Makok Thet (Tha) |
|
Syzygium jambos |
roseapple |
Ly, Bo Dao, Roi / Jambu Mawar, Jambu Kraton (Ins), Jambu Kelampok, Jambu Mawer (Mal), Tampoi, Bunlaun, Yambo (Phi), Chomphu Nam Dok Mai |
|
Syzygium samarangense |
Java apple, wax apple, chomphu |
Man / Jambu Semarang, J. Klampok, J. Air Rhio (Ins), Jambu Air Mawar, J. Air Rhio (Mal), Makopa (Phi), C. Khieo, C. Nak, C. Kaem Maem (Tha) |
|
Tamarindus indica |
Tamarind |
Trai Me / Asam, Asam Jawa, Tambaring (Ins), Asam Jawa (Mal), Sambak, Sambalagi, Sampalok, Kalamagi, Salomagi, Salunagi (Phi), Makham (Tha) |
|
Vitis vinifera |
Grape |
Nho / Anggur (Ins, Mal), Ubas, Papas, Parras (Phi), A-ngun (Tha) |
|
Ziziphus jujuba |
Chinese jujube |
Tau / Widara, Dara, Bidara (Ins), Bidara, Jujub, Epal Siam, Kuku Lang (Mal), Manzanitas (Phi), Phutsa (Tha) |
These are fruits that are less commonly found in Vietnam, yet they have potential to be developed into commercial production, if improved cultivars and planting techniques could be developed. The list of minor fruits in Vietnam is presented in Table 2. However, only those that have the highest potential are described, namely avocado, banana, breadfruit, cashew nut, dragon fruit and mangosteen.
Table 2. List of minor fruits of Vietnam
|
Scientific name |
Common name |
Vietnamese / other names |
|
Averrhoa bilimbi |
bilimbi |
Khe Tau / Belimbing Asam, B.Wuluh, B. Butuk (Ins, Mal), Kamias, Iba (Phi), Taling Pring (Tha) |
|
Averrhoa carambola |
star fruit, carambola |
Khe / Belimbing Manis, B. Segi (Ins, Mal), Balimbing (Phi), Mafeung (Tha) |
|
Baccaurea ramiflora |
Burmese grape |
Giau Gia Dat, Giau Tien, Dzau Mien Dzuoi / Mafai Setambun, Tajam Molek (Ins), Pupor, Tampoi, Tempui (Mal), Mafai Farang (Tha) |
|
Chysophyllum cainito |
caimito, star apple |
Vu Sua / Sawo Ijo, Sawo Hijo, Sawo Kadu (Ins), Sawu Duren, Pepulut (Mal), Caimito (Phi), Sata Appoen (Tha) |
|
xCitrofortunella microcarpa |
Calamondin |
Quat / Jeruk Peres, J. Kasturi, J. Potong, Limon Cina, Limon Cui (Ins), Limau Kesturi, L. Chuit, L. Sambal |
|
(Citrus microcarpa,C. madurensis) |
golden lime, musk lime |
(Mal), Kalamondin, Kalamansi, Limonsito, Aldonisis (Phi), Som Chit, Som Mapit (Tha) |
|
Citrus hystrix |
porcupine orange |
- / Jeruk Purut, J. Lemon Swanggi, Lemon Purut, Lemo Titigila, Limo Kambang, Lemo Karbau, Lemo Kabi (Ins), Limau Purut (Mal), Kabog, Amongpong, Katan, Kamugau, Buyak, Daruga, Malatbas, Kabuyan, Piris, Muntai, Pinukpok, Kobot (Phi), Makrut (Tha) |
|
Citrus limon |
lemon |
Chanh Tay, Chanh Num / Jeruk Sitrun, J. Ponderosa, J. Khatta (Ins) Limau Mata, L. Mata Kerbau, L. Susu (Mal), Manao Farang, Manoa Thet (Tha) |
|
Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis |
Buddha’s hand,fingered citron |
Phat Thu / Limau Jari (Mal), Som Mu (Tha) |
|
Diospyros philippinensis |
velvet apple |
Hong Nhung / Buah Mentenga, Bisbul, Mobolo (Ins), Buah Mentenga (Mal), Tabang (Phi), Marit (Tha) |
|
Eriobotrya japonica |
loquat |
Ti Ba Diep, Nhot Nhat Ban, Nhot Tay / Lokwar (Ins, Mal), Lo-khwat (Tha) |
|
Flacourtia rukam |
rukam |
Mung Guan Rung / Ganda Rukem, Rukam (Ins), Rukam Manis, Rukam Gajah (Mal), Amaiit, Aganas, Kalominga (Phi), Ta-khop Thai (Tha) |
|
Fortunella japonica |
kumquat |
Quat, Kim Quat, Tac / Jeruk Kumquat, Lemon Marura (Ins), Limau Jepun (Mal), Kham Khwat (Tha) |
|
Limonia acidisssima |
wood apple |
Can Thang / Kawista, Kusta (Ins), Belinggai, Gelinggai (Mal), Makhwit (Tha) |
|
Pithecellobium dulce |
Guayamochil, Manila tamarind |
Me Keo, Keo Tay / Assam Belanda, Asem Londo, Asam Koranji (Ins), Kamatsile, Kamachile (Phi), Makham Thet (Tha) |
|
Syzygium cumini |
Java plum |
Voi Rung, Tram Moc / Jambu Jambolan (Ins, Mal), Duhat, Lumboi, Duatnasi, Dungboi (Phi), Wa (Tha) |
|
Syzygium malaccense |
Malay apple |
Cay Dao, Cay Roi / Jambu Bol, Jamblang (Ins), Jambu Merah, Jambu Bol (Mal), Gubal, Mangkopa, Makopa, Yanbu, Tersana, Makopang-kalabaw, Samunagi (Phi), Chomphu Mamieo, Chomphu Saraek (Tha) |
Areas of fruit trees in Vietnam have been increasing with the changing of cropping system. In addition, with the policy of the Government to cover some areas in the mountainous regions with fruit trees, more areas have been planted to fruit crops. In 2003, the total areas of fruit trees in Vietnam was 643 550 ha, with total production of 5 695 000 tons (or the increase of 13.8% and 15%, respectively, as compared to 2000). The major fruit commodities are banana, lychee and longan, citrus, pineapple and mango, whose area and production are given below:
Banana: Area: 105 000 ha; total production: 1 365 000 tons; important provinces and area (ha): Ca Mau (7 000), Thanh Hoa (8,000), Song Nai (6 000), Soc Trang (6,500), Tra Vinh (3 400), Can Tho (3 000 ha), An Giang (3 000 ha).
Lychee and Longan: Area: 190 000 ha; total production: 694 000 tons; important provinces and area (ha): Bac Giang (25 500), Ben Tre (16 200), Tien Giang (13 528), Vinh long (9 500), Son La (9 600), Hai Dong (9 400), Quang Ninh (7 000), Hoa Binh (4 500).
Citrus: Area: 73 000 ha; total production 440 000 tons; important provinces and area (in ha): Can Tho (13 181), Ben Tre (6 000), Vinh Long (6 500), Ha giang (4 200), Nghe An (4 700), Dong Thap (3 200).
Pineapple: Area: 40 000 ha (in which 8 000 ha are grown to Cayenne varitey), total production: 337 500 tons; important provinces and area (in ha): Kien Giang (7 710), Tien Giang (6 830), Quang nam (2 320), Thanh Ho (1 600) Vµ Ninh Binh (1 572).
Mango: Area: 46 500 ha, total production: 209 400 tons; important provinces and area (in ha): Tien Giang (6 000), Binh Phuoc (4 205), Song Thap (3 700), Can Tho (3 500), Khanh Hoa (4 000).
In addition, there are relatively large areas in some provinces planted to some specific fruits, namely: plum (Bac Ha - Lao Cai), sweetsop (Lang Son), dragon fruit (Binh Thuan) and grape (Ninh Thuan).
Area and production of major fruits grown on seven agro-economic zomes of Vietnam are presented in Table 3.
Table 3. Area and production of major fruits grown on seven agro-economic zones of Vietnam*
|
Zone |
Area |
Production |
Kinds of fruit |
|
North MiddleLand |
32 335 |
313 600 |
lychee, plum, peach, grape, orange, |
|
Red River Delta |
12 774 |
173 700 |
lychee, longan, banana |
|
North CentralCoast |
14,430 |
131,100 |
orange, mandarin, pummelo, |
|
South Central Coast |
28 580 |
228 600 |
mango, cashew, pineapple, grape, dragon fruit |
|
Central Highland |
5 330 |
57 400 |
durian, rambutan, mangosteen, jackfruit, |
|
South East |
27 060 |
318 000 |
ditto |
|
Mekong Delta |
204 568 |
2 276 300 |
orange, longan, sapodilla, mandarin, |
|
Total |
325 077** |
3 3442 000** |
|
* Data from NIAPP (1994)
** Updated figures for 2003 provided by Dr. Vu Manh Hai (Deputy Director of the Research Institute for Fruits and Vegetables, Hanoi) are: total area = 843 500 ha; total production = 5 695 000 tons
