138 



PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURE 



becomes so full of water that they cannot breathe. The 

 plants require much potassium; therefore, ashes are a 



good fertilizer. It is 

 probable that abaca 

 wants a soil rich in 

 lime. 



Reproduction from 

 Suckers. Abaca is 

 reproduced chiefly 

 by transplanting 

 the young suckers 

 which spring up around every 

 plant. Old butts, from which 

 the trunks have just been cut, 

 can also be transplanted. 



Reproduction from Seed. 

 Abaca can also be reproduced 

 by seed. It requires a year 

 longer for plants grown from 

 seed to reach maturity; but in 

 some places suckers are hard 

 to get. If seeds are used, they 

 must be from fruit which has 

 not become overripe. The 

 seeds should be washed well, 

 soaked for several hours, and 

 FIG. 97 . Bunch of abaci fruit planted 2 cm deep and 1 5 cm 

 apart, in rich, fine, shaded ground. In less than a year 

 they are ready to be transplanted. Care should be 



