MIRLITON.ORG

MIRLITON.ORG

Papa Sylvest Mirliton Variety Site Visit October 29, 2009 (chayote, “Sechium edule”)

This mirliton plant (Sechium edule) is more than 50 years old. It may be that the growers use manure, and cypress compost so the soil is acidic which can suppress nematodes which are normally the reason plants fade out in a few years. The acidic soil would lower yield, but also increase the longevity of the plant.
Male flower. Not immature fruit at bottom.
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Papa Sylvest mirliton variety leaf. Cut-Off, La. Young fruit not yet fully grown or ready to pick
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Short video of growers. They plant fruits in the ground in the fall. October 29, 2009
Seed that has been in mounds
Planting in hills. The growers place three mirlitons in the hill and cover for winter. All the seed and fruit are Papa Sylvest variety. Long Trellis with scores of plants planted in linear raised bed on both sides
Seed beginning to send out roots.
Long Trellis with scores of plants planted in linear raised bed on both sides
Internal soft seed extruding through apical cleft. Initial roots at tip. This is ready to store/plant
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Older fruit left on vine for use as seed. This toughens the skin (see the brown lenticles) against insects and predators.
Mature fruit with some wrinkling from cold weather
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