Page 317 - Bahrain Gov annual reports(V)_Neat

77
Cereal Crops
The following cereal crops were introduced for trial.
Wheat. Two varieties, Psathas and Kyperounda were imported from Cyprus and both
varieties produced reasonably good yields and merit further investigation.
Barley. Two varieties, Baladi and Cyprus (Black,) both imported from Cyprus proved to
be disappointing. Germination was reasonably good, but heads and length of straw was poor.
Oats. The two varieties of Oats, Red and White Algerian both produced excellent stands.
The quality of the grain was reasonably good being fairly plump and well filled, but husk was
slightly excessive.
Leguminous Crops
The following leguminous crops were introduced from India and the Trucial Coast.
Cajanus indicus (Pigeon Pea)
Cicor aritinum (Chick Pea)
Phaseolus aurens (Green Gram)
Phaseolus mungo (Black Gram)
Crotalaria juncea (Sunn Hemp)
Sesbania aculeats (Dhaincha)
Sesbania grandiflora (Dhainchal
Of the four varieties of “gram” only Cajanus indicus did really well under local conditions
and produced heavy crops. This gram was not noticeably affected by salinity except in the very
early stage of growth and its resistance to drought was marked.
Of the other varieties, although various techniques and repeated sowings were carried out,
saline effect was very noticeable and the only type worth further trial is Cicer arietinum.
All three green manures proved to be very successful and nodulation on both varieties of
Sesbania was excellent. In Bahrain, where the quantity of animal manure is limited and land
is low in fertility growers could improve their land appreciably by growing green manures.
Fruit Crops
Due to conditions prevailing in Bahrain the quantity and quality of fruit grown on the
Island may be said to be disappointing.
Not only have fruit trees to contend with a harsh climate and salinity, but the high winds
that sweep across the Island tend to de-foliate and in some instances kill trees that are not
protected by adequate wind-breaks. Where conditions are favourable, protection is provided
and normal cultural operations are carried out, it is possible to produce fruit of good quality.
The following types of fruit are under investigation.
Achras sapota (Spodilla)
Anona squamosa (Custard Apple)
Carica papaya (Papaw)
Citrus Fruit (Various)
Cyphimandra bctacea (Tree Tomato)
Ficus Carica (Fig)
Mangifera indica (Mango)
Olea europea (Olive)
Physalis peruvana (Cape Gooseberry)
Psidium guyava (Guava)
Punica granatum (Pomegranite)
With suitable protection and culture all the above mentioned fruit crops except for the
tree tomato are doing exceptionally well and results so far have been most promising.
Many new varieties have been introduced and it is hoped that plants will soon be available
to growers.