Trees can go to hundred years, outlasting humans on resilience... Some smaller plants last for a year or so... some over a few months. Spinach push hard at early stage, and become matured within days..... Papaya seem to last for a few years. The effect of termite treatment on our old papaya really hurt the roots and lower stem. They seem to be giving way and rot. After some deliberation, we decided to bring the towering plant down. A new plant has been planted not too far away, ready to take over...
Generally termites will search for dead woods and chew them. But in dry season, termites do attack diseased and weaker plants. It seems that they go for exotic crops rather indigenous crops. (click here for further info TERMITES IN AGROECOSYSTEMS). I guess our tall and old papaya fits that well, being very exotic, getting old and weakening.
The papaya stem
cut into shorter lengths
and later chopped further
as composting material.
cut into shorter lengths
and later chopped further
as composting material.
the stump dug out.
the area was further sprayed with termite poison
the new papaya plant
just a metre away ready to take over.
I really hope the new plant is not male.
I really hope the new plant is not male.
Now I am thinking what to do with them, the stack of stems.
I am still following strictly my fundamental on gardening.
What's organic here must stay....
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