Maguey

Maguey, Agave cantala (Roxb), belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family, genus Agave Sp. A maguey plant grows into a rosette of leaves of consisting of 20 - 50 leaves which droops into a horizontal position when it matures. The long and fleshy leaves are edged with spines and grow up to six feet long. The leaves provide soft and long fibers which are yellowish white to brownish white.

USES/
APPLICATIONS

Cordage, ropes
and twines, carpets, wall coverings, fibercrafts, handmade paper
  

INDUSTRY SECTORS (2006)

  • Farmers                                       839
  • Processors/Exporters (licensed)      3
  • Traders (licensed)                         1

OFFICIAL GRADES OF MAGUEY
   TOTAL HECTARAGE: (2006)               503.75 hectares

GRADE

STRENGTH

CLEANING

COLOR
   AVERAGE PRODUCTION (1997-2006)         21.1 m.t.


MR-1
MR-2
MR-3


High
Normal
Poor


Good
Fair
Poor


Dull white
Dingy white
Light brown
   MAJOR PRODUCING PROVINCES
     Pangasinan, Cebu
METHODS OF EXTRACTION
     Decortication and retting
  • MR-Y is Maguey damaged, the qualities of which are too low to be included in the above normal grades
  • MR-O or Maguey strings are those fibers consisting of strings and twisted or knotted strands.
  • MR-T or Maguey tow consists of very short or tangled fiber.
  GRADES OF FIBER
     RETTED:
          MR-1, MR-2,MR-3, MR-O, MR-T, MR-Y
     DECORTICATED:
          MD-1, MD-2, MD-3, MD-O, MD-T, MD-Y

CULTURAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Soil Requirement
Fertile soil is not a requisite, thus, unproductive ones like rocky soil is still suitable for maguey production. It is also adapted to undulating or hillu areasand grows even along the seashore.


CLIMATIC REQUIREMENT
Maguey endures diversified climatic conditions and does not require abundant or evenly distributed rainfall.


METHOD OF PROPAGATION
Bulbils and suckers are commonly used for maguey propagation. However, suckers of 40 to 50cm long are preferred than bulbils. Matured leaves from suckers give more fiber. The suckers produce more leaves during the first three years of after picking.

PLANTING SEASON DISTANCE OF PLANTING
Planting is done at the start of the rainy season The planting materials are spaced at 1m x 1.5m apart in a single row and 2m x 2.5m apart in double rows


METHOD OF PROPAGATION
Applying fertilizer is optional. However, its application will greatly improve the growth of the plant. The 6-9-12 N-P-K fertilizer mixture, about 200 to 300 kilos per hectare per year is recommended.

PRODUCTION AND MARKET SCENARIO

INDUSTRY PROBLEMS

OPPORTUNITIES AND PROSPECTS/DEVELOPMENTS