Hello MS88: Malaysia’s next great durian, ready to challenge Black Thorn

The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) has renamed the MDUR 88 hybrid durian as Mardi Super.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu stated that this initiative is part of efforts to raise Malaysia’s premium durian to a higher level and expand commercial potential in both the domestic and global markets.

“Kuala Kangsar Mardi, as a research centre, is introducing new varieties, particularly durians, to meet the demand of the multi-billion-ringgit international durian market,” he told reporters after touring Mardi’s Taman Agro-Douriotourism today.

Mohamad went on to say that MS88, which has undergone 15 years of development, tastes similar to other premium durians, such as Black Thorn.

He stated that nationwide smallholder farmers planted around 8,000 MS88 durian plants to satisfy the export market, notably in China.

“Despite competition from Thailand and Vietnam, we are confident that Malaysian durians remain a top choice in China, and we aim to meet the growing durian market there every year,” said Mr. Shah.

He also stated that the ministry and Mardi will continue encouraging farmers to produce durians by offering free MS88 durian seeds.

Meanwhile, Mardi stated that the MS88 Durian has a rich, sweet flavour, thick meat, and fruit that takes longer to split, allowing it to be kept for extended periods of time without sacrificing flesh quality.