**15. Intercropping and interculture**

In plantations, tamarillo is frequently intercropped with citrus so that, for the first 4–6 years of its rapid growth to a productive size, it can be produced economically. Thereafter, the tamarillo plants are removed [72]. Mulching can aid in preserving soil moisture because plants are susceptible to drought stress. As traditional soil management techniques like plowing are impractical due to the thin and delicate root system, it can also be used as a tactic to control weeds. Because of the shallow root system, deep cultivation is not possible, but light cultivation is desirable to eliminate weeds until there is sufficient vegetative growth to shade them out. The plants have to be protected from wind. Their shallow root system does not provide enough stability and the lateral branches are fragile and break easily when carrying fruits. The tree has to be protected from the wind because its roots are weak and it can easily be blown over. It is also fragile, and strong winds can easily break its branches, especially when they are heavy with fruit. Before laying out the plantation, it is advised that windbreaks be built to protect the young plants for each 1/2 acre (1/5 hectare). In the New Zealand region of North Auckland, *Albizia lophantha* Benth. and *Hakea saligna* hedges are maintained clipped, narrow, and well-liked.
