Origin and Common Names
Acacia procera (Roxb.) Willd. is a species of plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. It is also commonly known as the Gujrat gum, Indian gum arabic tree, and white babul.
Uses
Acacia procera has been traditionally used for several medicinal purposes. Its roots, stem bark, and leaves are used to treat toothache, diarrhea, dysentery, and skin infections. The gum of the plant has been used for treating sore throat and as a substitute for gum arabic. The plant's wood is also used for making furniture, while the charcoal obtained from it is used for fuel and cooking.
Acacia procera is also used in soil conservation. It has deep roots that help bind the soil and prevent erosion, making it a useful species for reforestation purposes.
General Appearance
Acacia procera is a deciduous tree that grows up to 15-20 meters tall. It has a dense, spreading crown that provides ample shade. The plant's leaves are bipinnate and have 10-20 pairs of pinnae, with each pinna having 20-40 pairs of leaflets. The leaves are around 6-12 cm long and have a deep green color. The plant's flowers are yellow or cream-colored, and its fruit is a flat pod that is around 15-25 cm long and 2-2.5 cm wide. The pods contain numerous seeds that are 5-7 mm in diameter and reddish-brown in color.
Acacia procera is a hardy plant that can tolerate dry and hot conditions. It grows well in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. The plant is also drought-resistant, making it an excellent species for arid and semi-arid regions.
Light Requirements
Acacia procera requires full sunlight or partial shade for optimal growth. It cannot thrive in heavily shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
Acacia procera grows best in warm to hot climates with temperature ranges of 20 to 35°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 5°C but cannot survive freezing conditions.
Soil Requirements
Acacia procera can grow in various soil types including poor sandy soils, clayey soils, and loamy soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5. It requires well-draining soils as standing water can cause root rot. The plant can tolerate drought conditions, but it prefers soils with moderate moisture content.
Cultivation of Acacia procera (Roxb.) Willd.
Acacia procera (Roxb.) Willd. is a hardy, drought-resistant plant that can thrive in various types of soils. It can be grown in a wide range of soil pH levels that range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. However, the plant favors well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter.
The ideal temperature range for growing Acacia procera (Roxb.) Willd. is between 20-30 degrees Celsius, and it can tolerate temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius. The plant can grow in both full sun and partial shade, but it grows best in full sun.
Propagation of Acacia procera (Roxb.) Willd. can be done through seed germination or vegetative propagation. The seeds should be directly sown into the soil during early spring, and it usually takes around one month for germination to occur. Vegetative propagation can be done through stem cuttings taken during the dormant phase.
Watering Needs of Acacia procera (Roxb.) Willd.
Acacia procera (Roxb.) Willd. is a drought-resistant plant, but regular watering is necessary during the first growing season to establish its roots. Once the plant is established, it can survive on rainfall alone. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week, rather than frequent shallow watering.
During the dry season, the plant may require additional watering of up to twice a week. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Acacia procera (Roxb.) Willd.
Acacia procera (Roxb.) Willd. does not require regular fertilization. However, a single application of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season will help promote healthy growth. It is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer to avoid leaching and runoff.
Organic fertilizers such as compost and well-rotted manure are also suitable for Acacia procera (Roxb.) Willd. and can be applied annually during the spring season.
Pruning of Acacia procera (Roxb.) Willd.
Pruning of Acacia procera (Roxb.) Willd. is not required, but occasional pruning will help maintain its shape and improve its appearance. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring.
Dead or damaged branches should be removed to promote new growth, and any crossing branches that rub together should also be removed to prevent damage. The plant can be pruned to maintain its size and prevent overgrowth, but pruning should not exceed more than a third of the total plant size.
Propagation of Acacia procera (Roxb.) Willd.
Acacia procera (Roxb.) Willd. is propagated both by sexual and asexual methods. The following propagation methods are commonly used:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common way of propagating Acacia procera. The seeds are collected from the mature pods. The matured pods turn brown and dry, and then they split open, releasing the seeds. The seeds should be collected from the field as early as possible to avoid seed loss.
The collected seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. Before sowing, seeds should be treated with cow urine or ash to protect them from pathogenic microbes. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil, and a light covering of soil should be added on top of them. The soil should be watered gently, and a layer of mulch should be added to prevent moisture loss.
Cuttings Propagation
Acacia procera can be propagated by cuttings. This method is more effective for commercial plantations. The best season to take cuttings is during June and early July. The cuttings should be about 20 cm long and should be collected from healthy plants.
The cuttings should be treated with hormonal powder for better rooting. The cuttings should be planted in the sand, and sand should be wet frequently. Once the cuttings form roots, they should be transplanted to the nursery. It is essential to maintain the right temperature and moisture in the nursery for optimal plant growth.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method. To air layer the Acacia procera plant, select a healthy branch and remove the bark from a small section. Cover this section of the branch with soil to encourage the growth of new roots.
The soil should be watered frequently until roots emerge from the covered section. Cut the rooted section of the branch from the parent plant and plant it in the sand, and keep the sand moist. Once the plant forms new growth, it should be transplanted to the nursery.
In conclusion, Acacia procera can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and air layering. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages and should be chosen based on the specific needs of the grower.
Disease and Pest Management for Acacia procera (Roxb.) Willd.
Acacia procera (Roxb.) Willd., commonly known as the white bark acacia, is a tree species known for its multiple benefits, such as fuelwood, timber, and fodder. However, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests, affecting its growth and productivity. In this section, we will discuss some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Wilt disease: This disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum and leads to the yellowing, wilting, and death of leaves, branches, and entire trees. To manage wilt disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, improve soil drainage, and avoid injuring the plant during cultivation.
2. Root rot: Root rot is caused by the fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Phytophthora species and causes the decay and death of root tissues. Symptoms include yellowing and wilting of leaves and stunted growth. To manage root rot, avoid planting in poorly drained soils, reduce plant stress, and use fungicides when necessary.
3. Leaf spot: Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora acaciae and results in round or angular spots on leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected plant materials and use fungicides when necessary.
Common Pests
1. Stem borers: Stem borers are the larvae of various moth species that bore into the stems of the plant, causing wilting, yellowing, and eventual death. To manage stem borers, prune and destroy infected plant parts, use insecticides when necessary, and avoid planting in areas with a history of infestations.
2. Scale insects: Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to stems and leaves, sucking sap and causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, prune and destroy heavily infested plant parts, use insecticides when necessary, and encourage natural enemies, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps.
3. Leaf miners: Leaf miners are the larvae of various moth and fly species that tunnel into leaves, causing discoloration, blotches, and distorted growth. To manage leaf miners, remove and destroy infected plant parts, use insecticides when necessary, and encourage natural enemies, such as parasitic wasps and beetles.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests in Acacia procera (Roxb.) Willd. requires a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical practices. By following these management strategies, growers can minimize the impact of diseases and pests on the plant and ensure its continued productivity.
