Origin
Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. var. verek (Guill. & Perr.) Roberty, commonly known as Verek gum, is a thorny, small deciduous tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant species is native to the African Sahel, particularly found in Chad, Mali, Senegal, Sudan, and Niger.
Common Names
This plant species has many common names including, kordofan, acacia Senegal, Sudan gum Arabic, Egyptian thorn, gum acacia, Arabian gum, Indian gum, Somali gum, and asal.
Appearance
Verek gum has a typical acacia genus appearance with a thick, rugged bark standing up to 6 meters tall. Its branches grow dramatically spreading out to form an umbrella-shaped canopy. The tree blossoms in April and May, with showy throbbing yellow flowers that quickly turn from pale yellow to gold. The flowers grow in clusters, and they are delicately scented.
Uses
Verek gum is essential in food, textile, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and paint industries. The gum from the tree is a critical component in making adhesives such as gum Arabic, which is used as a binding agent in candy and medical pills. The gum solution from the tree is further beneficial as a stabilizer, thickener, and emulsifier; it helps in suspending solid particles in liquid substances. Additionally, the bark and seeds of the plant are beneficial too. The seeds are rich in protein and are often used for food, while the tree bark is useful in tanning hides, manufacturing textile dyes, and making medicinal concoctions to treat illnesses like pneumonia, bronchitis, and diarrhea.
Growth Conditions of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. var. verek (Guill. & Perr.) Roberty
Light: Acacia senegal requires full sunlight for optimum growth and development. It is a sun-loving species and can tolerate high light intensity up to 500-1000 µmol m-2 s-1. Therefore, it is best to grow this plant in an open field with direct exposure to sunlight.
Temperature: Acacia senegal is a tropical species and prefers warm to hot environments for optimal growth. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 25-35°C during the day and 15-20°C at night. Temperatures below 10°C or above 40°C can cause plant stress and slow down the growth rate.
Soil: Acacia senegal grows best in well-drained soils that are sandy or loamy. This plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types but prefers soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 8.0. Poorly-drained soils can cause root rot, so it is important to avoid waterlogging.
Water: Acacia senegal is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive in areas with low rainfall. However, regular watering during the first year of growth is important to promote root establishment. After establishment, the plant can survive on natural rainfall. It is important to avoid over-irrigation as it can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilizers: Acacia senegal does not require much fertilizer during its growth. However, application of organic fertilizers such as cow manure or compost can help improve soil fertility and promote growth. Avoid excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth.
Cultivation methods
Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. var. verek (Guill. & Perr.) Roberty is propagated through seeds, which should be sown in well-drained soil and kept moderately moist. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting to expedite germination. The plant prefers full sunlight and can tolerate high temperatures and arid conditions.
Watering needs
While Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. var. verek is a drought-tolerant species, young plants need to be watered regularly. Once the plant is established, it only needs watering during dry spells. The frequency of watering depends on the climatic conditions and the soil type. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant does not require much fertilization and can grow well in poor soil. However, to promote healthy growth, organic fertilizers should be added to the soil during planting. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be avoided as they can lead to excessive growth of foliage and a weak root system.
Pruning
Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. var. verek requires minimal pruning. However, to maintain its shape and control the size, it can be pruned during the dormant season. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of diseases. The tree should be pruned lightly as excessive pruning can weaken the plant and affect its production of gum arabic.
Propagation of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. var. verek (Guill. & Perr.) Roberty
Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. var. verek (Guill. & Perr.) Roberty, commonly known as verek, is a deciduous tree found in the semi-arid regions of Africa. The tree is known for its bark, which is the primary source of gum arabic. Propagation of verek can be done through the following methods.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is a common method for propagating verek. The seeds should be collected from mature trees during the dry season. The seeds have hard coats, which require scarification to promote germination. The seeds should be soaked in hot water for 24 hours to weaken the coat. Alternatively, the coat can be mechanically scarified using a file or sandpaper. The seeds should then be sown in well-drained soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seeds should be watered regularly, and germination should occur within 7-14 days.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings propagation is another method for propagating verek. The cuttings should be collected from mature trees during the dormant season, preferably from the top of the tree. The cuttings should be 15-25 cm long and have a diameter of 1-2 cm. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil and placed in a shaded area. The soil should be kept moist, and rooting should occur within 6-8 weeks.
Air layering propagation
Air layering propagation is a method that involves creating a small wound on a branch of a mature tree and wrapping it with moist soil. Roots should develop within a few weeks. Once the roots are established, the branch should be cut from the parent tree and planted in well-drained soil.
Overall, verek can be propagated through seed, cuttings, and air layering. Seed propagation is the most common method, while cuttings propagation is less common, and air layering propagation is mainly used for creating new trees from mature specimens.
Disease and Pest Management for Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. var. verek (Guill. & Perr.) Roberty
Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. var. verek (Guill. & Perr.) Roberty is a species of Acacia commonly used for gum arabic production. In order to maximize gum yield and quality, it is important to take precautions against diseases and pests that may affect the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Acacia senegal and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fusarium wilt: Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that affects the roots and stems of Acacia senegal. Symptoms include yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and dieback. The fungus can survive in the soil for years, making prevention crucial. To manage Fusarium wilt, remove and destroy infected plants, avoid planting Acacia senegal in infected soil, and use certified disease-free seeds.
Mistletoe: Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on the branches of Acacia senegal. It can weaken the plant and reduce gum yield. Symptoms include clusters of small green leaves that grow from the host plant's branches. To manage mistletoe, remove infected branches and burn them, and avoid planting Acacia senegal in areas where the mistletoe is prevalent.
Pests
Termites: Termites are a common pest that can cause significant damage to Acacia senegal. They feed on the plant's wood and can cause stunted growth and dieback. To manage termites, use termite-resistant seedlings and stakes, avoid planting Acacia senegal in areas with high termite populations, and use termite baits and barriers.
Acacia psyllids: Acacia psyllids are small sap-sucking insects that can cause leaf curling, stunted growth, and reduced gum yield. To manage Acacia psyllids, use insecticides, prune affected branches, and release natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
By taking preventative measures against these common diseases and pests, you can help ensure a healthy and productive Acacia senegal crop.
