Annona diversifolia Saff.
Annona diversifolia Saff. is also known as the ilama, a fruit tree native to the tropical region of Central America and southern Mexico. It can be commonly found in areas like Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, and Honduras. It belongs to the Annonaceae family, which includes sugar apples, cherimoya, and custard apples.
Common Names
Aside from ilama, Annona diversifolia Saff. is also known as tree custard apple, big soursop, wild-sweetsop, and anon.
Uses
The fruit of Annona diversifolia Saff. is a popular economic crop in Central America and southern Mexico. It is usually eaten as a fresh fruit or blended into juice. Its flavor is described to be similar to the sapodilla fruit, but with a sour twist. In traditional medicine, the leaves and bark of the tree are made into an infusion and used to treat stomach and respiratory problems. It is also known to have antimicrobial properties.
General Appearance
Annona diversifolia Saff. is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach up to 12 meters in height. Its leaves are elongated and oval-shaped, with a glossy dark green color on the top surface, while the underside is paler. The flowers are greenish-yellow and have a triangular shape. The fruit produced by the tree is large, round or oval, and can weigh up to 2 kilograms. It has a green and bumpy exterior and a fleshy interior that contains numerous small black seeds encased in a translucent white pulp.
Light Requirements
Annona diversifolia Saff. has a moderate light requirement. It grows best in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. If the plant is growing in an area with insufficient sunlight, it will have stunted growth and produce fewer fruits. Therefore, it is ideal to grow this plant in locations that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm to hot temperatures and is sensitive to frosts. The optimum temperature range for growth is between 18°C and 32°C. If the temperature falls below 10°C, the plant will be killed. Furthermore, seasonal changes in temperature could affect the flowering and fruit set of A. diversifolia.
Soil Requirements
Annona diversifolia Saff. prefers well-drained sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, with a range between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant can tolerate a wide pH range from 4 to 7, but soil with a pH outside of this range could cause nutrient deficiencies and stunted growth. It is important to fertilize the soil with a balanced NPK fertilizer to ensure adequate nutrient supply for the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods of Annona diversifolia Saff.
Annona diversifolia Saff. is commonly known as Ilama, and it is native to Central America. This plant thrives in humid environments and requires to be in bright, indirect sunlight. It can grow well in a wide range of soils, provided they are well-draining and have good fertility.
The plant can be propagated using seeds, which should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. The ideal temperature for germination should be between 25-30 °C. Young plants should be transplanted into bigger pots as they grow.
Watering Needs of Annona diversifolia Saff.
Ilama plants require regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant.
Watering should be reduced during the dry season, while misting can be done to increase humidity.
Fertilization of Annona diversifolia Saff.
To promote healthy growth, the plant should be fertilized at least twice a year using a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10. Fertilizers should be applied in small quantities to avoid over-fertilization that can lead to the burning of roots.
Natural fertilizers such as compost can be used instead, and they should be applied when the plant begins actively growing in the spring.
Pruning Annona diversifolia Saff.
Pruning should be done in early spring or late winter to stimulate new growth. Dead and diseased branches should be removed as soon as they are noticed, while shaping and trimming of the plant should be done to maintain its size and shape.
It is important to use sterilized pruning tools, and wounds on the plant should be treated to prevent the plant's infection. The plant should not be pruned during the flowering season, as this can affect the next year's crop.
Propagation of Annona diversifolia Saff.
Annona diversifolia Saff. or the "ilama" is a tree that can be propagated using several methods including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and grafting.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating ilama. The seeds can be obtained from mature fruits that have fallen to the ground. The seeds should be collected from the fruit and cleaned of any pulp and dried before being planted.
The seeds should be planted in a nursery or seedbed in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 2 to 3 cm and should be covered with soil. The nursery should be kept moist but not waterlogged to encourage germination which can happen in 4 to 6 weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Ilama can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from a healthy mature tree during the dormant season.
The cuttings should be about 20 to 30 cm long and have 3 to 5 nodes. The leaves should be removed from the lower part of the cutting and the remaining leaves should be trimmed to reduce water loss.
The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix with 2 to 3 nodes below the soil surface. Proper care should be given to the cuttings to avoid wilting and encourage rooting.
Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating ilama. This method is commonly used to propagate improved varieties that are not true to type from seed propagation.
The scion should be obtained from a healthy, disease-free mother plant and the rootstock should be obtained from a seedling grown in a nursery. The scion and rootstock should be of similar diameter.
Grafting should be done during the dormant season using a whip and tongue graft. The grafted plants should be kept in a greenhouse until they reach the desired size before being transplanted to the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Annona diversifolia
Annona diversifolia, also known as mountain soursop, is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some common ones and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular brown spots on the leaves and fruits of the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any infected plant parts, and avoid overhead irrigation. Apply a fungicide with active ingredients like mancozeb or copper hydroxide to protect the plant from further infection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease characterized by a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any infected plant parts, maintain good air circulation, and avoid overhead irrigation. Apply a fungicide with active ingredients like sulfur or potassium bicarbonate to prevent further infection.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, oval-shaped pests that attach themselves to the stems, leaves, and fruits of the plant, sucking its sap. To manage this pest, prune and destroy any infested branches, and apply an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to the plant's surface, ensuring complete coverage of the affected areas.
Fruit Fly
The fruit fly is a common pest that affects the fruits of the plant. Female fruit flies lay their eggs inside the fruit, causing it to rot. To manage this pest, monitor the fruit for infestation, and remove and destroy any affected fruits. Use yellow sticky traps to attract and trap adult fruit flies.
Regular monitoring and preventive measures can go a long way in maintaining the health of Annona diversifolia. By being proactive and taking swift action against diseases and pests, you can enjoy a healthy and productive plant.
