Overview
Artocarpus champeden (Lour.) Spreng. is a perennial tree that belongs to the family Moraceae. It is highly valued for its fruit, which has a sweet and fragrant flavor. The tree is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Common Names
Artocarpus champeden is known by a variety of common names, including the following:
- Chempedak
- Cempedak
- Baroh
- Campedak
- Champedak
- Champada
Uses
The fruit of the Artocarpus champeden tree is highly sought after for its unique taste and aroma. The flesh of the fruit is yellow or orange and is often eaten raw or used to make jams, jellies, and preserves. The seeds of the fruit are also edible and can be roasted or boiled. In addition to its culinary uses, the tree is valued for its timber, which is used to make furniture and decorative items. The leaves of the tree are also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, inflammation, and headaches.
Appearance
The Artocarpus champeden tree is a large and evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 25 meters. The tree has a straight and cylindrical trunk that can grow up to 1 meter in diameter. The bark of the tree is brown and has a scaly texture. The leaves of the tree are large, glossy, and dark green in color. The tree produces male and female flowers, which are small and inconspicuous. The fruit of the tree is large and oblong in shape, measuring up to 30 cm in length and 20 cm in diameter. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and fragrant and surrounds a large seed.
Light requirements:
Artocarpus champeden (Lour.) Spreng. is a tropical tree that requires full sunlight for successful growth and fruit production. The plant can grow well under artificial light conditions, but natural light is preferred. The recommended light intensity for Artocarpus champeden is at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature requirements:
Artocarpus champeden (Lour.) Spreng. is a tropical tree that requires warm temperatures and does not tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C. The ideal temperature for growth and fruit production is between 25°C to 32°C. The plant can also grow in higher temperatures if adequate watering is provided.
Soil requirements:
The soil requirements for Artocarpus champeden (Lour.) Spreng. are specific to tropical climates with well-draining and fertile soils. The plant prefers soils rich in organic matter that are free from salts and pests. The recommended pH range for the soil is 6 to 7.5. The adequate water drainage ensures that the roots do not sit in standing water, leading to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
The Artocarpus champeden (Lour.) Spreng., commonly known as Champada, is a tropical tree that loves warmth and humidity. It thrives well in well-draining soil and an environment with partial to full sun exposure. It is often propagated by stem cuttings and grafting.
When cultivating the plant, it is critical to provide adequate space to ensure adequate air circulation and avoid overcrowding. Proper spacing allows light penetration and provides adequate space for the plant's roots to develop optimally. Additionally, topping the plant at an early stage will encourage the development of low branches, increasing the plant's yield potential.
Watering Needs
Artocarpus champeden (Lour.) Spreng. requires frequent watering, especially when young. When watering, ensure that you penetrate the soil to a depth of about 30cm to ensure that the plant's roots access adequate water.
Also, be careful not to overwater the plant as it is susceptible to root rot. The best way to avoid overwatering is by checking the soil's moisture content before watering. If it is still moist, you can hold off on watering for a few days.
Fertilization
Artocarpus champeden (Lour.) Spreng. requires regular fertilization to thrive. A balanced NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium) fertilizer works best for the tree. Apply fertilizer in the early stages of growth, approximately every two months, and subsequently reducing as the plant matures.
Additionally, adding organic matter, such as compost, to the soil when planting and occasionally top-dressing the plant with compost, will help maintain soil fertility.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the plant's shape and maximizing yield. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season, typically late winter or early spring.
When pruning, remove dead or damaged branches and those that cross other branches. This encourages healthy growth and allows light and air circulation, which reduces the likelihood of disease attack. It is also crucial to remove suckers (new shoots that emerge from the base of the plant) to ensure that the plant's energy goes into the main trunk and larger branches.
Propagation of Artocarpus champeden
Artocarpus champeden (Lour.) Spreng., commonly known as champadek or champedak, is a tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Moraceae and is closely related to the breadfruit and jackfruit.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Artocarpus champeden is from seeds. The seeds can be obtained from mature fruits. The seeds must be removed from the fruits and cleaned before sowing. The seeds should be sown in a nursery bed or directly in the soil at a depth of 2-3 cm.
The best time to sow the seeds is during the monsoon season when there is ample moisture. The seeds usually take about 2-3 weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating Artocarpus champeden. This method is preferred when the desired traits of the parent plant need to be preserved. Grafting is also useful when growing the plant in areas where the environmental conditions are not ideal for seed germination and growth.
The rootstock for the grafting should be selected from a healthy plant with good vigor. The scions should be collected from a plant with the desired traits for fruit production. The grafting should be done during the rainy season when the plants are actively growing.
The graft union should be protected from desiccation and kept moist until the union is established. After the union is established, the new plant should be grown under suitable environmental conditions and watered regularly.
Propagation by Air Layering
Air layering is a method of vegetative propagation that involves inducing the development of roots on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. This method is useful in situations where the parent plant cannot be propagated by other methods.
The stem to be air layered should be selected from a healthy plant. A 2-3 inch long section of the stem should have the bark removed and in its place, a rooting hormone should be applied. This part of the stem should then be wrapped in moist sphagnum moss and covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
After a few weeks, the roots will begin to develop. When the roots are long enough, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and planted in a suitable pot or in the soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Artocarpus champeden (Lour.) Spreng.
Artocarpus champeden (Lour.) Spreng., also known as Champedak, is a tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia. Like any other plant, it may be susceptible to diseases and pest infestations. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions for managing them:
Diseases
1. Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes the leaves to yellow and drop prematurely, and the fruits to rot. To manage this disease, remove the infected branches or fruits and dispose of them properly. Keep the area around the tree clean and free of debris. Fungicide treatments may also be effective in controlling the disease.
2. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that causes a powdery white coating on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure adequate ventilation and avoid overcrowding the trees. Remove and dispose of infected leaves and apply fungicide if necessary.
3. Root Rot
Root rot is a disease caused by soil-borne fungi that can kill the plant. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage. Plant the tree in well-draining soil and apply a fungicide if necessary.
Pests
1. Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are a common pest that can damage the fruits. To manage fruit flies, remove any fallen fruits from the ground and dispose of them properly. Apply sticky traps or insecticides to control the adult flies.
2. Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the sap of the plant and secrete honeydew, which can attract ants and cause the leaves to turn yellow. To control mealybugs, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth regularly or apply insecticidal soap. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings to the area.
3. Scale Insects
Scale insects are another common pest that can cause leaf discoloration and stunted growth. To control scale insects, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or apply horticultural oil. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs to the area.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can keep your Artocarpus champeden (Lour.) Spreng. tree healthy and productive for years to come.
