Introduction: Artocarpus Elasticus Reinw. ex Blume
Artocarpus Elasticus Reinw. ex Blume is a tropical tree species from the family Moraceae. It is also known by several common names such as Bendo, Terap, or Pingan.Origin
The plant is native to Southeast Asia, specifically Indonesia and Malaysia, and can also be found in other nearby countries such as the Philippines and Thailand. It typically grows in lowland forests but can also be found in secondary forests or cultivated areas.Appearance
Artocarpus Elasticus Reinw. ex Blume is a medium to large-sized tree, reaching up to 30 meters in height. The tree has a conical crown and a straight trunk, making it favorable for timber use. The leaves are large and leathery, reaching up to 50 centimeters in length. The fruit, which is the most distinctive feature of the plant, is large and globular, reaching up to 30 centimeters in diameter. The fruit has spines on the surface and, when ripe, it has a soft and sticky flesh.Uses
The fruit of Artocarpus Elasticus Reinw. ex Blume is edible and is usually eaten raw, cooked, or processed into various products such as jam or candied fruit. The timber from the tree is used for furniture, flooring, and plywood. In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant such as the bark, leaves, and fruit have been used to treat ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and sore eyes. In conclusion, Artocarpus Elasticus Reinw. ex Blume is a versatile tree species valued for its fruit and timber. It is a common sight in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, and its various uses have made it an important part of the local culture and economy.Light Requirements
The Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume plant requires a lot of light to grow properly. It needs exposure to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours every day. Therefore, it is best to grow this plant in an open space with plenty of natural light. The plant will not grow well if the light is too low, and it will result in weak and unhealthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
The Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume plant prefers a warm and humid climate. The optimum temperature range for this plant is between 20°C and 35°C. It is important to keep the temperature consistent, as sudden drops or increases can cause stress and damage the plant. During the winter months, it is advisable to keep the plant in a warm and sheltered area to prevent damage from frost.
Soil Requirements
The Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume plant needs well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH level for this plant is between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should also be kept moist at all times, but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. It is advisable to add compost or other organic matter to the soil to improve its structure and fertility.
Cultivation of Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume
Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume, commonly known as the Borneo jackfruit, is a tropical fruit tree. For the best cultivation of Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume, a warm and humid environment is ideal. The tree thrives in temperatures between 20°C and 30°C and requires plenty of sunlight to grow. The plant can grow up to 25 meters tall, and hence it is essential to plant it in a spacious and well-drained area.
Watering Needs for Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume
Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume requires deep watering every seven days for the first year. The watering frequency can be reduced to every 15 days after the tree establishes. In a dry season, extra waterings may be necessary to keep the soil moist. One important thing to note is that the tree cannot withstand waterlogged soil.
Fertilization for Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume
Fertilize Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume twice per year, during spring and fall. Apply a 10-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of 100g per tree. After the second year, apply a nitrogen-based fertilizer during the rainy season to enhance leaf and stem development. Always remember to avoid applying the fertilizer directly to the trunk, as it may damage the tree.
Pruning Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume
Prune Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume to shape the tree and remove damaged, diseased, or dead branches. The best time to prune the tree is during the dry season to prevent the growth of fungus. Also, remove any water shoots or suckers from the base of the tree to encourage healthy and productive growth.
Propagation of Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume
Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume, commonly known as Bendo or Terap, is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the Moraceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Philippines.
Seed Propagation
One of the primary methods of propagating Artocarpus elasticus is through seeds. The seeds are recalcitrant, which means they cannot tolerate drying and must be sown immediately after harvesting. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil mixed with sand, perlite, or vermiculite. After sowing, the seeds should be watered regularly, and the soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge.
Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method that is commonly used for the propagation of Artocarpus elasticus. This method involves the formation of roots on a stem section while still attached to the parent plant. To propagate using air layering, a few bark sections are removed from a healthy mature stem, and the exposed area is covered with moist sphagnum moss or moist coconut coir. The moss or coir should be kept moist until the roots start to form. Once roots have formed, the stem section can be cut and potted in a well-draining soil mixture.
Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method for Artocarpus elasticus that is commonly used. The method involves attaching a stem cutting from the parent tree onto a rootstock. The rootstock must be of the same genus or family as the parent tree. The graft union is then wrapped with a grafting tape to hold the cutting and rootstock together until they merge. Grafted plants may be slower to mature than seed-grown plants, but they are less likely to show genetic variability.
Disease and Pest Management for Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume
Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume, commonly known as the Borneo breadfruit or keledang, is a tropical tree that is cultivated for its fruit and wood. The tree is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Effective disease and pest management practices can help protect the tree and ensure optimal growth and fruit production.
Common Diseases
The Borneo breadfruit tree is vulnerable to several fungal and bacterial diseases. Some of the most common diseases include:
- Leaf spot: This disease causes small, dark spots to form on the leaves. It is caused by a fungal pathogen and can be managed by removing infected leaves and spraying with fungicide.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes the leaves and fruit to develop brown, sunken spots. Good pruning practices and the use of fungicides can help manage this disease.
- Phytophthora root rot: This soil-borne disease attacks the roots of the tree. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. Proper drainage and fungicide applications can help manage the disease.
Pest Management
The Borneo breadfruit tree is also susceptible to several pests that can damage its leaves, fruit, and roots. Some common pests include:
- Fruit fly: The fruit fly lays its eggs inside the fruit, causing it to rot and drop prematurely. This pest can be managed by using traps and spraying with insecticides.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can defoliate the tree and cause severe damage. Handpicking the caterpillars and applying insecticides can help manage this pest.
- Root-knot nematodes: These microscopic worms attack the roots of the tree, causing stunted growth and reduced yield. Nematode-resistant varieties and crop rotation can help manage this pest.
In conclusion, effective disease and pest management practices are essential for protecting the Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume tree and ensuring optimal growth and fruit production. Consistent monitoring, proper pruning, and the use of appropriate fungicides and insecticides can help manage diseases and pests and protect the tree for years to come.
