Description of Artocarpus integer auct.
Artocarpus integer auct. is a perennial tree belonging to the mulberry family Moraceae. It is a tropical evergreen tree that can grow up to a height of 20-30 meters and a width of up to 12 meters. The tree has a thick trunk that can grow up to 50-60 cm in diameter. The leaves are oblong or elliptic in shape, with a glossy green upper surface and a matte gray lower surface.
Origin and Common Names
Artocarpus integer auct., also known as chempedak, is native to the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It is also grown in other tropical regions such as India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The name chempedak is derived from the Malay words "cempedak" or "campedak."
Chempedak is also known by various other names, including Artocarpus champeden Spreng. and Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr.
Uses
The fruit of the chempedak tree is edible and is highly valued for its sweet, aromatic flavor. The fruit is oblong in shape and can weigh up to 9 kg. It has a thick, spiky rind that is yellowish-brown in color and contains a white, juicy pulp with large seeds. The pulp can be eaten raw or cooked and is used in a variety of dishes, including curries, stews, and desserts.
In addition to its culinary uses, the chempedak tree is also valued for its wood, which is used for furniture, construction, and other purposes. The tree's latex is used to make glue and varnish.
General Appearance
The chempedak tree is a large, imposing tree with a rounded canopy and dense foliage. The tree's leaves are arranged alternately along the branches and are clustered at the end of the branchlets. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are borne on the branches and develop into fleshy fruit.
Overall, Artocarpus integer auct. is a valuable tree with multiple uses and a striking appearance, making it a popular choice for both cultivation and ornamental purposes.
Light Requirements
The Artocarpus integer auct. plant is a tropical species that requires bright indirect light for best growth. These plants can adapt to partial shade, but too little light may cause leggy growth and leaf yellowing. Avoid placing these plants in direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves and cause plant stress.
Temperature Requirements
These plants prefer warm temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C) and are not tolerant of cold temperatures. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can damage the plant and cause leaf drop. Keep the plant away from drafts and cold areas.
Soil Requirements
Artocarpus integer auct. plants require well-draining, rich soil that is kept slightly moist. A loose, sandy loam with a pH range of 6.0-6.5 is ideal. Use a potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite for optimal growth. Do not compact the soil too much as it can cause drainage problems and root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Artocarpus integer auct.
Artocarpus integer auct. is commonly known as the Champedak tree or Nangka Liar. This tropical tree prefers well-draining soil and a warm, humid climate. It is best grown in full sun, although they can tolerate some shade.
When planting the tree, ensure there is enough space between each plant as they can grow over 15 meters tall and spread wide. To promote fast and healthy growth, provide regular fertilization and maintain consistent watering.
Watering Needs for Artocarpus integer auct.
Artocarpus integer auct. thrives in well-draining, moist soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. However, the tree does not do well in waterlogged conditions and could lead to root rot. When watering, ensure to water the plant deeply and let the soil dry out slightly before watering again. During the dry season, water regularly to keep the soil moist but never water-logged.
Fertilization for Artocarpus integer auct.
Artocarpus integer auct. is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer or organic compost during the growing season, and ensure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Overfertilizing can cause the leaves to turn yellow and stunt growth, so be careful not to overdo it.
Pruning for Artocarpus integer auct.
Pruning is crucial in Artocarpus integer auct. to maintain a manageable size and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune is after fruiting season when the tree is dormant. Prune the dead wood, weak branches, and remove any suckers growing from the base of the tree. Additionally, thin out some of the branches to allow proper air circulation. Avoid excessive pruning, as this could lead to reduced fruiting and stunted growth.
Propagation of Artocarpus integer auct.
Artocarpus integer auct., commonly known as chempedak or cempedak, is a tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia. It has a large fruit that is similar to jackfruit but has a sweeter, more fragrant flavor. Propagation of this plant is done through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common method for propagating Artocarpus integer is through seeds. Collect fully matured fruits from healthy plants and allow them to ripen further for a few days. Cut open the fruit and remove the seeds. The seeds are then washed clean and laid out to dry in the sun for two days. Sow the seeds immediately in pots, either horizontally or vertically, about 2.5 cm deep.
Air Layering
Air layering is a more advanced method of propagation but can be an effective way to ensure that the new plant has the same desirable qualities as the parent plant. To do this, select a healthy, mature branch, and make a cut halfway through the bark about 25 cm from the top. Wrap the cut section in moist sphagnum moss and cover it with plastic. Keep the moss moist and after six to eight weeks, roots will appear. Cut the new plant and plant it in soil.
Budding and Grafting
For commercial purposes, budding and grafting are the preferred methods. It can be done on young plants of 1-2 years old, by planting a scion of the desired cultivar onto a rootstock of the same species. This process helps to produce more fruit consistently and with better quality.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to maintain a warm, humid environment for the new plant to ensure successful growth. Once the plant has established a root system, it can be transplanted to a permanent location in the field or garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Artocarpus integer auct.
Artocarpus integer auct., commonly known as chempedak or cempedak, is a tropical fruit tree that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some of the common ones and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fruit Rot - Fruit rot is caused by fungal infections and can destroy the entire fruit. To manage this, it is crucial to harvest fruits when they are fully matured, and to remove and dispose of infected and dead plant parts.
Leaf Spot - Leaf spot is caused mainly by the fungus Cercospora sp. Infected leaves will display brown or black spots. Managing leaf spot involves maintaining proper drainage, practicing crop rotation, and using copper-based fungicides.
Pests
Fruit Flies - These pests are attracted to the ripening fruit and can cause severe fruit damage. To manage fruit flies, use pheromone trapping, which can significantly reduce their population, and remove and bury fallen, infected fruit.
Mealybugs - Mealybugs are pests that cause wilting and stunted growth, and can also spread plant diseases. To manage them, spray the tree with neem oil, insecticidal soaps, or horticultural oils, all of which can control mealybugs without harming beneficial insects.
Scale Insects - These pests suck the sap from the plant and excrete honeydew that attracts ants. To manage them, regularly inspect the tree for infestations and use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control the population. You can also prune and dispose of heavily infested branches.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests on Artocarpus integer auct. involves proper care, good cultural practices, regular maintenance, and the use of organic pesticides to avoid the development of chemical resistance in some pests. It also crucial to monitor the plant regularly for signs of disease or pest infestations.
