Overview of Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr.
Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr. is a tree fruit that is commonly known as chempedak or cempedak. It is native to Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. The tree grows up to 20 meters tall and produces fruits that are large, oblong, and covered with bumps on the outside. The fruit is starchy and has a sweet aroma that is similar to that of durian, a closely related fruit.
Appearance of Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr.
The Artocarpus integer tree has a straight trunk and a dense canopy of large, shiny leaves. The leaves are alternate, elliptical, and measure between 12 to 70 cm long and 5 to 25 cm wide. The tree's staminate and pistillate flowers appear on the same trunk below the leaves. The fruit is 15 to 25 cm long, 10 to 20 cm wide, and can weigh between 1 to 2 kg. The fruit's skin is covered in numerous knobs and spikes that are yellowish-brown with a greenish tinge. The fruit pulp is light yellow and has a sweet, fragrant aroma.
Uses of Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr.
The fruit of the Artocarpus integer tree is commonly consumed ripe or cooked. The fruit pulp can be boiled, fried, or roasted and used to make desserts, candies, cakes, and jams. The seeds, which are also edible, can be roasted, boiled, or made into flour. The wood of the Artocarpus integer tree is used for construction, furniture, and fuel. The bark and latex from the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as skin diseases, respiratory disorders, and digestive issues.
Light requirements
Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr. is a tropical plant that requires full sun to partial shade to grow. It prefers bright sunlight for optimal growth, but excessive heat can damage its leaves. For best results, the plant should be grown in a location with plenty of natural light and protection from intense afternoon sun.
Temperature requirements
Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr. grows best in warm, humid conditions. It requires an average temperature range of 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), and it cannot tolerate frost or cold temperatures, which can cause leaf drop and slow growth. In areas where temperatures fall below 20°C (68°F), the plant needs to be protected from the cold using mulch or other insulation materials.
Soil requirements
The Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr. plant needs well-draining, nutrient-rich soil to thrive. It prefers loamy or sandy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant is not tolerant of waterlogged soils, which can cause root rot and inhibit growth. It requires regular watering, especially during the growing season, but care should be taken not to let the soil become too wet, as this can lead to disease issues.
Cultivation Methods
Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr, commonly known as chempedak, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. It grows in warm climates and can reach up to 20 meters in height. The plant requires well-draining soil enriched with organic matter and a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It prefers a location with full sunlight exposure and protection from strong winds. The best time to grow chempedak is in the spring or summer.
Watering Needs
Chempedak requires frequent watering, especially during the dry season. For optimal growth, it is crucial to maintain the soil's moisture level consistently. Overwatering may cause root rot, while under-watering may cause the leaves to wilt. Ensure that the soil is slightly damp, but avoid waterlogging the soil around the roots.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization provides the necessary nutrients for the chempedak to grow healthy and strong. Use a balanced fertilizer with a 3:1:2 or 4:1:2 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively. Fertilize the tree every three months during the growing season. Apply a layer of compost or mulch around the base of the tree to enhance soil moisture retention and promote nutrient absorption.
Pruning
Pruning is essential in the chempedak's cultivation to maintain its growth and promote fruiting. Prune the tree regularly after the harvest season to remove dead or damaged branches and maintaining its shape and size. Remove suckers that grow along the tree's base to direct the tree's energy to the upper branches. Trim branches that are entangled with each other, rubbing against each other, or crossing over to avoid damage. Avoid over-pruning to prevent excess stress on the tree.
Propagation of Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr.
Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr., also known as chempedak, is a tropical tree species that is native to Southeast Asia. It is a popular fruit tree, which belongs to the Moraceae family. Propagation is a critical aspect of cultivating Artocarpus integer, which can be done through various methods.
Propagation Methods
The common methods of propagating Artocarpus integer include:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a traditional method of growing Artocarpus integer. The seeds should be collected from fully ripe fruit and sown immediately. Before planting, the seeds need to go through pre-sowing treatment, which involves soaking in water for a few hours. The water will soften the surrounding husk, making it easier to remove. The seeds can then be sown in a potting mix, and kept in a warm, humid environment. Germination typically occurs within two weeks to one month. Seedlings should be transferred to individual pots once they have grown to a height of 5-10 cm.
Grafting
Grafting is another popular way of propagating Artocarpus integer. Grafting involves joining a scion (a young shoot or bud) from the desired plant onto a rootstock of another Artocarpus integer tree. The scion should be taken from a healthy and disease-free tree, and the rootstock should be of the same species. The graft union should be secured and protected with wrapping materials. The grafted plants can then be kept in a warm, humid environment until they have successful joint growth. This method is more efficient than seed propagation because it can produce true-to-type plants, which will give a higher yield of better quality fruits.
Air Layering
Air layering is an asexual propagation method that involves replicating an exact copy of a parent plant. This method involves wounding a stem of the parent plant by making a vertical cut a few centimeters above the ground level and covering it with moist soil. Rooting hormones can also be applied to increase the rate of rooting. Within a few months, roots will develop above the cut area, and they can then be separated from the parent plant and transplanted. This method is ideal for cultivars with desirable fruit characteristics such as size and flavor.
Propagation of Artocarpus integer is an essential aspect of the plant's cultivation. Growers can choose the propagation method that best suits their needs, and in all three propagation methods, proper care and management practices are necessary to ensure successful tree establishment and maximize fruit yield.
Disease Management for Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr.
Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr. is susceptible to different diseases caused by fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens. The common diseases that may affect the plant include:
- Leaf blight: This is caused by the fungus Phytophthora palmivora, which affects the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die. Management of this disease can be through regular inspection, pruning of infected areas, and application of copper fungicides.
- Rust: Rust is caused by the fungi Uredo artocarpi and Uromyces transversalis, which results in orange or yellow spots on the leaves. To control rust, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and fungicides applied regularly to prevent recurrence.
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and affects leaves, fruits, and branches of the plant. Infected areas should be pruned and burnt, and copper fungicides applied.
- Black spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Rhytisma acerinum, and affects leaves leading to the formation of black necrotic spots. Management can be through proper pruning and application of copper fungicides.
Pest Management for Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr.
Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr. can also be infested by different pests which include:
- Fruit flies: The fruit fly, Bactrocera papayae, lays eggs on the fruit pulp. Upon hatching, the larvae cause damage to the fruit. Management can be through spraying of insecticides and removing all fallen or damaged fruits.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that suck plant sap, leading to stunted growth and fruit deformation. Management can be through pruning of infested areas and application of insecticides.
- Caterpillars: The nettle caterpillar, Setora nitens, feeds on the leaves causing damage to the plant. Handpicking of the caterpillars and the use of biological control methods can be employed for management.
Proper sanitation practices such as regular pruning and removing fallen fruits and leaves can help in preventing disease and pest infestations. Cultural practices such as planting resistant varieties and ensuring good field hygiene are also effective management strategies.
