Plant Description
Artocarpus integrifolius L. f., commonly known as chempedak, is a tropical fruit tree belonging to the mulberry family. It can grow up to 20-30 meters tall, with a dense and evergreen canopy. The tree's bark is grayish-brown, smooth in young trees, and rough with fissures in mature trees. The leaves are large, ovate, glossy, and leathery, with a length of 15-45 cm and a width of 10-30 cm.
Origin and Distribution
The chempedak tree is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It grows in rainforests, lowland areas, and riverbanks. The tree is also cultivated in other tropical countries, such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, and Sri Lanka, for its fruit.
Common Names
The chempedak tree has several common names, including cempedak, champada, jaca bale, nangka blanda, and sawo duren. In some areas, it is also known as "the cousin of the jackfruit" due to its similarities with the jackfruit tree and fruit.
Uses and Nutritional Value
Chempedak fruit is edible and highly nutritious, with a unique and sweet flavor. The fruit has a distinct aroma that can be smelled from a distance, and its flesh is soft, juicy, and golden yellow in color. The fruit contains several essential nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium, and iron. It is mainly consumed fresh or cooked in various dishes, such as curries, stews, and dessert. The seeds are also edible and can be boiled or roasted as a snack.
Besides its nutritional value, the chempedak tree also has other uses. Its wood is hard, durable, and resistant to termites, making it suitable for construction and furniture-making. The leaves and bark have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and skin infections. The resin from the trunk and branches is used as a natural adhesive for woodworking and handicrafts.
Light Requirements
The Artocarpus integrifolius L. f. thrives in full sunlight. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight exposure a day to maintain healthy growth. If there is not enough sunlight, the plant will not bear fruit. However, the plant must avoid scorching heat that may harm the leaves or stress the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Artocarpus integrifolius L. f. is a tropical plant and can naturally withstand warm to hot temperatures. It thrives in temperatures between 27-32 °C. The plant cannot tolerate frost and excessively cold temperatures, and it will suffer damage if exposed to temperatures below 16.6 °C. Therefore, the plant must be grown in warm conditions to maintain optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
The Artocarpus integrifolius L. f. has a preference for well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. The ideal soil for the plant is loamy and has a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should not be soggy or waterlogged as it may lead to root rot. The plant requires regular watering and must be exposed to high humidity to maintain optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
The Artocarpus integrifolius L. f., commonly known as Chempedak, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. It is highly adaptable and can grow in different types of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soil. The ideal location for cultivation is an area with full sun exposure and well-drained soil.
The propagation of Chempedak can be carried out through seeds or vegetative means. Seeds should be planted soon after harvesting as they quickly lose viability. Vegetative propagation involves using suckers, buds, or stem cuttings from mature trees to grow new plants. The optimum time for planting is during the rainy season when the soil is moist and favorable for rapid growth.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is crucial for the growth and development of chempedak trees. Young trees require regular watering to establish their roots, while mature trees require water during extended dry periods. The amount of water required depends on the age of the tree, the weather conditions, and the type of soil. It is suggested to water the trees slowly and deeply to avoid stressing the plant.
Fertilization
Chempedak trees should be fertilized at least twice a year to promote healthy growth and fruit production. A balanced fertilizer that contains all three essential macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) is recommended. Additional fertilizer may be applied during the fruiting season to increase yield. However, care should be taken not to over-fertilize as this can cause salt buildup in the soil and damage the tree.
Pruning
Pruning plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and aesthetic value of chempedak trees. Pruning is recommended during the dormant period to stimulate new growth and remove dead or diseased branches.
One should also prune the trees for fruiting purposes, removing weak or overcrowded branches to encourage the development of larger fruits. However, the pruning process must be carried out with caution, as excessive pruning can harm the tree and reduce the fruit yield.
Propagation of Artocarpus integrifolius L. f.
Artocarpus integrifolius L. f. is commonly propagated through seeds, cuttings, and air-layering.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Artocarpus integrifolius L. f. are the most commonly used method of propagation. The ripe fruits are collected and seeds are extracted, washed, and dried for a few days. The seeds are sown in well-drained soil in a nursery bed or in polythene bags. Germination takes about 2-3 weeks, and after 4-6 months, the seedlings are ready for transplanting into the main field.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings involves the use of mature, healthy, disease-free cuttings. The selected cuttings are obtained from well-grown, healthy trees. The cuttings should be about 30-40 cm long and have 6-7 leaf nodes. The cuttings are treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a potting mixture consisting of sand, soil, and organic matter. Water the potting mixture adequately and put a polythene bag over the cuttings to retain moisture. The cuttings start rooting in about 2-3 weeks and the rooted cuttings can be transplanted to the main field after about 4-6 months.
Propagation through Air-layering
Air-layering is a commonly used propagation technique for Artocarpus integrifolius L. f. This method involves removing a ring of bark from a shoot, applying a rooting hormone to the wound, and then wrapping it with a moist medium, such as sphagnum moss. After roots develop from the wound, the separate shoot is cut and transplanted into a potting mixture, and then grown on.
Common Diseases and Pests of Artocarpus integrifolius L. f.
Artocarpus integrifolius L. f. or chempedak is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the Moraceae family. Like any other plants, this tree is also prone to various diseases and pests that can cause damage to the tree, fruit, and growth. However, with proper care and management, it's possible to minimize the occurrence of diseases and pests and maintain a healthy plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Artocarpus integrifolius L. f. tree.
Diseases
Brown root rot is a common disease that affects the Artocarpus integrifolius L. f. tree. It causes the roots to rot, which leads to stunted growth and death of the tree. The disease is commonly transmitted through contaminated soil, so it's essential to ensure the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering. Installing drainage systems and providing proper aeration can also help manage the disease.
Anthracnose is another disease that affects the leaves and fruits of the Artocarpus integrifolius L. f. tree. It causes brown spots on the leaves and fruits, which can spread and damage large areas. To manage the disease, it's necessary to remove and destroy any infected parts of the tree, improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. The application of fungicides can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
Fruit flies are among the common pests that affect the Artocarpus integrifolius L. f. tree. They lay their eggs on the fruit, which causes damage and reduces the quality of the fruit. To manage the pest, it's essential to eliminate the breeding grounds by cleaning up any fallen fruit around the tree. You can also use chemical control methods such as bait sprays, which attract and eliminate the fruit flies.
Scale insects are another pest that can cause damage to the Artocarpus integrifolius L. f. tree. They appear as small brown bumps on the leaves and stems of the plant, and can cause yellowing and weakening of the plant. To manage the pest, you can use insecticidal soaps or oil sprays to kill the scales and remove them from the plant. Regular monitoring and inspection can also help control the infestation before it causes significant damage.
Overall, identifying and managing diseases and pests that affect the Artocarpus integrifolius L. f. tree is vital in maintaining a healthy and productive plant. It's essential to implement preventive measures such as proper watering, pruning, and fertilization to keep the tree healthy and less susceptible to attacks. In case of an infestation, it's essential to act fast and use the appropriate management methods to prevent the complete destruction of the plant.
