Overview of Calocarpum sapota
Calocarpum sapota, also known as chicle, is a tropical tree species from the family Sapotaceae. It is native to Central America and northern South America, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world for cultivation and ornamental purposes. This plant is known for its economic importance, particularly for its production of chicle, a natural type of latex extracted from its trunk.
Common names
Calocarpum sapota is commonly known as chico sapote, or more commonly, chicle.
Plant appearance
The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a sturdy, dense trunk. The bark is gray or brown in color and has deep fissures. The leaves are simple, alternate, elliptical in shape, and have a dark green color. The fruit is a large, oval berry that can reach up to 5-10 cm in diameter, with a rough, leathery skin that ranges from light brown to yellowish-brown. The pulp inside the fruit is sweet and has a custard-like texture, with small black seeds embedded in it.
Uses
Calocarpum sapota has a wide range of uses. The fruit is consumed as a fresh snack or used to make candies, drinks, and ice creams. The wood is hard and durable, making it suitable for construction, furniture making, and tool handles. The latex or chicle extracted from the tree trunk is a highly valued natural gum that is used in the production of chewing gum and other industrial applications. The bark and leaves are also used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine, mainly as a laxative, antipyretic, and analgesic.
Overall, Calocarpum sapota is an economically and culturally significant plant that continues to play a vital role in many areas of human life.
Growth Conditions for Calocarpum Sapota (Jacq.) Merr.
Calocarpum sapota, also known as the Ceylon bulletwood, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. As a tropical evergreen tree, it is native to Southeast Asia and can grow up to 30 meters tall. Its fruit, the bulletwood fruit, is edible and has a sweet and aromatic flavor.
Light Requirements
Calocarpum sapota requires full sunlight to grow and mature properly. It can tolerate partial shade, but growth may be stunted or slow. Inadequate sunlight can also affect the quality of its fruit, making them less sweet and aromatic.
Temperature Requirements
As a tropical evergreen tree, Calocarpum sapota requires warm temperatures to thrive. It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 15°C. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C to 30°C. Cooler temperatures can slow down its growth and affect the development of its fruit.
Soil Requirements
Calocarpum sapota thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in soils that are slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate saline soils, but not waterlogged or poorly drained soils. The tree prefers sandy or loamy soils that are nutrient-rich and have good aeration to support its root development.
Overall, Calocarpum sapota requires full sunlight, warm temperatures, and well-draining nutrient-rich soil to grow and produce its fruit. Proper cultivation practices should focus on these growth conditions for optimal yields and fruit quality.
Cultivation Methods for Calocarpum sapota (Jacq.) Merr.
Calocarpum sapota, also known as the abiu tree, is an evergreen fruit tree that can grow up to 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and full sun exposure.
The ideal temperature for growing the abiu tree ranges between 68°F to 86°F, and it can tolerate some drought conditions once established. When planting, make sure that there is enough space between the trees to allow for proper growth and development.
Watering Needs of Calocarpum sapota (Jacq.) Merr.
Watering is essential during the first year when the tree is becoming established, and it should be done frequently. Once the abiu tree is established, it can withstand infrequent watering, especially during cooler seasons.
However, it is important to ensure that the tree receives enough water during its fruiting season to prevent the fruit from falling off the tree prematurely.
Fertilization of Calocarpum sapota (Jacq.) Merr.
A good fertilizer for the abiu tree is one that contains a balanced N-P-K ratio, along with micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. Apply fertilizer twice a year during the growing season, making sure to follow the recommended dosage and timing.
Using an organic fertilizer such as compost or manure can also improve the overall health of the tree and produce healthier fruit.
Pruning of Calocarpum sapota (Jacq.) Merr.
Pruning the abiu tree should be done during the dormant season or immediately after fruiting. Remove any damaged, diseased, or dead branches and thin out any dense areas to promote proper airflow and sunlight penetration.
Training the young tree by pruning can also be beneficial for its future growth and shape.
Propagation of Calocarpum sapota (Jacq.) Merr.
Calocarpum sapota (Jacq.) Merr., commonly known as the chicle tree, is propagated through both vegetative and sexual methods. The following are the main propagation methods for Calocarpum sapota.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method employed in Calocarpum sapota propagation. Fruits that have fallen from the tree should be collected, and the seeds should be extracted. The seeds should then be washed with water to remove any fruit pulp or debris, and then they should be air-dried in the shade. After being dried, the seeds can be stored in a cool, dry environment to maintain their viability.
Before planting, the seeds should first be soaked in water to soften the seed coat. Following that, the seeds can be planted in nursery beds with a mixture of soil, compost, and sand. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 centimeters and spaced roughly 10-15 centimeters apart. Irrigation should be done regularly to maintain soil moisture. After 2-3 months, the germinated seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or containers.
Vegetative Propagation
Calocarpum sapota is also propagated vegetatively, with grafting and air layering being the two most common methods. Though these techniques require greater effort, the resulting plants are typically of superior quality and produce fruit more rapidly than seedlings.
In grafting, a scion from a healthy, mature Calocarpum sapota tree is extracted and grafted onto a rootstock using a compatible plant. When the graft union is firm and the scion is growing normally, the rootstock is then severed.
In air layering, a portion of the parent tree's stem is surrounded with a specially-designed rooting medium that is wrapped in a plastic bag. Roots form as a result of this layering process, and the newly-formed plantlet can be separated and planted in a new container once it has grown enough roots.
Vegetative propagation is often utilized in Calocarpum sapota to preserve the desirable characteristics of exceptional fruit-bearing trees. Furthermore, vegetatively propagated plants typically result in uniformity in fruit size, form, and taste.
Disease and Pest Management for Calocarpum sapota
Calocarpum sapota is a tropical fruit tree commonly known as the sapodilla or chikoo. It is native to Central America but is now grown in many tropical regions of the world. This plant is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can significantly affect its growth and yield. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that affect Calocarpum sapota and ways to manage them.
Diseases
1. Leaf spot disease: This is a fungal disease that causes brown lesions on the leaves, which can affect the plant's ability to photosynthesize. The disease spreads through water, insects, or any other means of movement. The best way to control the spread of the disease is to remove the affected leaves and use fungicides as a preventive measure.
2. Fruit rot: This is a disease that affects the fruits of the Calocarpum sapota plant. The disease is caused by fungi that attack the ripe fruits, causing them to rot. The fruits develop brown spots and may have a foul odor. To manage the disease, the infected fruits should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides should also be used as a preventive measure.
3. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powder-like substance to appear on the leaves of the plant. The affected leaves may turn yellow or brown and eventually die. The disease is spread by wind and water. The best way to manage powdery mildew is to prune the affected parts of the plant and use fungicides.
Pests
1. Fruit flies: Fruit flies are tiny insects that attack the ripe fruits of the Calocarpum sapota plant. The insects lay eggs in the fruits, and the larvae feed on the pulp, causing the fruits to rot. To manage fruit flies, remove any ripe fruits that have fallen on the ground, and use insecticides.
2. Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the leaves of the plant. The insects cause damage to the leaves, causing them to curl and turn brown. To manage thrips, use insecticides and keep the area around the plant clean to reduce the chances of infestation.
3. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small white insects that feed on the sap of the plant. The insects cause stunted growth and the leaves to curl. To manage mealybugs, use insecticides or a solution of soap and warm water to scrub the affected parts of the plant.
In conclusion, Calocarpum sapota is vulnerable to a range of diseases and pests. Identifying the symptoms of these issues and taking measures to manage them is crucial in preserving the health and growth of the plant.
