Overview of Canarium commune L.
Canarium commune L. is an evergreen tropical tree that belongs to the Burseraceae family. It is commonly known as Java Almond, Kenari nut, or Galip nut. The tree is native to Southeast Asia, specifically in Indonesia, Philippines, and Papua New Guinea, and it also grows in various parts of India and Australia.
General Appearance
The Canarium commune L. tree grows up to a height of 50 meters, with a trunk diameter of approximately 2 meters. The tree's foliage consists of pointed leaves with a glossy texture and a length of up to 30 centimetres. During flowering season, the tree sprouts clusters of small blossoms that emit a strong and sweet aroma.
The tree bears fruit annually that is morphologically similar to almonds and walnuts, around 3-6 centimetres long and 2-4 centimetres wide. Its tough seed coat encloses a delicious kernel that is rich in oil and nutrition.
Uses
The Canarium commune L. tree is commercially important due to the high-value kernel produced by its fruit. The kernel is widely used in traditional medicine, cosmetics and food preparation. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium and calcium.
The oil derived from Canarium kernel is used in various cosmetic products, especially in creating soaps, lotions, and creams. The oil is also edible and used in cooking, often used to make a traditional Indonesian snack called “kacang kenari” which is a roasted version of the kernels.
The bark of the Canarium tree is also used to create a resin known as “elemi”. It is used as incense and in making varnishes, especially during the manufacture of printing ink and lithography plates. The resin is rich in antimicrobial constituents, making it useful in healing and medicinal purposes.
The trunk and branches of the Canarium tree can produce timber but are not a significant source of wood, as the tree is primarily cultivated for its seeds and resin.
Growth Conditions for Canarium Commune L.
Light: Canarium commune L. is a tree species that thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal location for them is in areas with high to medium light intensity, as direct sunlight may lead to leaf scorching.
Temperature: These trees grow well in warm to hot temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C, and their growth rate declines below 20°C. However, young seedlings are vulnerable to colder temperatures and should be protected during cold weather.
Soil: The Canarium commune L. thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range between 5.5 and 7.5, and the tree can grow in different types of soil, including sandy, loamy, or clay-based soils. However, they require adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Water: Depending on the climatic conditions, the tree requires regular irrigation to supplement rainfall during the dry season. Irrigation should be done deeply and at intervals of about one to two weeks.
Nutrients: The Canarium commune L. requires balanced fertilizers applied at regular intervals to support growth. For example, fertilizers with a ratio of N: P: K at 2:1:1 or 1:1:1 are ideal. The fertilization should be done in early spring and mid-summer to support the tree's flowering and fruit set.
Pruning: Pruning of Canarium commune L. is essential to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the tree. Pruning should be undertaken during the dry season to prevent the spread of diseases.
Pest and Diseases: The tree is vulnerable to pests and diseases such as stem borers, seedling blight, and root rot. Frequent inspections and preventive measures such as the use of pesticides and fungicides can control these problems.
Propagation: The Canarium commune L. can be propagated from seeds or vegetative means. However, seed propagation is common as it produces trees with desirable characteristics such as resistance to pests and diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Canarium commune L. is typically grown in tropical regions and thrives in well-drained soils with a pH of 6-7. The plant can be propagated through seeds or by vegetative means such as cutting. It requires a warm and humid climate with plenty of sunshine to grow healthily. It is recommended to plant the seedlings in the field in the rainy season when the soil is moist enough for good growth.
Watering Needs
Canarium commune L. requires frequent watering, especially during the first few years of growth. The exact amount of water needed depends on the climate, soil type, and the plant's growth stage. Young plants require more water than mature ones. Overwatering should be avoided as it may cause root rot. Irrigating the plantation with drip irrigation system is recommended as it reduces water usage while also achieving maximum output.
Fertilization
Canarium commune L. requires fertilizer every four months to grow healthily. A well-balanced fertilizer with a blend of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium is recommended. Organic fertilizers such as cow dung and compost can be used as well. The fertilizer should be applied in the bed around the base of the plant, ensuring that the soil is moist before application.
Pruning
Pruning the plant is necessary for removing dead and unproductive branches, shaping trees, and maintaining healthy growth. The best time to prune is after the harvesting season when the tree is dormant. Young plantations can be pruned to form a central leader to train uniform tree growth. Dead and broken branches should be removed immediately, as they can serve as entry points for pests and diseases.
Propagation of Canarium commune L.
Canarium commune L. is a tree that is commonly found in Southeast Asia and is known for its edible fruit and highly valuable resin. Propagation of this tree can be achieved through various methods:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagation is through seed propagation. Ripe fruit is collected from healthy trees and seeds are extracted by removing the outer pericarp. The seeds are then washed with water and dried in the shade before sowing. The ideal time for sowing is at the beginning of the rainy season when the soil is moist. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 3 cm in nursery beds and covered with a thin layer of soil. Germination of seeds usually takes 25-35 days. Seedlings are transplanted to the main field after 6-8 months.
Air layering
Air layering is another method of propagation that is commonly used for Canarium commune L. This method involves making a cut in the bark of a mature tree, wrapping a moist rooting medium around it, and covering with plastic to create a small greenhouse. The rooting medium needs to be kept moist until the roots have developed. After cutting the rooted branch from the mother plant, it can then be planted in the main field.
Grafting
Grafting is also used to propagate Canarium commune L. This method involves joining a scion (a piece of the desired plant) to a rootstock of a related species. The rootstock is chosen for its desirable traits such as its disease resistance or ability to grow well in specific soil conditions. The ideal time for grafting is during the rainy season when the trees are actively growing. After the graft has established, the rootstock part is cut off and the union is covered with grafting wax to prevent any infections.
Overall, propagating Canarium commune L. can be achieved through different methods depending on the resources available and the desired outcome. However, seed propagation is the most commonly used method for large scale plantations, while grafting and air layering are typically used for breeding or selection purposes.
Disease and Pest Management for Canarium commune L.
Canarium commune L., also known as the Java almond or kenari nut, is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management practices can help maintain the health of the plant and improve its yield.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affects Canarium commune L. is leaf spot. Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Phaeophleospora destructans and can cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off. The disease can be controlled by pruning infected leaves and spraying with fungicides.
Another disease that affects the tree is stem canker. Stem canker is caused by the fungus Diaporthe phaseolorum and can cause sunken spots on the stem. The best way to control this disease is to prune the infected parts and destroy them. Fungicides can be used to prevent further infection.
Common Pests
Canarium commune L. is also susceptible to different pests, including the Asian palm weevil. The adult weevils feed on the plant's tissue, causing damage that can lead to death. The larvae feed on the roots, leading to root damage and death. Traps and pheromone lures can be used to control adult weevils, while pesticides are effective against the larvae.
The tree can also be attacked by the shoot tip borer. The pest bores into the shoot tip, damaging the growing point and leading to stunted growth. Pruning the damaged parts and spraying with insecticides can control the spread of the pest.
Conclusion
Effective disease and pest management practices involve regular monitoring of plants for symptoms of disease or pest infestations. Pruning and destroying infected parts, as well as the use of fungicides and pesticides, can help control the spread of pests and diseases. Implementing proper management practices can help maintain the health of the tree and improve its yield.
