Overview
Canarium edule, also known as pili nut tree or canarium tree, is a species of flowering plant in the Burseraceae family. It is native to the Philippines, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea and is cultivated in other parts of Southeast Asia as well as in Hawaii.
Appearance
The pili nut tree is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. It has a straight trunk, a broad crown, and sparse foliage made up of pinnate leaves. The tree produces clusters of small, yellow-green flowers that mature into green or brown fruits. The fruit is a drupe that contains a single seed or nut. The nut is oval or elongated, with a hard, woody shell that is difficult to crack.
Uses
The pili nut is a popular snack in the Philippines, where it is often roasted or candied. The nut is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and skin infections. The kernel of the nut is a rich source of protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The oil extracted from the nut is used in cooking and as a cosmetic ingredient in skincare products.
In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, the pili nut tree has been used as a shade tree and as a source of wood for building and furniture-making. The tree has a straight, uniform trunk that produces high-quality timber that is durable and resistant to decay.
Light requirements
Canarium edule is a tropical plant that grows best in full sun exposure. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow and thrive. If planted under too much shade, it tends to produce fewer flowers and fruits. Therefore, it is essential to place this plant in well-lit areas.
Temperature requirements
Canarium edule prefers warm and humid conditions, as it is commonly grown in tropical regions. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 22-32 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 degrees Celsius but may stop growing if exposed to prolonged cold temperatures.
Soil requirements
Canarium edule requires well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range is between 5.5 to 7.0. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it thrives best in loamy soil that holds moisture. It is recommended to add compost to the soil to improve richness and nutrition.
Cultivation Methods
Canarium edule is a tropical tree that thrives in warm and humid environments. When cultivating this plant, it is essential to provide it with a well-draining soil mixture rich in organic matter. The tree can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Young plants should be kept in partial shade and gradually exposed to more sunlight as they grow. Canarium edule prefers a warm, humid climate and should be protected from low temperatures and frost.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is crucial for the growth and health of Canarium edule. The tree requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. One way to check whether the plant needs watering is to touch the soil, and if it feels dry, it is time to water. Mulching around the base of the tree can help retain soil moisture, reducing the frequency of watering needed.
Fertilization
Canarium edule requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Applying a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, every three months during the growing season can be beneficial for the plant. Alternatively, organic fertilizers like compost or manure can be used to enrich the soil and improve its fertility. It is important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, as overfertilizing can lead to nutrient toxicity and damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of Canarium edule maintenance. Regular pruning promotes tree growth, improves fruit quality, and helps maintain the plant's shape and size. The tree should be pruned during the dormant season, cutting off dead or diseased branches, water sprouts, and crossing limbs. Young trees should be trained to establish a strong central leader, while mature trees can be pruned to maintain their size and shape. It is important to use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the tree's branches and bark.
Propagation of Canarium edule (G.Don) Hook.f.
Canarium edule, commonly known as Pili nut, is a tropical tree that thrives in warm and humid environments. It is an essential crop in the Philippines, where it is mainly cultivated for its edible nuts. Propagating Canarium edule can be done through several methods, including seed propagation, air layering, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Canarium edule. It involves using the seeds of the tree to grow new plants. The seeds are extracted from the nuts and directly sown in the ground or in seedling trays filled with a suitable growing medium. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the hard coat before planting. Seedlings will usually emerge after six to eight weeks, and they should be transplanted to their permanent location when they are about four months old.
Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method used to propagate Canarium edule. It involves creating a new tree from an existing tree's branch. The branch is selected, and a ring of bark is removed around the branch. A rooting hormone is applied to the exposed area, and it is wrapped with moist sphagnum moss. The area is then covered with plastic wrap to maintain the moisture level. After six to eight weeks, the roots should have formed, and the new plant can be cut from the parent tree and transplanted to a container or directly to the ground.
Grafting
Grafting is a propagation method that involves combining a scion (a piece of the desired tree) with a rootstock (the root system of a closely related tree) to create a new plant. This method is commonly used to propagate Canarium edule because it allows the grower to produce plants with specific characteristics and disease resistance. Grafting should be done during the dormant season, and the scion should be at least one-year-old. It can be secured to the rootstock using different methods such as whip grafting or cleft grafting.
Overall, Canarium edule can be propagated using several methods, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method while air layering and grafting are typically used to propagate specific characteristics of the plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Canarium edule (G.Don) Hook.f.
Canarium edule (G.Don) Hook.f., commonly known as the Pili nut tree, is a tree species that is widely cultivated for its tasty nuts. However, like many other horticultural crops, this plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its yield and quality. Effective management of these diseases and pests is thus critical to ensuring high yields and the overall health of the plant.
Common diseases affecting Canarium edule
Several diseases commonly affect Canarium edule, including the following:
- Phytophthora fruit rot: This disease is caused by Phytophthora palmivora and Phytophthora parasitica. It causes fruit rot, flower blight, and leaf spot, among other symptoms. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and apply copper-based fungicides to infected plants.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease whose symptoms include leaf spot, flower blight, and fruit rot. The use of copper-based fungicides can help to manage this disease.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by the fungi Ascochyta pili and Cercospora pili. It causes the development of small, brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, prune infected branches and apply copper-based fungicides to infected plants.
- Black mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Capnodium pili. It causes the leaves to turn black and curl up, leading to stunted growth. To manage this disease, prune infected branches and apply copper-based fungicides to infected plants.
Common pests affecting Canarium edule
Several pests commonly affect Canarium edule, including the following:
- Pili nut weevils: This is a major pest of the Pili nut tree. The adult weevils feed on the leaves, flowers, and nuts, while the larvae bore into the nuts, causing them to drop prematurely. To manage this pest, use insecticides such as carbaryl and malathion.
- Aphids: Aphids feed on the leaves and stems of the Pili nut tree, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and curling of the leaves. To manage this pest, use insecticides such as imidacloprid and thiamethoxam.
- Scale insects: Scale insects feed on the leaves and twigs of the tree, causing wilting and deformation of the affected areas. To manage this pest, prune infected branches and use systemic insecticides such as imidacloprid.
- Spider mites: These pests feed on the leaves of the tree, causing yellowing and bronzing. To manage this pest, use miticides such as abamectin and etoxazole.
Effective management of pests and diseases requires a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) should be used to ensure the optimal use of all management options while minimizing the risks associated with chemical pesticides.
