Overview of Canarium ovatum Engler
Canarium ovatum Engler, commonly known as pili, is a tropical tree species that is indigenous in the Philippines. This plant belongs to the Burseraceae family, which includes several species known for their resin production.
Common Names
Pili is the most common name for Canarium ovatum Engler. Other names include Pili nut, Java Olive, and Philippine Nut.
Appearance of Canarium ovatum Engler
The Canarium ovatum Engler tree typically grows up to 20 meters tall. The leaves are large and pinnate, with 11-15 leaflets that are slightly pointed and measure up to 15 cm long. The nut is the edible part of the plant, which resembles a large almond and measures around 3-4 cm long.
Uses of Canarium ovatum Engler
The nuts of Canarium ovatum Engler are a popular snack food and are also used in various dishes such as cakes, candies, and ice creams. The nut oil is rich in vitamins and minerals and is commonly used in cosmetic and medicinal products. It is also used for industrial purposes, such as making varnishes and soaps. The resin from the tree is used as incense and in traditional medicine for treating various ailments. Pili tree wood is hard and durable, suitable for making furniture, flooring, and construction materials.
Light Requirements
Canarium ovatum Engler, also known as pili nut tree, requires full sunlight for healthy growth and optimum production. Therefore, planting the tree in an area with direct exposure to the sun is recommended. When grown in shaded areas, the tree may become leggy and produce fewer nuts.
Temperature Requirements
The pili nut tree thrives in warm and humid environments, particularly in regions with a mean annual temperature of 25-29°C. The tree can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C and as high as 38°C. However, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures may affect growth and nut production. In areas with cool temperatures, the tree may grow slowly and produce fewer nuts.
Soil Requirements
Canarium ovatum Engler prefers well-drained and fertile soils. The ideal pH range for the tree is 5.5-6.5. The tree can tolerate slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soils. However, planting the tree in saline or waterlogged soils should be avoided. The pili nut tree can tolerate drought conditions but not waterlogging.
Cultivation Methods
Canarium ovatum Engler, also known as pili nut tree, thrives in tropical regions and is grown commercially for its nut.
The tree requires a well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients, with a pH range of 5.5–7.5. A planting hole should be dug, and organic matter, such as compost, should be added for the young tree's nutrients.
Propagation is through stem cuttings and air layering. The tree can grow up to 20 m tall, with a canopy width of up to 10 m, and it takes about 5 years to bear fruit.
Watering Needs
The pili nut tree requires frequent watering, especially when it is still young. Watering should be done consistently, with the soil around the tree kept moist but not waterlogged. During the wet season, watering may need to be reduced.
Additionally, irrigation is essential during dry periods. Watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon.
Fertilization
The pili nut tree requires regular fertilization for optimal growth and nut production. Fertilizer should be applied during the tree's active growth phase and after harvesting.
Organic options like manure and compost can be used alongside inorganic fertilizers that contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Timing and dosage are critical when applying synthetic fertilizers.
Pruning
Pruning pili nut trees is crucial for reducing the canopy's size to allow for easier nut harvesting. It also helps remove dead or diseased branches that can cause damage to the tree.
Pruning should be done during the dry season and when the tree is dormant. It is best to use sterile pruning equipment to avoid transferring diseases from branch to branch.
Scaffolding branches should be trained early on to ensure proper branching. This helps in the management of the pili nut tree.
Propagation of Canarium ovatum Engler
Canarium ovatum Engler, commonly known as pili nut, is a native tree species in the Philippines that bears an edible nut. Propagation is an essential aspect of plant cultivation. It helps in the reproduction of plant species, increases population, and aids in the production of various products.
Propagation Methods for Canarium ovatum Engler
The propagation methods for Canarium ovatum Engler include seed germination, grafting, and budding. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
Seed Germination
Seed germination is the simplest and cheapest method of propagation. It is ideal for large scale propagation. Farmers and planters are encouraged to plant seeds to produce new pili trees. However, the use of seedlings has a disadvantage in that their high mortality rate, risk of disease, and lack of uniformity.
Grafting
Grafting involves joining a portion (scion) of a plant with desirable characteristics to the stock or root system of another plant. Grafting is preferred when aiming to reduce the time required for pili nut trees to bear fruit and for selected qualities to be preserved. One disadvantage is that it is labor-intensive, requires expertise, and infrastructure.
Budding
Budding, commonly known as bud grafting, involves the introduction of a bud of the host plant and a bud of the desired variety, known as scion. This process is completed into a T-shaped incision on the host plant. This method is cost-effective than grafting, but it requires expertise in its practice to minimize failure rates.
Disease and Pest Management for Canarium ovatum Engler
Canarium ovatum Engler, commonly known as the pili nut tree, is a tropical tree species native to Southeast Asia. Like any other plant, the tree is also prone to various diseases and pests that can significantly affect its growth and productivity. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that can affect Canarium ovatum Engler and how to manage them.
Major Diseases affecting Canarium ovatum Engler
1. Leaf spot disease:
This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora canariicola and manifests as small, dark spots on the leaves. If left unchecked, the spots will gradually enlarge and merge, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage leaf spot disease, remove all infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can also be applied to prevent the spread of the disease to healthy leaves.
2. Anthracnose:
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that attacks the leaves, twigs, and fruits of the pili nut tree. The symptoms include sunken lesions on the fruits and leaves, premature defoliation, and twig dieback. To manage anthracnose, prune infected twigs and remove all dead plant tissues. Spraying with fungicides can also prevent the disease from spreading.
Major Pests affecting Canarium ovatum Engler
1. Stem borers:
Stem borers are the most destructive pests that affect the pili nut tree by damaging the bark and making tunnels where they lay their eggs. The larvae of stem borers will feed on the internal tissues of the tree, leading to wilting and death of the affected branches. To manage stem borers, prune and destroy all infested branches. You can also apply insecticides to the tree trunk at the base to prevent the pests from laying eggs.
2. Fruit flies:
Fruit flies are small insects that lay their eggs on the pili nut tree's fruits. The larvae will feed on the fruit flesh and create entry points for fungi and bacteria, leading to the rotting of the fruit. To manage fruit flies, install traps around the tree or apply pesticides when the fruits are still small and developing. Harvesting early and removing all infected fruits can also reduce the spread of the pests.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management practices can significantly improve the productivity and growth of Canarium ovatum Engler. Regular monitoring of the tree's health and early detection of any signs of diseases and pests can prevent their spread and reduce damage to the tree.
