Overview of Canarium strictum Roxb.
Canarium strictum Roxb. is a tropical evergreen tree species that belongs to the family of Burseraceae. Commonly known as black dammar or Indian elemi, this tree is native to South and Southeast Asia. It grows in a wide range of habitats, such as river banks, hillsides, and deciduous forests.
General Appearance of Canarium strictum Roxb.
The black dammar tree can grow up to 40 meters tall with a trunk that is about 2 meters in diameter. It has a dense crown, and its leaves are pinnate and alternate, with 10-20 pairs of leaflets that are oblong-elliptic in shape. The leaves are dark green and glossy, measuring about 15-40 cm in length.
Flowers of Canarium strictum Roxb. are small, white, and occur in axillary or terminal panicles of about 5-12 cm long. The tree produces a fruit that is spherical and measures 2.5-4.5 cm in diameter. It is green when young and turns yellow or reddish-orange when ripe.
Uses of Canarium strictum Roxb.
The black dammar tree has several uses that range from medicinal, cultural to commercial. Various parts of the tree such as fruits, leaves, resin, and bark have been traditionally used in Ayurveda and other medicinal practices to treat several ailments such as skin diseases, bronchitis, rheumatism, dysentery, and intestinal parasites.
Canarium strictum Roxb. resin also has several industrial uses. For instance, it is used as a caulking material for boats and ships, as incense, in the manufacture of varnish, adhesives, and inks. The tree's resin is also used for cultural and religious purposes in Buddhism and Hinduism.
The fruits of Canarium strictum Roxb. are edible and are consumed both raw and cooked. They have a sweet and sour taste and are also used as ingredients in traditional dishes. The tree is also used in reforestation efforts, soil conservation, and enrichment, as well as providing shade.
Growth Conditions of Canarium strictum Roxb.
Light: Canarium strictum Roxb. requires plenty of sunlight to grow and thrive. It grows well under full sunlight or partially shaded conditions. However, to achieve optimal growth and yield, it is recommended to grow it under full sunlight.
Temperature: Canarium strictum Roxb. demands warm and humid conditions to grow. The plant cannot tolerate frost or extreme cold temperatures. The ideal temperature range for growing Canarium strictum Roxb. is between 20°C to 30°C. Temperature below 10°C can cause the plant's death.
Soil: Canarium strictum Roxb. has a preference for well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for the growth of Canarium strictum Roxb. is slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-7.0). The plant can grow on a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy and rocky soil. However, it prefers fertile soil with good moisture-holding capacity. Clay soils are not suitable for Canarium strictum Roxb. growth as they retain too much moisture, leading to root rot.
Water: Canarium strictum Roxb. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season, to ensure its optimal growth. The plant prefers well-drained soil that holds moisture but not waterlogged soils. Overwatering can cause root rot, causing the plant's death. A recommendation is to provide the plant with sufficient water, but soil moisture should be monitored regularly to avoid overwatering or underwatering.
Cultivation methods
Canarium strictum Roxb. is a tree that is native to Southeast Asia, and it can grow up to 25 meters tall. It is propagated by seeds, and the best time to plant these seeds is during the rainy season. The soil should be well-draining and have a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The seedlings should be transplanted when they reach a height of 20-25 cm. The trees should be planted at a distance of 6-8 meters from each other.
Watering needs
The tree requires regular watering for the first two years after planting. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. After the first two years, the trees can survive with less water but should still be watered during dry periods. The frequency of watering will depend on the soil, weather conditions and drainage of the soil.
Fertilization
Canarium strictum Roxb. requires regular fertilization to produce healthy and abundant crops. The fertilizer should be rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The first dose of fertilizer should be applied during the first year of planting. After that, the tree should be fertilized at the beginning of each growing season. The amount and frequency of fertilization will depend on the age of the tree, soil conditions, and the level of production.
Pruning
The tree does not require much pruning, and only damaged, diseased or dead branches should be removed. Pruning should be done during the dormant phase, preferably during the dry season. The tree may require some formative pruning when young to shape the tree and encourage strong branching. The main purpose of pruning is to maintain the tree's health and productivity.
Propagation of Canarium strictum Roxb.
Canarium strictum Roxb. or as commonly known as wild Indian olive is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a spreading crown. It is valued for its aromatic resin, timber, and medicinal properties. Propagation of Canarium strictum can be done by the following methods:
Seed Propagation:
Seeds collected from mature fruits should be sown immediately in well-drained soil. The seeds are sown in pots or raised beds with appropriate soil mixtures. Germination of seeds takes place within 3 to 6 weeks after sowing. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Air Layering:
Air layering is a method of vegetative propagation widely used for trees with hard or long-term seed germination, such as Canarium strictum. A branch of the tree is selected, stripped of its bark, and a rooting hormone is applied. The branch is then wrapped with a moist soil mix and covered with a polythene sheet. After a few months, roots will appear and can be severed from the parent plant, potted, and transplanted in the desired location.
Cuttings:
Another vegetative propagation method that can be used for Canarium strictum is stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings, taken from the tip of the shoot, root easily in moist rooting mediums. The cutting should be planted in a well-drained rooting medium mixture such as vermiculite or perlite. Bottom heat of 23°C is necessary to aid in rooting. The cuttings will take about 4 to 6 weeks to root, after which they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation of Canarium strictum Roxb. can be done by seed, air layering, or stem cuttings. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and the choice of the propagation method depends on the required yield, resources available, and end-use of the plant.
Disease and Pest Management of Canarium strictum Roxb.
Canarium strictum Roxb. is a tropical tree that grows in Southeast Asia and India. It is primarily grown for its resin, which is used in traditional medicine and as a flavoring agent in food. However, the tree is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can significantly reduce its yield. Therefore, proper disease and pest management techniques are essential for the optimal growth of the tree and maximum resin production.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Canarium strictum Roxb. is the shoot borer. The larvae of this pest bore into the young shoots, causing them to die. The first step to controlling this pest is to prune and destroy the affected shoots. Application of pesticides like dimethoate, chlorpyrifos, and carbaryl can be an effective control measure. Another common pest is the leaf beetle, which feeds on the leaves of the tree. The use of neem oil or insecticides like deltamethrin, cypermethrin, or fipronil can control this pest effectively.
Common Diseases
Canarium strictum Roxb. is also prone to various diseases, including fungal and bacterial infections. One of the most prevalent fungal diseases is anthracnose, which causes leaf spots and defoliation. The use of fungicides like copper oxychloride, mancozeb, and chlorothalonil can effectively control this disease. Another fungal disease is powdery mildew, which results in whitish-gray patches on the leaves. The application of fungicides like sulphur, tricyclazole, and propiconazole can control this disease effectively.
Cultural Practices for Managing Diseases and Pests
Aside from chemical control methods, cultural practices such as regular pruning, plant sanitation, and proper irrigation techniques can also help to manage pests and diseases. Dead and diseased plant materials should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of diseases. Pruning of the affected shoots can ensure that the pests do not spread to other parts of the tree. Proper irrigation techniques can prevent overwatering or underwatering, which can make the tree susceptible to diseases and pests.
In conclusion, the management of diseases and pests in Canarium strictum Roxb. requires a combination of chemical control methods and cultural practices. With good management practices in place, the tree can produce healthy and disease-free resin, ensuring maximum yield.
