Introduction
Canarium zeylanicum (Retz.) Blume, also known as Canarium strictum Roxb. ex Botryodendron cylindricum Dyer, is a species of tropical trees from the Burseraceae family. It has various common names, including Black Dammar, Java Almond, Kanari Hill Nut, and Kekuna Nut.
Origin and Distribution
The plant is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, including countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. It prefers a warm and humid climate and is usually found growing in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests at altitudes of up to 1000 meters.
General Appearance
Canarium zeylanicum is a medium to large-sized tree, reaching up to 35 meters in height. It has a straight trunk, with smooth and greyish-brown bark, and a narrow and rounded crown. The leaves are pinnate, and the leaflets are lanceolate, glossy, and dark green in color. The tree is dioecious, with male and female flowers appearing on separate trees. The fruit is round and fleshy, with a yellowish-brown color and a hard outer shell that encases the edible kernel inside.
Uses
The kernels of Canarium zeylanicum are edible and are used in various culinary applications. They have a nutty flavor and are often eaten raw or roasted in desserts and savory dishes. The kernels are also rich in oil, which is used in the production of soap, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. The tree's resin is a source of dammar, used in the production of varnish, paints, and incense. Canarium zeylanicum is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as colds, coughs, and digestive disorders.
Conclusion
Canarium zeylanicum is a versatile tree with many uses, from culinary to medicinal and industrial. Its resistance to pests and drought makes it an excellent candidate for reforestation programs in regions with degraded forests. Despite its abundance and importance, the species has been threatened by habitat loss and over-exploitation, underscoring the need for conservation efforts to ensure its survival.
Light Requirements
Canarium zeylanicum prefers full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to poor growth and fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Canarium zeylanicum growth is between 20°C to 35°C. Temperatures below 10°C may cause damage to the plant, while temperatures above 40°C may cause wilting and developmental issues.
Soil Requirements
Canarium zeylanicum prefers soil that is well-drained and rich in organic matter. The pH range should be between 6.0 to 7.5. It can also tolerate some degree of soil salinity and moderate acidity. However, it does not grow well in heavy clay soils or in soil that remains waterlogged for prolonged periods.
Cultivation Methods for Canarium Zeylanicum (Retz.) Blume
Canarium zeylanicum (Retz.) Blume is a hardy tropical plant that can withstand very high temperatures. It is essential to grow the plant in a warm climate with temperatures between 25°C – 35°C.
The plant grows well in well-draining soil that has a high humus content. It should be planted in an area that receives plenty of sunlight. It is essential to prepare the planting hole properly by removing rocks and other debris and replacing it with organic matter and topsoil.
Watering Needs for Canarium Zeylanicum (Retz.) Blume
Canarium zeylanicum (Retz.) Blume prefers moderate watering. Young trees need frequent watering, especially during the first year. It is essential to water the plant deeply and ensure the soil remains moist, but not waterlogged.
It is crucial to avoid watering the plant during the rainy season as this could lead to root rot. In case of extreme dry conditions, the plant should be watered frequently.
Fertilization for Canarium Zeylanicum (Retz.) Blume
The plant should be fertilized every three months with a balanced fertilizer. During the first year, a slow-release fertilizer should be used. It is essential to avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this could lead to leaf burn and other issues.
It would be best if you also mulched the tree during the dry season. This will help retain moisture in the soil and provide extra nutrients to the plant.
Pruning for Canarium Zeylanicum (Retz.) Blume
Pruning is crucial for promoting optimal growth and shape of the plant. It is recommended to prune during the dry season. The plant should be pruned to remove diseased or damaged branches and maintain the desired shape.
It is essential to use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. The pruned branches should be removed and disposed of properly to avoid the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Canarium zeylanicum (Retz.) Blume
Canarium zeylanicum (Retz.) Blume, commonly known as Canarium nut, is a tropical tree species native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific region. The propagation of this plant can be done through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The sexual propagation of Canarium zeylanicum involves the use of seeds. The seeds should be obtained from fully mature and healthy fruits. After collection, they should be soaked in water for about 24 hours to remove the pulp before sowing. The planting site should be well-drained, fertile, and receive partial shade to full sun. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1-2 centimeters and watered regularly. Seedling emergence usually occurs within 4-6 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent site after 6-12 months.
Asexual propagation
The asexual propagation of Canarium zeylanicum can be done through grafting and budding techniques. These methods are preferred because they produce plant clones that retain the characteristic traits of the parent plant.
Grafting: Grafting is the union of the scion (a piece of stem with buds) from a selected superior tree onto the rootstock (a seedling of a compatible species or a selected rootstock). The scion must be selected from the parent tree with desirable traits such as high yield, quality, and disease resistance. The graft union should be secured with twine or grafting tape to prevent movement. After grafting, the plants should be covered with a clear plastic bag to conserve moisture and prevent wilting. The bag should be removed after 2-3 weeks when new growth emerges.
Budding: Budding is the insertion of a bud of the desired cultivar onto a rootstock. The bud should be taken from a healthy shoot of the parent tree with desirable traits. The bud is then carefully inserted into a T-shaped incision made on the bark of the rootstock. The bud should be covered with a transparent plastic bag to create a humid environment that promotes its survival. The bag can be removed after 2-3 weeks when the bud has formed a callus and shows signs of growth.
Both grafting and budding should be done during the active period of growth when the bark slips easily from the wood. The best time of the year for propagation is during the rainy season when soil moisture is at an optimum level.
Disease and Pest Management for Canarium zeylanicum (Retz.) Blume
Canarium zeylanicum, commonly known as Kanak or Kekuna in Sri Lanka, is a tropical tree species found in Southeast Asia. It is an important source of resin, essential oil, and a variety of medicinal and culinary applications. Like any other plant species, Canarium zeylanicum is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause crop damage and limit production. Therefore, proper disease and pest management strategies are essential to ensure a healthy and productive Canarium zeylanicum plantation.
Common Diseases of Canarium zeylanicum and their Management
1. Leaf spot disease: Leaf spot is a common disease that affects Canarium zeylanicum. Symptoms include the appearance of brown spots on the leaves, which may progress to form larger patches. The disease is caused by fungi such as Cercospora canarii and Phyllosticta canarii. To manage this disease, it is important to practice good sanitation measures in the plantation, such as removing infected leaves and destroying them. Fungicides such as copper-based sprays may also be used.
2. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects several parts of Canarium zeylanicum, including fruits, leaves, and flowers. Symptoms of the disease include dark spots on leaves and fruits, which may enlarge and cause the affected tissues to decay. The disease is caused by fungi such as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. To manage anthracnose, it is important to remove infected plant parts and control the spread of the disease using fungicides such as copper-based sprays.
3. Root rot: Root rot is a soil-borne disease that affects the roots of Canarium zeylanicum, causing rotting and eventual death of the plant. The disease is caused by fungi such as Phytophthora palmivora. To prevent root rot, it is important to use well-draining soils and avoid waterlogging. Fungicides such as metalaxyl may also be applied to manage the disease.
Common Pests of Canarium zeylanicum and their Management
1. Shoot and fruit borer: Shoot and fruit borers are common pests that affect Canarium zeylanicum. The larvae of these pests bore into the shoots and fruits, causing damage to the plant tissues. Management of these pests involves the use of insecticides such as pyrethroids or neonicotinoids. To prevent infestations, it is recommended to practice good sanitation measures such as removing infected plant parts and controlling weeds in the plantation.
2. Scale insects: Scale insects are common pests that affect Canarium zeylanicum. They feed on the plant sap, causing stunted growth and reduced fruit production. Management of scale insects involves the use of insecticides such as oil sprays or systemic insecticides. It is important to ensure thorough coverage of the pesticide to the affected areas for effective control.
3. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are common pests that affect Canarium zeylanicum, particularly in the fruiting stage. They are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing wilting and reduced fruit quality. To manage mealybugs, it is important to use insecticides such as insecticidal soaps or oil sprays. Additionally, practicing good sanitation measures such as removing infected plant parts and controlling weeds can help prevent infestations.
In conclusion, proper management of diseases and pests is essential for a healthy and productive Canarium zeylanicum plantation. By using appropriate management techniques and taking preventative measures, farmers and plantation managers can ensure that the plants grow well and produce high-quality resin, essential oils, and fruits.
