Description of Chrysophyllum iturense Engl.
Chrysophyllum iturense Engl. is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree belonging to the family Sapotaceae. It is native to West Africa, specifically Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon. The plant is commonly known by a variety of names such as Iroko, Udara, African Star Apple, and Otien.
Appearance of Chrysophyllum iturense Engl.
The tree grows up to a height of 20-25 meters and has an erect trunk with grayish-brown bark. The bark is smooth with shallow ridges and horizontal fissures. The leaves of Chrysophyllum iturense Engl. are simple, alternate, and glossy dark green in color. They are oblong with a pointed tip and are about 5-12 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. The tree bears small, white, and fragrant flowers that grow in bunches and have a sweet aroma. The fruit of the tree is a spherical or ellipsoid berry, about 3-5 cm in diameter, and has a yellow or orange color when ripe.
Uses of Chrysophyllum iturense Engl.
The fruit of Chrysophyllum iturense Engl. is edible and has a sweet and juicy flavor. It is rich in vitamin C, calcium, and iron. The fruit is eaten fresh or used to make juice, jam, or wine. The tree also has medicinal properties, and the bark, leaves, roots, and fruit are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, fever, and toothache. The wood of the tree is hard and durable, and it is used for making furniture, construction of buildings, and carving. The tree is also used in agroforestry systems, and its leaves serve as fodder for livestock.
Light Requirements
Chrysophyllum iturense Engl. typically grows in a tropical rainforest environment with a dense canopy. As such, it requires moderate to high shade levels for optimal growth. When grown in full sun, the plant is prone to leaf scorching and other damage, which can affect growth and fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
The Chrysophyllum iturense Engl. plant thrives in warm to hot temperatures with a range of 20 to 33°C. Temperatures below 10°C can damage young plants, while temperatures above 38°C can cause heat stress and affect growth. The plant is not frost-tolerant and requires protection during cold periods.
Soil Requirements
For optimal growth, Chrysophyllum iturense Engl. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant does not tolerate waterlogging and requires a soil that is consistently moist but not overly wet. In addition, the soil should provide sufficient nutrients for healthy growth, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Cultivation methods
Chrysophyllum iturense Engl. is a tropical plant that grows well in climates with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It thrives in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun and requires protection from strong winds.
The seedlings of Chrysophyllum iturense Engl. are typically transplanted into the field or garden beds after about six months of growth in poly bags. Being a tropical tree, it should be planted during the rainy season to aid its establishment. Proper spacing of about 10 meters between the trees is key to avoid overcrowding.
Watering needs
For Chrysophyllum iturense Engl., a consistent supply of water is critical. In the dry season, the tree should be watered heavily at least twice a week. The leaves may wilt if it lacks water, but the plant can recover if given water at the right time.
During the rainy season, watering can be done once a week or when necessary, depending on the amount of rainfall. To avoid waterlogging that may cause root rot, ensure that the tree has proper drainage systems.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization helps to promote healthy growth and improve the yield of Chrysophyllum iturense Engl. The tree should be fertilized twice a year, with the first application at the onset of the rainy season and the second application towards the end of the rainy season.
A quality fertilizer that has a balanced N-P-K ratio, micro and macro-nutrients, and organic matter is recommended. Application rates may vary depending on the soil fertility, age of the tree, and the requirements of the specific fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches of Chrysophyllum iturense Engl. Pruning should be done in the early stages of growth to stimulate the tree's production of side branches.
The tree could also benefit from additional pruning after reaching a height of 1.5 meters to encourage branching and canopy development. Any pruning activities must be done with care to avoid excessive damage or death of the branches.
Propagation of Chrysophyllum iturense Engl.
Chrysophyllum iturense Engl. can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and budding.
Seeds
The most common method of propagating Chrysophyllum iturense is through its seeds. The seeds should first be extracted from the fruit, washed, and then sown in a mixture of sand and compost. It is recommended to sow the seeds during the rainy season to ensure adequate moisture and favorable conditions for germination. The seeds usually take 3-4 weeks to germinate.
Stem Cuttings
Chrysophyllum iturense can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from a healthy plant during the rainy season. The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long and should have at least 3-4 buds. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before being planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings should then be watered regularly and kept in a shaded area until new growth appears.
Budding
Budding is another method of propagating Chrysophyllum iturense. This method involves grafting a bud from a desirable plant onto a rootstock. The rootstock must be of the same species as the desired plant. Budding is a more advanced method of propagation and requires expertise.
Disease and Pest Management for Chrysophyllum iturense Engl.
Chrysophyllum iturense Engl. is a fruit tree that is native to Nigeria and is a member of the Sapotaceae family. This plant is vulnerable to several pests and diseases that can cause harm to the plant and reduce its yield. Effective pest and disease management is critical to maintain healthy plants and maximize yield.
Common Diseases Affecting Chrysophyllum iturense Engl.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a disease caused by fungi that results in large brown or black spots on the leaves, branches, and fruits of the plant. The affected areas may also have a sunken appearance. To manage anthracnose, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene by removing infected plant parts and using fungicides.
Black Spot: Black spot is a fungal disease that causes dark spots to appear on the leaves. The spots may start yellow and then turn black as the disease progresses. This disease can cause defoliation and reduced yield. To manage black spot, apply fungicides and remove infected leaves regularly.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. The affected parts may become distorted and discolored. Some recommended powdery mildew management strategies include the use of fungicides and maintaining adequate air circulation around the plant.
Common Pests Affecting Chrysophyllum iturense Engl.
Fruit Flies: Fruit flies are insects that are attracted to ripening fruits and lay their eggs on the fruit. The larvae of these flies feed on the fruit, leading to premature fruit drop and reduced yield. To manage fruit flies, use insecticides or biological control agents to prevent the growth of these insects.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that cause damage to the leaves and fruits of the plant. They puncture the plant cell walls to suck out the nutrients, leading to curling, discoloration, and scarring of the leaves and fruits. To manage thrips, use insecticides and monitoring the population of these insects regularly.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are sap-sucking pests that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant. They can cause reduced growth, yellowing of leaves, and distortion of plant parts. The management of scale insects involves the use of insecticides and removal of infected plant parts.
Proper management of pests and diseases is essential to the growth and development of Chrysophyllum iturense Engl. plants and enhance its productivity. It is important that farmers and growers follow a continuous and integrated pest management approach that includes cultural, biological, and chemical control options for effective control of the pests and diseases that affect the plant.
