Overview of Cinchona robusta Hort.
Cinchona robusta Hort. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This plant is known for its medicinal properties, as it produces quinine, a substance used to treat malaria. Cinchona robusta is native to South America, particularly in the Andean region. It is now widely cultivated in tropical regions throughout the world.
Common names
Cinchona robusta is commonly known as cinchona, quinine tree, febrifuge tree, quina-quina, and Jesuit's bark.
Uses
Cinchona robusta is primarily used for the treatment and prevention of malaria. Its bark contains quinine, which is a powerful antimalarial agent. Quinine is also used to treat certain heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Additionally, cinchona has been used in traditional medicine to treat various conditions, including fever, diarrhea, and dysentery.
General appearance
Cinchona robusta is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 15 meters. Its bark is rough and gray, while its leaves are glossy and dark green. The tree produces small, white or pink flowers that bloom in clusters. Its fruit is a small capsule that contains numerous seeds. The quinine-producing part of the plant is its bark, which is harvested and processed to make medicine.
Light Requirements
Cinchona robusta Hort. typically prefers bright, indirect sunlight in order to grow and thrive. Although the plant can survive in low light, it may not produce flowers. If grown indoors, it is recommended to keep the plant a few feet away from a south-facing window.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Cinchona robusta Hort. is between 60°F to 70°F (15.5°C to 21°C). The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) but it may not grow well in temperatures above 77°F (25°C).
Soil Requirements
Cinchona robusta Hort. requires well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. It prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6 to 6.5. The soil should be loamy, and the plant should be kept evenly moist. The addition of organic matter, such as compost or leaf mold, can help improve soil quality.
Cultivation Methods for Cinchona robusta Hort.
Cinchona robusta Hort. is a medium-sized tree that prefers moist and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a wide range of pH levels and thrives in temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. The seedlings can be planted in well-prepared soil with organic matter during the rainy season.
Watering Needs for Cinchona robusta Hort.
Cinchona robusta Hort. requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells. However, overwatering can lead to root rot and cause damage to the plant. Irrigation should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation and allow the plant to absorb as much water as possible.
Fertilization for Cinchona robusta Hort.
Cinchona robusta Hort. requires a balanced fertilizer with high potassium content. The fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, and the amount should be increased as the plant grows. A fertilizer with a 10-10-10 ratio is recommended for young plants, while a 20-10-10 ratio is ideal for mature plants.
Pruning of Cinchona robusta Hort.
Cinchona robusta Hort. requires regular pruning to promote healthy growth and improve the quality of the bark. Pruning should be done during the dry season to allow the wounds to heal quickly. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed immediately. The lower branches should be pruned to allow air circulation and light penetration, reducing the risk of pests and diseases.
Propagation of Cinchona robusta Hort.
Cinchona robusta Hort. is commonly known as quinine tree, and it can be propagated by either sexual or asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The seeds of Cinchona robusta Hort. can be procured from ripe fruits. It is recommended to sow them immediately in a germination medium that is well-draining and nutrient-rich. The seeds should be pressed gently into the soil and then kept moist and warm to aid their germination. The ideal temperature range for seed germination of Cinchona robusta Hort. is 18-29 °C, and it usually takes around 2-3 weeks for the seeds to germinate. After germination, the seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots, and they must be kept in a semi-shaded location for the first few months of growth.
Asexual Propagation
Cinchona robusta Hort. can also be propagated through vegetative means, which include stem cuttings and layering.
Stem cuttings are generally taken from mature plants with healthy stems. The cuttings should be of about 10-20 cm in length, with 2-3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and then the cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone. Once the cuttings have been treated with rooting hormone, they should be planted in a rooting medium consisting of sand and peat moss in equal parts. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm, humid location until they develop roots.
Layering involves bending a low-hanging branch down to the soil and ensuring that it remains in contact with the soil. Once the branch starts to develop roots, it can be separated from the parent plant and planted separately. This method is best done during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Overall, Cinchona robusta Hort. can be propagated successfully through both sexual and asexual methods, and the selection of the propagation method will depend on the preference of the grower or the availability of plant material.
Disease Management of Cinchona robusta Hort.
Cinchona robusta Hort. is prone to various diseases that can lead to a significant decrease in yield and quality of the crop. These diseases include:
Leaf Spot Disease
One of the most common diseases of Cinchona robusta Hort. is leaf spot disease caused by the fungus Phyllosticta sp. The symptoms of the disease are characterized by small circular dark brown or black lesions with yellow halos on the leaves, which may lead to defoliation.
To manage the disease, it is essential to maintain proper plant hygiene by removing infected leaves, avoiding overhead watering, and ensuring adequate spacing between plants. Fungicides such as copper-based sprays can also be used to manage the disease.
Anthracnose Disease
Anthracnose is another fungal disease caused by the Colletotrichum spp. that affects Cinchona plants. It causes fruit rot, twig blight, and leaf spot symptoms.
The disease can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering, maintaining plant hygiene, and removing infected plant parts. Fungicides such as copper-based sprays can also help control the disease.
Root Rot Disease
Cinchona robusta Hort. is prone to root rot disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum or Phytophthora spp. The disease symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth of the plant. In severe cases, the entire plant may die.
To prevent the disease, it is crucial to maintain proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Fungicides such as thiophanate-methyl and fosetyl aluminum can also help to control the disease.
Pest Management of Cinchona robusta Hort.
Cinchona robusta Hort. is also affected by various pests that can cause significant damage to the crop. Some common pests that can attack Cinchona plants are as follows:
Cinchona Leaf Miner
The Cinchona leaf miner is a tiny fly that lays eggs on the leaves, and the larvae mine the leaves, causing significant damage to the plant. The infested leaves may turn yellow, and there may be circular patches of holes on the leaves.
The best way to control the pest is to remove and destroy the infested leaves and spray insecticides such as neem oil or spinosad to kill the larvae.
Coffee White Stem Borer
The coffee white stem borer is a common pest that attacks Cinchona plants. The adult beetle lays eggs on the bark of the stem, and the larvae bore into the stem, causing significant damage to the plant.
To control the pest, it is essential to maintain proper plant hygiene by removing and destroying the infested plant parts. Insecticides such as neem oil and chlorpyrifos can also be used to kill the larvae.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are common pests of Cinchona plants that suck sap from the leaves and stems. The infested leaves may turn yellow, and there may be a sticky substance on the leaves.
To control the pest, it is crucial to maintain proper plant hygiene by removing and destroying the infested plant parts. Insecticides such as neem oil and imidacloprid can also be used to control the pest.
