Origin and Common Names
Dacryodes afzelii (Engl.) H.J.Lam is a species of tree from the family Burseraceae. It is native to tropical Africa, particularly found in Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Nigeria. This tree is commonly known as African Bush Mango, Safou, or Atanga.Appearance
This tree species grows up to 40 meters tall and has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 60 cm. The bark is grey and rough with deep furrows, and the wood is light pink to reddish-brown with a fine texture. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with an elliptical shape and a length of about 8-20 cm. The flowers are yellowish-white and form in clusters at the tips of branches. The fruit of Dacryodes afzelii is edible and looks similar to a mango. It is oval-shaped, about 4-8 cm in length and turns from green to yellow when ripe. The flesh is yellow and soft, with a sweet, juicy and tangy taste.Uses
Dacryodes afzelii has many traditional uses for its different parts. The fruit is often consumed fresh or processed into jams, juices, and fermented drinks. The seeds are used in traditional medicine and can be roasted and eaten as a snack. The bark and leaves have medicinal properties and are used to treat various illnesses such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever. The wood from Dacryodes afzelii is durable and resistant to termites, so it is often used for construction and furniture. The tree is also cultivated for its fruit as a source of income for local communities. In addition, the tree has ecological importance as it provides habitat and food for birds, mammals and insects.Growth Conditions of Dacryodes afzelii
Dacryodes afzelii, commonly known as African pear, is a tropical fruit tree that thrives in warm, humid environments. The following are detailed growth conditions that this plant requires for optimal growth:
Light Requirements
Dacryodes afzelii requires full exposure to sunlight to grow. The plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Lack of adequate light slows down the rate of photosynthesis, leading to stunted growth. Therefore, it is essential to choose a planting site that receives enough sunlight for the plant to grow.
Temperature Requirements
The African pear tree grows best in warm, humid climates. The optimal temperature range for the tree's growth is between 22 °C and 32 °C. The plant is not frost-tolerant and may not survive in areas with prolonged cold spells or sub-zero temperatures. The minimum temperature required for the tree to grow is about 18 °C.
Soil Requirements
The African pear tree requires well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant thrives in soils rich in organic matter, such as compost and manure. It also requires soils rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The plant does not grow well in heavy clay soils or soils with poor drainage systems.
It is crucial to ensure good soil preparation before planting. Adding fertilizer to the soil and incorporating organic matter helps improve the soil structure and fertility, which results in better plant growth and higher yields.
Cultivation of Dacryodes afzelii (Engl.) H.J.Lam
The cultivation of Dacryodes afzelii (Engl.) H.J.Lam is relatively easy, as it is a hardy plant that can adapt to a variety of growing conditions. Before planting, choose a site with well-draining soil and plenty of sun exposure, ideally with a pH value between 6 and 6.5.
Watering Needs of Dacryodes afzelii (Engl.) H.J.Lam
The watering needs of Dacryodes afzelii (Engl.) H.J.Lam vary depending on the climate and season. During the rainy season, the plant can tolerate more water, but during the dry season, it should be watered frequently to prevent the soil from drying out. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Dacryodes afzelii (Engl.) H.J.Lam
Fertilization is essential for the growth and health of Dacryodes afzelii (Engl.) H.J.Lam. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every four months. However, too much fertilizer can cause the plant to become leggy and weak, so it should be used sparingly.
Pruning of Dacryodes afzelii (Engl.) H.J.Lam
Pruning is necessary to shape the plant and encourage bushy growth. It should be done during the dormant season, preferably in the spring. The branches that are diseased, damaged, or crossed should be removed, and the shoots should be trimmed back to encourage new growth. It is also crucial to remove any fruit that is malformed, as it can attract pests.
Propagation of Dacryodes afzelii (Engl.) H.J.Lam
Dacryodes afzelii (Engl.) H.J.Lam is a tropical tree species that can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The plant's seeds are the primary means of sexual propagation. The seeds are collected from healthy, mature trees and are cleaned to remove any debris. They are then sown immediately, without any pre-treatment, in prepared beds. The beds are usually located in areas with well-drained soil and receive adequate sunlight and moisture. Germination typically occurs within 2 to 3 weeks, and the resulting seedlings are transplanted to larger containers or directly to the field.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation of Dacryodes afzelii can be achieved by grafting and budding methods.
Grafting: This method involves attaching a scion from the desired cultivar onto the rootstock of another closely related Dacryodes species. The scion is a shoot that has been cut from a mature tree. It is joined to the rootstock, which is chosen for its desirable characteristics such as disease resistance or root system. The graft union is then wrapped tightly with a grafting tape to facilitate healing. The grafted plant is then transplanted to the field after the union has healed.
Budding: Budding, similar to grafting, involves attaching a bud from the desired cultivar to the rootstock of another closely related Dacryodes species. The bud, with a small portion of bark, is cut from a mature tree. A "T" shaped cut is made on the rootstock's bark. The bark flap is then lifted and the bud is inserted into the gap. The graft union is then wrapped tightly with a budding tape or grafting tape to facilitate healing. Like grafting, the budded plant is then transplanted to the field after the union has healed.
Both the sexual and asexual methods of propagation can result in healthy, vigorous plants that will produce good yields of fruit. Proper care of the plants, including adequate water and nutrient management, is crucial to maximize their growth and productivity.
Disease and Pest Management for Dacryodes afzelii (Engl.) H.J.Lam
Dacryodes afzelii is a tropical tree species that produces an edible fruit. Proper disease and pest management is critical for the maximum yield of high-quality fruit from this plant.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease is common in Dacryodes afzelii and can cause severe damage to the tree's fruit. Symptoms include black spots, sunken lesions, and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, regularly prune and remove infected plant parts and fruits and spray fungicides containing copper or sulfur.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is characterized by a white or gray powdery coating on leaves and stems and can cause bending and falling leaves. Incorporating preventive measures such as planting resistant varieties, watering early in the day, pruning, and using fungicides can help manage powdery mildew.
Common Pests
Fruit Fly: Dacryodes afzelii is prone to fruit flies, which cause severe damage to ripe fruit. Fruit fly infestation can also lead to fruit rot. The use of pheromone traps and insecticides can help manage fruit fly populations.
Mites: These arthropods cause damage to leaves, reducing the plant's photosynthetic ability. Leaf yellowing, cell death, and necrosis are all signs of mite infestation. To control and manage mites, the use of acaricides such as abamectin, buprofezin, and hexythiazox is recommended.
Conclusion
Effective disease and pest management are crucial for the maximum yield of high-quality fruit from Dacryodes afzelii. Regular monitoring, prevention, and the use of appropriate control measures can help manage pests and diseases, improving the plant's productivity and longevity.
