Overview
Dacryodes edulis, commonly known as African pear, safou, or bush butter tree, is a tropical plant species in the genus Dacryodes. It is widely distributed across tropical Africa and has both economic and cultural importance in West and Central African countries.
Appearance
Dacryodes edulis is a medium-sized tree that can grow between 10 to 25 meters high. It has a rounded and dense crown with a diameter of up to 15 meters. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown in color, and its leaves are bright green, glossy, and oval-shaped. The tree produces abundant yellow fruits with a fleshy pericarp and a hard endocarp.
Origin
The African pear is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Angola. The plant prefers humid and evergreen forests, and it can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Uses
Dacryodes edulis has various uses, including medicinal, nutritional, and industrial purposes. The fruit is rich in nutrients, including proteins, minerals, and vitamins that make it a valuable food source in many African countries. In addition, the pulp and seeds are used to produce various food products, including soups, sauces, and oils. The bark, roots, and leaves have medicinal properties and are used to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and skin diseases. Lastly, the tree's wood is used to make furniture and building materials.
Light Requirements
Dacryodes edulis, commonly known as safou, prefers to grow in areas with partial shade. It cannot withstand intense sunlight for prolonged periods, so it is ideal to plant it under larger trees that provide shelter from direct sunlight. In regions with high ambient temperature, it is crucial to minimize exposure to direct sunlight to reduce heat stress.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to equatorial Africa and grows well in temperatures between 26 °C and 30 °C. However, it can withstand temperatures as low as 15 °C and as high as 40 °C for brief periods. If the temperature falls significantly, the growth rate may slow down, and leaf yellowing may occur. Conversely, extreme heat can lead to a drop in yield and fruit quality.
Soil Requirements
Dacryodes edulis is a hardy plant, capable of thriving in various soil types. However, for optimal growth, the plant needs a well-drained soil that is relatively deep and rich in organic matter. The soil's pH should range from acidic to slightly basic, between 5.0 to 7.0. Soil with a pH outside this range may lead to stunted growth, nutrient deficiencies, and poor yield. In areas with poor soil quality, supplementing with organic fertilizers can enhance plant growth and fruit yield.
Cultivation methods
Dacryodes edulis or African pear is a fruit-bearing tree that thrives in tropical rainforests and can be grown in humid and sub-humid areas. It prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter and has a shallow but fibrous root system. To cultivate, plant the saplings in well-prepared soil that has been enriched with manure or compost. The ideal planting density is around 400 trees per hectare. The tree requires at least six hours of sunlight per day but is intolerant of frost, hence is not suitable for regions that are prone to frost.
Watering needs
To ensure optimal growth, the African pear tree requires consistent watering. The tree should receive at least 1 inch of water per week, and the soil should not dry out completely between irrigation sessions. Irrigation is especially important during the flowering and fruiting stage to prevent moisture stress, which can lead to fruit drop and stunted growth. Mulching around the tree helps to retain soil moisture, minimize soil temperature fluctuations, and suppress weed growth.
Fertilization
The African pear tree is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization to ensure optimal yields. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied to the soil during the growing season, especially during the fruiting stage. Foliar fertilization is also beneficial and involves spraying the tree with liquid fertilizers such as seaweed extracts, fish emulsions, or manure teas. It's recommended to get a soil analysis done to determine the soil nutrient levels and make adjustments accordingly.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and size of the tree, promoting healthy growth, and improving yields. The best time to prune the African pear tree is during the dormant season (winter). Pruning should focus on removing dead, damaged, or diseased wood, thinning out overcrowded branches, and improving the tree's overall form. It's important to use sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases. You can also use the opportunity to train the tree's branches to facilitate harvesting and increase sunlight penetration to the tree's interior.
Propagation of Dacryodes edulis (G. Don) H. J. Lam
Dacryodes edulis (G. Don) H. J. Lam, commonly known as African native pear, is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the family Burseraceae. The tree is propagated mainly through seeds, grafting, and budding.
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common method of propagating Dacryodes edulis. The seeds can be obtained from mature fruits that have fallen from the tree. The seeds should be extracted from the fruit and washed in water to remove any fruit pulp. The seeds should then be dried under shade for several days before planting in a prepared nursery bed.
The nursery bed should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 2 cm and covered with soil. Water the nursery bed regularly, and within 4-6 weeks, the seedlings should emerge from the soil. The seedlings can be transplanted to a permanent location after they have achieved a height of about 10 cm.
Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating Dacryodes edulis. The method involves joining a scion from a desired cultivar onto a rootstock of a related species. The scion is the upper part of the plant that is cut from a mature tree, while the rootstock is the lower part that provides the root system.
For grafting to be successful, the scion and the rootstock must have the same diameter. After making a slanted cut on the rootstock and the scion, they should be joined and tied together using a grafting tape. The grafted plant should be kept in a moist chamber to promote root development.
Budding
Budding is a form of grafting that involves inserting a single bud from a desired cultivar onto a rootstock of a related species. The bud is inserted into a T-shaped cut made on the rootstock. The bud is then tied to the rootstock using a budding tape. The grafted plant should be kept in a moist chamber to promote healing and root development.
In conclusion, Dacryodes edulis can be propagated through seeds, grafting, and budding. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on the grower's preference.
Disease and Pest Management of Dacryodes edulis
Dacryodes edulis, commonly known as African pear or safou, is a fruit tree that belongs to the family Burseraceae. The plant is grown primarily for its edible fruit that has a high nutritional value. The tree is tolerant of a wide range of soil types but is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can significantly reduce the crop yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and their management:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It appears as white, powdery spots on the upper surface of the leaves, which later spread to the entire leaf and stem. To manage powdery mildew, apply fungicides like sulfur or neem oil at the first sign of the disease. Proper pruning and disposal of infected plant debris can also help control the disease.
2. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, shoots, and fruits of Dacryodes edulis. Black, sunken lesions with red or orange borders appear on the leaves and fruits. The disease can be controlled by applying fungicides like copper-based fungicides, maintaining proper tree hygiene, and providing adequate ventilation.
Pests
1. Fruit Flies: The fruit fly is the most damaging pest of Dacryodes edulis. Adult flies lay their eggs on the fruit surface, and the larvae feed on the pulp, causing the fruit to rot. To manage fruit flies, use traps, bait sprays, and insecticides. Proper sanitation and harvesting of ripe fruits can also help control the pest.
2. Caterpillars: Caterpillars are another common pest of African pear. They feed on the leaves and shoot tips, causing extensive damage to the plant. To control caterpillars, apply insecticides like Bacillus thuringiensis or carbaryl. Handpicking can also be done for smaller infestations.
To maintain healthy trees, it is essential to implement good cultural practices like proper irrigation, fertilization, and pruning. Regular scouting for disease and pest infestations can help detect the problem early and enable timely intervention.
