Overview
Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) H.J.Lam var. parvicarpa Okafor, commonly known as African pear, is a tropical plant species widely distributed in West and Central Africa. It belongs to the family Burseraceae, and it is a popular and highly valued fruit tree with a high degree of genetic variation. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of up to 30 meters and a trunk diameter of 1 meter.Appearance
African pear has glossy green leaves that are up to 30 cm long and 15 cm wide, with a central vein and numerous lateral veins. The tree's flowers are greenish-white and are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a drupe, round or elliptical in shape, with a tough, woody shell that encloses the edible yellowish pulp. The fruit is typically 3-5 cm in diameter, but some varieties may be as large as 10 cm or more.Origin and Distribution
African pear is native to West and Central Africa and is found in a wide range of ecological zones, from the humid rainforests to the drier savannahs. It is cultivated in smallholder farms across the region and is an important source of food and income for many rural communities.Uses
The fruit of African pear is highly valued for its flavor and is used in a variety of traditional dishes. The edible pulp is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and is often eaten fresh or dried. The nut inside the shell is also edible and is a good source of protein and oil. The wood of the tree is hard and durable and is used in construction, furniture making, and carving. In addition to its food and economic value, African pear has several medicinal properties. The bark and leaves of the tree are used to treat a range of ailments, including fever, malaria, and gastrointestinal disorders. The oil extracted from the nut is used in traditional medicine as a remedy for skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. In conclusion, Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) H.J.Lam var. parvicarpa Okafor, commonly known as African pear, is a valuable tropical fruit tree that has widespread cultural and economic significance in West and Central Africa.Growth Conditions for Dacryodes edulis var. parvicarpa Okafor
Dacryodes edulis var. parvicarpa Okafor, commonly known as African pear, is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the Burseraceae family. This tree is native to the humid tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa. The following are the typical growth conditions for Dacryodes edulis var. parvicarpa Okafor:
Light
Dacryodes edulis var. parvicarpa Okafor requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and fruit production. The tree can survive in partially shaded conditions, but it will produce fewer fruits. It is essential to ensure that the tree is planted in an open area where it can receive sufficient sunlight.
Temperature
Dacryodes edulis var. parvicarpa Okafor thrives in warm and humid conditions. The tree can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20°C to 38°C. It is crucial to avoid planting the tree in areas with extreme temperatures, as this can affect its growth and fruit production negatively.
Soil
The African pear tree prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it is crucial to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. The ideal pH range for the soil is between 5.5 and 6.5.
Water
Dacryodes edulis var. parvicarpa Okafor requires regular watering during the growing season. The tree should be watered twice a week, depending on the soil's moisture content. It is crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. During the dry season, the tree should be watered more often to prevent water stress.
Fertilizer
The African pear tree requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruit production. It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, three times a year. The fertilizer should be applied in early spring, mid-summer, and late fall.
Cultivation of Dacryodes edulis var. parvicarpa
Dacryodes edulis var. parvicarpa is cultivated primarily in tropical and subtropical areas. The plant prefers well-draining soils, with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5. It can grow in regions with an annual rainfall of 1,000 mm to 2,500 mm. The plant requires full sunlight and temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C.
Watering Needs for Dacryodes edulis var. parvicarpa
The plant requires consistent watering, especially during its growing seasons. Most cultivators water the plant 2 to 3 times a week, depending on the climate, rainfall, and soil drainage. It is important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged as this may lead to root rot. Young plants require more water than mature ones, and watering should be reduced in the dormant season.
Fertilization of Dacryodes edulis var. parvicarpa
The plant requires regular fertilization with organic matter to maintain optimal growth. Organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or other types of organic soil amendments can be applied annually or biannually. Additionally, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium-based fertilizers can be applied 6 months after planting. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to root damage and inhibit fruit-bearing.
Pruning of Dacryodes edulis var. parvicarpa
The plant may require pruning to prevent it from growing too large or to maintain its shape. Pruning is also critical to the development of fruits as it allows sunlight and air circulation to reach the fruit-bearing branches. The best time to prune is after harvesting when the plant is dormant. Commonly, the cutting of dead, damaged, or diseased branches is done first. Then thinning of branches occupying the same space, or trimming the top of the tree to maintain compactness is done.
Propagation of Dacryodes edulis var. parvicarpa:
Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) H.J.Lam var. parvicarpa Okafor is propagated through seeds and vegetative methods. The propagation method depends on the purpose, time, and available resources.
Seed Propagation:
For seed propagation, mature fruits are collected from healthy parent trees and washed thoroughly to remove any flesh or debris. The seeds are then air-dried for about two days. The dried seeds are treated with a fungicide before sowing to prevent any fungal attack. The seeds are then sowed in trays or small pots filled with sandy-loam soil. The pots or trays are kept in a shade house with controlled moisture and temperature. The seeds germinate in two to four weeks, and after four to six months, the seedlings are transplanted into individual pots filled with well-prepared soil. In about one year, the seedlings are ready for field planting.
Vegetative Propagation:
The vegetative propagation method is suitable for planting clones of selected parent trees. Vegetative propagation methods include grafting, budding, and stem cuttings. Grafting and budding are the most common methods used for propagating Dacryodes edulis var. parvicarpa Okafor.
Grafting involves joining a scion, which is a twig or bud from the desired plant onto a rootstock that has a strong root system. The scion and the rootstock are joined together by making a slanting cut on both of them and then binding them together until they are healed together. Grafting is done during the bark-slipping stage or when the trees are actively growing.
Budding is a method of grafting that involves attaching a bud from the desired plant onto a rootstock. The bud is inserted into a slit made on the rootstock, and then the slit is sealed with a plastic tape to prevent moisture loss. Budding is done during the growing season.
For stem cuttings, select a healthy stem from the parent plant that is about 10 cm long and free of any disease or pest damage. Dip the stem in a rooting hormone and plant it in a rooting medium such as sand or vermiculite. The cuttings are kept under high humidity and moderate temperatures until roots develop. Rooted cuttings are then potted and kept in a shade house for a year before transplanting to the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) H.J.Lam var. parvicarpa Okafor
Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) H.J.Lam var. parvicarpa Okafor, commonly known as African pear or safou, is a valuable fruit tree in Africa. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a common fungal disease that affects the leaves, shoots, and fruits of the African pear. Symptoms include circular spots on the leaves and dark sunken lesions on the fruits, which can cause them to rot. To manage anthracnose, practice good sanitation, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and use fungicides as a last resort.
Black Spot: Black spot is another fungal disease that affects the leaves and fruits of the African pear. Symptoms include black spots on the leaves, which can cause defoliation, and black patches on the fruits, which can cause them to rot. To manage black spot, remove and destroy infected plant parts, practice good sanitation, and use fungicides as a last resort.
Bacterial Blight: Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that affects the leaves and fruits of the African pear. Symptoms include dark water-soaked lesions on the leaves, which can cause defoliation, and dark lesions on the fruits, which can cause them to rot. To manage bacterial blight, remove and destroy infected plant parts, practice good sanitation, and use antibiotics as a last resort.
Common Pests
Fruit Flies: Fruit flies are a common pest that can cause significant damage to the fruits of the African pear. They lay their eggs on the fruit surface, and the developing larvae feed on the fruit flesh, causing it to rot. To manage fruit flies, use traps or baits and practice good sanitation.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are another common pest that can affect the African pear. They suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing stunted growth and yellowing. To manage mealybugs, use insecticidal soap, remove and destroy heavily infested plant parts, and practice good sanitation.
Mites: Mites are tiny pests that can cause significant damage to the leaves of the African pear. They feed on the leaf tissue, causing yellowing, bronzing, and defoliation. To manage mites, use acaricides, remove and destroy heavily infested plant parts, and practice good sanitation.
In conclusion, disease and pest management are crucial for the growth and yield of the African pear. By implementing good cultural practices, such as sanitation, pruning, and crop rotation, and using pesticides and fungicides as a last resort, farmers can effectively manage the common diseases and pests that affect this valuable fruit tree.
