Dacryodes Edulis (g.don) H.j.lam

Overview

Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) H.J.Lam, commonly known as African pear or safou, is a tree species native to tropical Africa. The plant belongs to the Burseraceae family and has become increasingly popular both in Africa and abroad due to its fruit, which is highly nutritious and rich in oil.

Appearance

Dacryodes edulis is a perennial tree that can reach up to 50 meters in height. The bark of the tree is smooth, gray-brown and becomes rough as it ages. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong-elliptic with a glossy surface, measuring 10 to 35 cm long and 5 to 20 cm wide. The flowers are small and yellow-greenish, measuring between 3 to 4 mm long, and are borne in clusters.

Common Names

Dacryodes edulis is known by several common names, including African pear, safou, bush butter, atanga, igbaja, and koko.

Uses

The fruits of Dacryodes edulis are highly prized for their edible and nutritional value. The fruit is most commonly eaten raw, boiled, roasted, or fried. It is also made into a buttery sauce, which is used as a dip for yams, cassava, and other local dishes. The oil from the fruit is extracted and used for cooking, soap making, and as a natural preservative for other oils. The wood from the tree is widely used for furniture making, firewood, and charcoal production.

Growth Conditions for Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) H.J.Lam

Light: Dacryodes edulis commonly grows in areas of full sunlight, although it may also grow in partial shade. It is a tropical plant that thrives in bright light and requires at least six hours of sun exposure daily.

Temperature: Dacryodes edulis is a tropical plant that prefers a warm climate. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 24-28°C (75-82°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can be harmful to the plant, and it cannot tolerate frost.

Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, loamy soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate a slightly acidic soil, but low pH levels may hinder the plant's growth. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a good water-holding capacity.

Water: Dacryodes edulis requires a consistent and adequate supply of water. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during the dry season. However, waterlogged or poorly drained soils can cause damage to the plant's roots and reduce its growth.

Nutrients: Dacryodes edulis is a heavy feeder and requires adequate nutrients for optimal growth. It is recommended to use NPK fertilizers in a ratio of 5:10:5 or 10:10:10 for a young and mature plant, respectively. Regular soil testing is necessary to ensure that the plant has the right balance of nutrients.

Cultivation methods

Dacryodes edulis, also known as African pear or safou, is a tropical evergreen tree that is native to Africa and can reach up to 30 meters in height. It is primarily cultivated for its fruits, which are edible and highly nutritious. The tree is best grown in tropical and subtropical regions with well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It prefers slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5-6.5.

Propagation of Dacryodes edulis can be done through seeds or vegetative methods such as grafting and budding. Seeds should be sown in a mixture of soil and sand and kept moist until they germinate. Once the seedlings reach a height of 15-20 cm, they can be transplanted to a permanent location.

Watering needs

Dacryodes edulis requires regular watering to establish healthy growth and fruit production. The tree should be irrigated once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil type. During dry periods, it may be necessary to increase the frequency of watering. However, excess water can lead to root rot and other diseases, so it's essential to ensure good drainage and avoid waterlogging.

Fertilization

Fertilization of Dacryodes edulis should be done frequently, especially during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every three months. Nitrogen is essential for shoot growth, phosphorus for root development, and potassium for overall health and fruit quality. Organic fertilizers like compost, cow manure, and poultry droppings can also be added to improve soil quality and fertility.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for the healthy development of Dacryodes edulis. It should be done regularly to control the height and shape of the tree, promote branching, and remove diseased or damaged branches. Pruning should be done during the dry season to prevent the spread of diseases. Young trees should be pruned regularly to encourage the development of a strong scaffold framework. After harvesting, a light pruning can be done to remove any dead or diseased wood and stimulate new growth.

Propagation of Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) H.J.Lam

Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) H.J.Lam can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and grafts. Each of these methods has its unique advantages and challenges.

Propagation by Seeds

Propagation by seeds is a common method for Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) H.J.Lam. Here are the steps involved:

1. Collect the mature fruits from the tree when they are about to fall off naturally or when they change color to yellow or maroon.
2. Remove the flesh from the seeds and wash them with clean water.
3. Soak the seeds in clean water for 24 hours.
4. Plant the seeds in well-drained soil at a depth of 3 to 4cm.
5. Water the soil regularly, keeping it moist but not too wet until germination takes place in about two to three weeks.
6. Transplant the seedlings into their permanent location or pot once they have grown their first set of leaves.

Propagation by Cuttings

Propagation by cuttings is significantly faster than seed propagation and is popular with farmers for the following reasons:

• Cuttings root quickly and develop faster into fruit-bearing trees compared to seedlings, therefore faster time from planting to harvest.
• Using cuttings from high-yielding trees makes it possible to propagate more high-yielding trees.

Here are the necessary steps involved in propagating Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) H.J.Lam using cuttings:

1. Prepare stem cuttings of 25-30 cm with a diameter of about 2-3cm from two-year-old trees. Avoid using diseased or weak branches.
2. Plant healthy cuttings in well-drained soil or sand and apply rooting hormone to the cut end of the cutting
3. Water cuttings at regular intervals to ensure adequate moisture content in the soil or sand
4. After 2-3 weeks, there should be enough root development in the cuttings, and new leaves should start to emerge. Transplant the cuttings into their permanent location, either in the field or pot for further growth.

Propagation by Grafting

Grafting is another method of propagation that farmers use for Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) H.J.Lam. With grafting, the scion's particular desirable plant traits are transferred to the rootstock from a tree that is known to produce high-quality fruits. The roots of the rootstock provide the plant's necessary nutrients and water, while the scion produces quality fruit.

Here are the steps involved in propagating Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) H.J.Lam using grafts:

1. Select a tree with desirable fruit characteristics as the scion and another rootstock tree that can provide adequate nutrients.
2. Prepare a knife and make a clean slanting cut without damaging the buds or cambium layer.
3. Attach the scion to the rootstock by closely aligning the cambium layer and secure it with an elastic band or grafting tape.
4. After two weeks, check to ensure there is proper alignment of the cambium layers. Only remove the elastic band or grafting tape when the joint is stable and properly healed.

Disease and Pest Management for Dacryodes edulis

Dacryodes edulis, also known as safou or African pear, is a tropical tree species native to Central Africa and widely cultivated for its nutritious fruit. Like any other crop, it is prone to attacks by pests and diseases, which can significantly reduce its yield and quality. Effective management of these challenges is essential for maximizing profit and ensuring the sustainability of the crop. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Dacryodes edulis and how to manage them.

Common Diseases

Phytophthora fruit rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the fruit of Dacryodes edulis and causes them to rot and drop prematurely. It is prevalent in warm and humid conditions that favor fungal growth and spread. To manage phytophthora fruit rot, avoid planting in poorly drained soils and ensure adequate spacing to enhance air circulation. You can also apply fungicides such as copper-based products to protect the fruit from infection.

Anthracnose: This is another fungal disease that affects the leaves and fruit of Dacryodes edulis, causing them to develop dark spots and eventually turn yellow and drop. Anthracnose is prevalent in wet conditions, and controlling it involves regular scouting of the trees to identify the first signs of infection. You can also prune the affected parts and apply fungicides to minimize the spread of the disease.

Bacterial blight: This is a bacterial disease that affects the leaves and shoots of Dacryodes edulis, causing them to develop yellow edges and eventually wither. Bacterial blight is common in humid conditions, and management involves pruning and destroying the infected parts to minimize spread. You can also apply copper-based fungicides to protect the healthy parts and prevent new infections.

Common Pests

Scale insects: These are common pests that attack Dacryodes edulis by sucking sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and eventually die. Scale insects can be managed by pruning and destroying the heavily infested parts and applying appropriate insecticides to kill the insects and their eggs. You can also use sticky traps to trap the adult insects and prevent them from laying eggs.

Fruit flies: Fruit flies are major pests of Dacryodes edulis that lay eggs on the fruit, causing them to rot and drop. To manage fruit flies, you can use baited traps to attract and kill the adult flies or apply insecticides to protect the fruit from infestation. Harvesting the fruit when still firm and green can also minimize the risk of infestation.

Mealybugs: Mealybugs are common insects that attack the leaves and stems of Dacryodes edulis, causing them to develop yellow spots and eventually die. Management involves pruning and destroying the heavily infested parts and applying insecticides to kill the insects and their eggs. You can also use a mixture of alcohol and soap to wipe the insects and remove their waxy coating.

In conclusion, effective disease and pest management for Dacryodes edulis involves a combination of preventive and curative measures. Regular scouting, proper sanitation, and timely application of appropriate treatments can help minimize the impact of pests and diseases and ensure a healthy and productive crop.