General Appearance
Dacryodes fusca (Engl.) H.J.Lam is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the family Burseraceae. It grows up to 30 meters tall and has a trunk that can be up to 1.5 meters in diameter. The tree has a straight stem with a pyramid-shaped crown. Its branches spread out widely, forming a dense foliage cover.
Origin and Common Names
Dacryodes fusca is native to the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa. It is commonly known as "African pear" or "Bush butter tree" due to its pear-shaped fruit, which is commonly used as a local substitute for butter. In Nigeria, it is referred to as "Ukpaka" or "Ugba" in the local Igbo language. The tree is also known as “Batouri” in Cameroon, “Mutuba” in central Africa and “Muhondi” in Mozambique.
Uses
The fruit of Dacryodes fusca is the most important part of the tree. It is widely consumed by local communities as a food source, or used for medicinal purposes. The fruit is high in fat and protein, and the flesh can be eaten raw or processed into various traditional dishes. In some regions, the fruit is fermented and used to make a popular condiment. The oil extracted from its fruit has potential as a biofuel, and the tree's bark and leaves contain tannin, which is utilized in tanning leather.
Apart from being a valuable source of food and medicine, the tree is also used in traditional African medicine for treating various ailments such as respiratory infections, wounds, and fever. Additionally, the wood of Dacryodes fusca is used for crafting furniture, house building, and firewood.
Growth conditions for Dacryodes fusca (Engl.) H.J.Lam
Light: Dacryodes fusca grows best under full sunlight or partial shade. It requires at least four hours of direct sunlight per day. In shaded areas, the plant tends to grow taller and spindlier, while in full sun, it grows more compact and sturdy.
Temperature: This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures between 20°C to 30°C but prefers temperatures around 25°C. Temperatures outside this range can lead to slowed growth or even death. In general, cooler temperatures result in slower growth rates, while warmer temperatures promote faster growth rates.
Soil: Dacryodes fusca prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It grows best in loamy soils that are rich in organic matter and have good water-retaining capacity. The soil should be loose, fertile, and well-aerated to ensure healthy growth of roots. It does not do well in waterlogged soils.
Water: The plant requires frequent watering, especially during the first few years of growth. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Deep watering once or twice a week during the growing season is recommended. However, during the dormant season, watering should be reduced to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.
Nutrients: Dacryodes fusca requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. Fertilization should be done every 3 to 4 months during the growing season. However, it is important not to over-fertilize as this can lead to salt buildup, which can damage the roots of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Dacryodes fusca, commonly known as African pear or safou, is native to tropical Africa and is typically grown in warm and humid regions with an average annual temperature of 20-30°C. It can be grown in various types of soil, but it thrives best in well-drained soils with high organic matter content. The plant grows up to 30 meters, making it suitable for large landscapes and agroforestry systems.
The plant is usually propagated by seeds, but can also be propagated through budding or grafting. Seeds should be placed in a germination tray and watered regularly. After germination, seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots before planting them in the desired location. The plant should be spaced at least 10 meters apart and planted during the rainy season.
Watering Needs
Dacryodes fusca requires regular watering, especially during the first few years of growth. The plant needs about 1000mm of rainfall annually. If grown in areas with less rainfall, it will require adequate irrigation during the dry season. Watering should be done early in the morning or in the late afternoon to minimize water loss through evaporation.
It is essential to avoid over-watering as this will lead to root rot and other diseases. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly between each watering cycle.
Fertilization
Fertilizers should be applied in the planting phase and thereafter regularly as needed. Phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen are essential nutrients required for the growth of Dacryodes fusca. Organic fertilizers are preferable, and application rates depend on the soil type, plant growth stage, and the expected yield. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer (NPK 20:20:20) in the first year of planting to enhance growth and reduce stress.
Nitrogen is required in higher concentrations during the vegetative phase, while potassium and phosphorus are required in higher concentrations during the fruiting phase. Adding lime to the soil is beneficial as it reduces soil acidity and provides calcium for the plant's growth.
Pruning
Dacryodes fusca requires regular pruning to control its height, shape, and density. Pruning is usually done during the dry season after fruiting. It is advisable to remove dead, diseased, and crossing branches as they may hinder the plant's growth and productivity. The pruning of heavy branches should be avoided as this may cause damages to the plant. The application of pruning paste or wound sealing material is beneficial to reduce the risk of infections.
Propagation of Dacryodes Fusca (Engl.) H.J.Lam
Dacryodes fusca (Engl.) H.J.Lam, commonly known as African Olive, is a tree species that is native to Africa. It is a fast-growing tree and can reach up to 25 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of up to 50 cm. Propagating D. fusca can be done through seeds or vegetatively through cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method used to propagate Dacryodes fusca. The seeds are obtained from fresh fruits and should be sown as soon as possible since they lose their viability within a short period. The seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing to soften the seed coat and aid in germination.
The planting medium should be well-drained soil mixed with sand or sawdust. The seeds are sown at a depth of 2 cm and are covered with a thin layer of soil. The planted seeds should be regularly watered until germination occurs, which takes about two to three weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots once they have two to three true leaves.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Dacryodes fusca can also be done through cuttings. Hardwood cuttings are preferred over softwood cuttings since they have a higher success rate. The cuttings should be about 20 cm long and should be taken from healthy trees that are at least three years old.
The cuttings should be taken during the dormant period, and the lower leaves should be removed, leaving only a few leaves at the top. The cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area and watered regularly until roots develop, which takes about 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by cuttings is more challenging than propagation by seeds, but it allows for the production of trees with identical characteristics to the parent tree.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dacryodes fusca can be propagated through seeds or vegetatively through cuttings. Propagation by seeds is the most common method, and the seeds should be sown as soon as possible. Propagation by cuttings can be more challenging but allows for cloning of the parent tree.
Disease and Pest Management for Dacryodes Fusca (Engl.) H.J.Lam
Dacryodes Fusca is a tropical evergreen tree that is native to Africa and can grow up to 25 meters tall. Although this plant is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, it can still be affected by some common fungal diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that affect Dacryodes Fusca and how to manage them:
Fungal Diseases
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and fruit of Dacryodes Fusca, causing them to turn yellow and drop prematurely. It can be managed by spraying fungicide on the affected area. Another common fungal disease is powdery mildew, which appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, and it can be managed by spraying fungicide on the plant. It is important to note that providing adequate ventilation to the plant and avoiding prolonged leaf wetness can help prevent the occurrence of fungal diseases.
Pests
The most common pests that affect Dacryodes Fusca are mealybugs and scale insects. Mealybugs are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves and fruit, causing yellowing and stunted growth. They can be managed by using insecticides and removing any visible insects manually. Scale insects are small and flat insects that attach to the stems and leaves and suck the sap from the plant. They can be treated with insecticides or by using a solution of water and soap to remove them manually.
In conclusion, proper management of pests and diseases is essential for the healthy growth and productivity of Dacryodes Fusca. Always ensure that the plant is well-ventilated and reduce the amount of leaf wetness to prevent fungal diseases. In case of pests and diseases, it is recommended to use appropriate fungicides and insecticides or manually remove the pests to manage the problem effectively.
