Overview
Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a tropical tree species belonging to the family Burseraceae. It is commonly found in Central Africa and is known by various names, including African olive, Congo copal, and sakoula.
Appearance
The tree can grow up to 30 meters in height and has a dense, rounded crown. The bark is smooth and grey, and the leaves are oblong with a glossy, dark green color and a prominent mid-vein. The tree produces small, yellowish-white flowers that later bear small, round fruits that are green when young, turning to purple or black as they mature.
Uses
Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr. has various uses in traditional medicine and is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The fruit is edible and is commonly used in local cuisine to add flavor to stews and soups. Additionally, the tree's resin is used to make incense and perfumes, and the wood is used in carpentry and for making utensils and decorative objects.
Light Requirements
Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr. prefers partial shade to full sunlight and can tolerate a range of light intensity. Direct sunlight exposure for an extended period can cause leaf scorching and stunted growth, while excessive shade can lead to elongated and weak stems with small leaves.
Temperature Requirements
Being a tropical plant, Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr. prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F). The plant can survive short cold spells for a few days but cannot tolerate frost. Optimal growth occurs when the temperature is between 25 to 27°C (77 to 81°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. Soil should be enriched with organic matter to retain moisture and provide enough nutrients for healthy growth. Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr. can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as it is well-draining.
Cultivation methods for Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a tropical plant that can be grown in various soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and laterite. It prefers moist soil with good drainage and a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Watering needs for Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Watering is essential for the growth and development of Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr. The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the dry season, it may need more frequent watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization of Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Fertilizer application is essential for the growth and yield of Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10:10:10 or 15:15:15 should be applied to the plant every three months. Nitrogen-based fertilizers can enhance growth while phosphorus-based fertilizers can stimulate flowering, fruiting, and overall plant health.
Pruning Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Regular pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of the Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr. plant. Prune the branches that appear weak, damaged, or diseased to encourage new growth. Prune the plant during the dry season to reduce moisture loss and promote better growth.
Propagation of Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr. can be propagated through various methods like seeds, stem cuttings and grafting.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr. can be obtained by collecting mature fruits from the tree. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until they germinate. The germination period can take up to 3 months. It is important to note that the seedlings will take several years to reach maturity.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Stem cuttings of Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr. can be taken from healthy trees during the dormant season. Cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least two nodes. These cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until they root. The rooting period can take up to 3-4 months. It is important to note that not all cuttings will root successfully.
Propagation through grafting
Grafting is a commonly used method for propagating Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr. This method involves joining a cutting from a desired tree (scion) onto a different tree (rootstock) which is of the same family. The graft union needs to be protected from moisture by wrapping a polyethylene film around it and tying securely with tape. The scion should be pruned to remove any buds or leaves and should be wrapped with a moistened cloth to prevent desiccation.
Disease and Pest Management for Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Even though Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a hardy plant species, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Effective disease and pest management strategies are necessary for the optimal growth and productivity of the plant. In this section, we discuss some common diseases and pests that might affect Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr. and suggest ways to manage them.
Diseases
There are several diseases that can affect Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr., including:
- Bacterial leaf spot: This is a bacterial disease that causes black and water-soaked lesions on the leaves. The disease can be controlled by removing infected leaves and spraying with copper-based fungicides.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. It can be managed by removing infected parts and applying fungicides.
- Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, leading to wilting and death. It can be managed by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering.
Pests
Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr. is susceptible to various pests, including:
- Mealybugs: These insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. They can be managed by removing infected parts and spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: Scale insects also feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing and leaf drop. They can be controlled by removing infected parts and spraying with insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can damage leaves and fruits of the plant. They can be managed by handpicking or using biological control agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
Overall, proper cultural practices such as regular irrigation, fertilization, and pruning can help promote the health and vigor of the Dacryodes igaganga Aubrév. & Pellegr. plant. Additionally, early detection and prompt management of diseases and pests can help mitigate their impact on the plant.
