Overview: Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev.
Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev. is a plant species that belongs to the genus Dovyalis and the family of Salicaceae. It is an edible fruit that has both traditional and economic significance in some African communities, particularly in central Africa.
Origin and Common Names
Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev. is native to several African countries, including the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon. It grows mostly in hot and humid tropical regions and can be found in the undergrowth of primary forest trees.
The plant is known by different common names in various parts of the world. Some of the names include Charie's Dovyalis, African wild apricot, and Anchar.
Uses
People in some parts of central Africa use Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev. fruits for food and medicine. The fruits are rich in vitamin C, which has antioxidant activities that help in reducing inflammation, preventing diseases, and boosting the immune system.
The fruits are also consumed as a condiment that adds flavor to local dishes and traditional drinks. In addition, the plant bark, leaves, and roots are used in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses such as malaria, gastrointestinal disorders, and respiratory diseases.
General Appearance
Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev. is a small deciduous shrub that grows up to four meters high. The plant has a smooth brownish-grey stem with alternate leaves that are simple, elliptical, and about 3-10 cm long. The leaves are dark green and shiny and have a leathery texture that helps to reduce water loss in dry environments.
The plant's flowers are small, white, and have an unpleasant odor, while the fruit is ovoid or globose, measuring up to 25mm in size. The fruits have a yellow-greenish color when ripe, and they have a juicy and sour taste. The fruit's skin has small hairs that are irritating to the skin and mouth.
Light Requirements
Dovyalis chariensis prefers a partially shaded environment with up to 50% sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and stunt overall growth. Ideal places to grow D. chariensis include under larger trees or shade cloth.
Temperature Requirements
D. chariensis is a tropical plant and can survive a wide range of temperatures between 15-30°C (59-86°F). However, its optimal growth range is between 20-25°C (68-77°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can severely damage or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for D. chariensis is well-draining and slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5). It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. To enhance growth, the soil should be rich in organic matter. The addition of compost or aged manure is recommended.
Cultivation of Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev.
Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev. is a hardy plant that can be grown in a variety of soils such as loam, sandy loam, and rocky soils. It is drought resistant and can thrive in both semi-arid and arid regions. However, it prefers well-draining soils. The plant should be planted in full sun exposure, but it can tolerate partial shade.
Watering Needs
The plant requires frequent watering during the first year of growth to establish a strong root system. Once the plant is established, it is drought-resistant and can tolerate water stress. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the dry season to avoid waterlogging and root rot. The plant can, however, benefit from occasional deep watering.
Fertilization
Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev. is a moderate feeder and requires annual fertilization to maintain its growth and health. The plant should be fertilized during the growing season using balanced fertilizers, incorporating both organic manure and mineral fertilizers. The use of phosphorus-rich fertilizers is encouraged since it stimulates root growth.
Pruning
Pruning is essential in shaping the plant, removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches and maintaining its vigor and health. The best time to prune Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev. is during the dormant season when the plant has lost its leaves. However, selective pruning can be done throughout the year to maintain the desired shape.
Propagation of Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev
Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev can be propagated through different methods. The following are some of the most effective propagation techniques that can be used to propagate the plant successfully:
Seed propagation
Seeds can be used to propagate Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev. The seeds should be collected from a mature, healthy plant during its flowering or fruiting season. The seeds should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool and dry place until ready to be planted.
Planting the seeds in a well-draining soil mix is recommended. They should be planted shallowly, with a depth of around 0.5-1 cm. This will allow for better aeration around the seeds, which will help with germination. The seeds should be kept moist, but not overly watered.
Cuttings
Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev can also be propagated through cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings is during the late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from a mature, healthy plant and should be around 10-15 cm in length.
Once the cuttings have been taken, they should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. They should be kept moist and covered with a plastic bag to increase humidity. The cuttings should only be removed from the plastic covering once they start to develop roots.
Air layering
Air layering can also be used to propagate Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev. This is a method where a branch is encouraged to grow roots while still attached to the mother plant. Air layering is best done in the spring or early summer.
To air layer the plant, select a branch that is around 1-2 cm thick. Remove a ring of bark around the branch, around 5 cm below the tip of the branch. The exposed area should be covered with rooting hormone and then wrapped in damp sphagnum moss. The moss should be securely fastened in place with plastic wrap, and the branch should be left for several weeks to allow roots to develop. Once roots have developed, the branch can then be cut away from the mother plant and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
Disease Management for Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev.
Plant diseases are important limiting factors to the productivity of fruit trees like Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev. that affects their growth and yield quality. Preventive and curative measures are recommended to control diseases.
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes fruit rot, leaf spots, blossom blight, and twig blight. It can be prevented through cultural practices such as avoiding water on leaves and fruits, pruning infected twigs and branches, and removing plant debris. Applications of fungicides like Chlorothalonil and Azoxystrobin or copper-based fungicides can also control the disease.
Root rot can be caused by fungi-like Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Pythium that affect the root system of the plant. It can be prevented through practices like proper soil drainage, avoidance of overwatering, and use of healthy plant materials. Fungicides for soil drenching like Metalaxyl and Fosetyl-Al can also control root rot.
Leaf spot is caused by fungi-like Cercospora that affects the leaves and causes yellowish brown spots. It can be prevented through cultural practices like sanitation, removal of infected leaves, and reducing plant stress. Foliar application of fungicides like Thiophanate-methyl and Propiconazole can effectively control the disease.
Pest Management for Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev.
Insects and mites are the most common pests that affect the growth and development of Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev. The following measures can be applied to prevent or control these pests;
Fruit flies are the primary pests that affect the fruit yield of Dovyalis chariensis A.Chev. It can be prevented through cultural practices like timely harvesting of fruits, sanitation, and removal of dropped and infected fruits. Use of baits like methyl eugenol and protein hydrolysate can also reduce fruit fly populations. Other effective means of control are the application of insecticides like Spinosad and Malathion.
Spider mites are pests that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, resulting in yellowing and curling of the leaves. They can be prevented through regular inspection and removal of infested plant parts or use of natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings. Chemical control can also be done by the use of insecticidal soaps and neem oil.
Scale insect is a sap-sucking insect that feeds on the leaves and twigs of the plant, causing yellowing and excessive leaf fall. It can be prevented through biological control using parasitic wasps or through the application of horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
To effectively manage diseases and pests, it is essential to use a combination of practices, such as resistant cultivars, cultural management, and chemical control, with the appropriate application times and rates to avoid environmental pollution.
