Origin and Common Names
Erythroxylum novogranatense (Morris) Hieron. var. truxillense (Rusby) Plowman is a perennial plant that belongs to the Erythroxylaceae family. It is native to the Andean region of South America, particularly in Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Ecuador. The plant is commonly known as coca, and in some regions, it is called Huanuco coca or Trujillo coca.
Appearance
Erythroxylum novogranatense var. truxillense is a small tree or shrub that grows up to 5 meters tall. It has a straight stem, with branches that grow in a vertical or horizontal direction. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped, with a pointed tip, and measure 6-10 cm long and 3-5 cm wide.
The plant produces small, white, and fragrant flowers that grow in clusters. The fruit is a red, round berry that is around 1 cm in diameter and contains a single seed.
Uses
Erythroxylum novogranatense var. truxillense has been traditionally used by indigenous people for its medicinal and ritual purposes. However, the plant is also well known for its psychoactive alkaloids, such as cocaine and its derivatives, which have led to its widespread cultivation and illegal trade.
Aside from its controversial use as a recreational drug, coca leaves have also been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. They contain alkaloids like cocaine and its derivatives, which are used as local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors. The leaves are also believed to have digestive, stimulant, and antidepressant properties.
In some South American countries, people traditionally chew coca leaves to suppress hunger, fatigue, and thirst and to cope with high altitudes. Coca leaves are also used to produce tea, which is believed to have calming and stimulating effects.
Light Requirements
Erythroxylum novogranatense var. truxillense grows best in full sunlight, but can also tolerate partial shade. With sufficient light, the plant develops dense foliage and produces higher yields of alkaloids.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a warm, tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius can cause stunted growth, leaf yellowing, and reduced productivity. Frost is detrimental to the plant and can cause severe damage.
Soil Requirements
Erythroxylum novogranatense var. truxillense thrives in well-draining, loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). The soil should be rich in organic matter, moisture-retaining, and high in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. The plant is sensitive to saline soils and waterlogged conditions.
Cultivation
Erythroxylum novogranatense (Morris) Hieron. var. truxillense (Rusby) Plowman, commonly known as Trujillo coca or Peruvian coca, can be grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers a warm, humid environment with temperatures between 20-24°C.
It can be grown in well-draining soil and requires adequate sunlight for optimum growth. Planting is best done during the rainy season when soil moisture levels are high.
Watering Needs
Watering is an essential part of coca plant care. The plant requires regular watering to maintain soil moisture levels. Watering should be done twice a week during the dry season, and once a week during the rainy season.
However, overwatering can cause root rot and lead to stunted growth. It is essential to avoid standing water around the roots and ensure the soil is well-draining.
Fertilization
Coca plants require regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and development. Fertilizers can be applied every two months during the growing season.
The recommended fertilizer should be high in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. However, excessive application can lead to nutrient burn and stunted growth. It is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the appropriate amount to apply.
Pruning
Pruning is crucial to maintain healthy and productive coca plants. It involves removing dead or diseased branches, promoting bushiness, and increasing light penetration into the plant's canopy.
The best time to prune coca plants is during the dry season when the plant is dormant. Pruning can be done by hand or using a sharp pruning tool. Care should be taken to avoid over-pruning, which can affect the plant's productivity.
Propagation of Erythroxylum novogranatense var. truxillense
Erythroxylum novogranatense var. truxillense, also known as coca plant, is a perennial shrub that belongs to the family Erythroxylaceae. This plant is mainly propagated by seed, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
The seed propagation method involves collecting ripe fruits from the plant and extracting the seeds. After extraction, the seeds are dried and stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready for planting. When planting the seeds, it is advisable to use a mixture of sand and peat moss to enhance drainage and promote aeration. The seeds are then covered lightly with soil, and watering should be done regularly. Seed germination often takes up to three weeks, and young seedlings should be transplanted to larger containers when they grow to approximately 2-3 inches tall.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation method involves taking cuttings from mature plants, preferably during the growing season. The cuttings should be approximately 6-8 inches long and should have at least two nodes where leaves emerge. The lower leaves are then removed, and a rooting hormone is applied to the cut. The cuttings are then planted into a mixture of perlite and peat moss using pots or polyethylene plastic bags and covered with transparent plastic to create a greenhouse-like environment. The cuttings root within 4-5 weeks, and the plantlets can be transplanted to larger containers.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting propagation method involves combining vegetative sections of two coca plants to create one plant with desired traits. In this method, the scion (the desired plant) is grafted onto the rootstock of another coca plant. The scion and the rootstock should be of the same size, and the graft should be done when both the scion and the rootstock are actively growing. The graft union is then covered with a grafting compound, and the plant is kept in a warm, humid environment until the graft union heals. Grafted plants are transplanted to a mix of peat moss and sand after they have been established.
Disease and Pest Management for Erythroxylum novogranatense var. truxillense
Erythroxylum novogranatense var. truxillense is a plant that is susceptible to various types of diseases and pests. Effective management practices can help to ensure the healthy growth of the plant and maximize yield. Some of the common diseases and pests that affect the plant and recommended methods for their management are discussed below.
Diseases Affecting Erythroxylum novogranatense var. truxillense
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects the foliage of Erythroxylum novogranatense var. truxillense. It is characterized by the appearance of a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove and destroy affected plant parts, maintain proper airflow and humidity levels, and use fungicides as required.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing, wilting, and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, it is recommended to improve soil drainage, reduce watering, and remove severely affected plants.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the foliage of the plant. It is characterized by the appearance of dark, circular spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to remove and destroy affected plant parts, maintain proper airflow and humidity levels, and use fungicides as required.
Pests Affecting Erythroxylum novogranatense var. truxillense
Spider Mites: Spider mites are a common pest that affects Erythroxylum novogranatense var. truxillense. They are small, red, and suck sap from the leaves of the plant, leading to yellowing and wilting. To manage spider mites, frequent washing of the plant with water, use of insecticidal soap, and introduction of predatory mites can be helpful.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant. They suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing, wilting, and eventual death. To manage scale insects, use of horticultural oil and insecticidal soap can be effective. Additionally, pruning of severely affected plant parts can also help to reduce the population of scale insects.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. They cause damage by sucking sap and transmitting viruses. To manage thrips, use of sticky traps, beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, and insecticidal sprays can be helpful.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is an essential component of Erythroxylum novogranatense var. truxillense cultivation practices. Proper management practices such as improving soil drainage, maintaining proper humidity and airflow levels, and using insecticidal and fungicidal products can help to ensure the healthy growth of the plant and maximize yield.
