Introduction
Feijoa O. Berg, also known as Pineapple Guava or Feijoa sellowiana, is a popular plant species belonging to the Myrtaceae family. It is native to South America, particularly Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. The plant features edible fruits with a unique flavor and numerous medicinal properties.General Appearance
The Feijoa O. Berg plant is a small evergreen shrub or tree that typically grows up to 4-6 meters tall. The foliage is thick, leathery, and elliptical, with a gray-green hue on the upper side and gray on the underside. The leaves are between 3 to 9 cm long and 1.5-3.5 cm wide. When mature, the plant produces lovely reddish-pink flowers that are conspicuous and emit a pleasant sweet fragrance. The Feijoa fruit, which takes about 4-5 months to mature after flowering, is egg-shaped, rough-textured, and between 3 to 10 cm long.Common Names
The Feijoa plant is widely known as Pineapple Guava or Feijoa sellowiana. It also goes by other regional names like Brazilian Guava, Guavasteen, and Acca sellowiana.Uses
The Feijoa plant serves a wide range of purposes, both culinary and medicinal. The fruit is a rich source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, making it a popular ingredient in smoothies, jams, and desserts. The fruit flavor is often described as a blend of pineapple, guava, and strawberry. Apart from its culinary uses, Feijoa is also popular in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. The plant extract is used in the treatment of various conditions such as asthma, diarrhea, and bronchitis. In conclusion, the Feijoa O. Berg plant is a versatile and beautiful plant species with unique fruits that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Its applications range from culinary to medicinal, making it an essential plant in various cultures worldwide.Light Requirements
Feijoa O. Berg plants prefer full sun exposure to partial shade. They require an adequate amount of sunlight to produce fruits. However, excessive exposure to direct sunlight can lead to leaf scorching, so it is better to provide some shade during hot summer days for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
Feijoa O. Berg plants require moderate climate conditions to thrive. They prefer a warm and humid climate with an average temperature range of 15°C to 25°C. Withstand temperatures as low as 5° C, but prolonged exposure to colder temperatures below 0°C can harm the plant, leading to leaf discoloration and slow or stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
Feijoa O. Berg plants require well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5) soil for optimal growth. Soil that is too compact or contains too much clay may retain too much moisture which can cause root rot, leading to the plant's decline. Loamy soils are the most suitable for growing feijoa, which must also be rich in organic matter like compost or aged manure. Ensure the soil is well-aerated, friable, and not waterlogged.
Cultivation methods for Feijoa O. Berg
Feijoa O. Berg, also known as pineapple guava, is a subtropical plant with a limited temperature tolerance. The tree prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure for at least six hours per day. While it can tolerate partial shade, it is not ideal for the plant's growth. It is best to grow the plant from seeds, as they germinate easily. However, it may take up to six years for the plant to produce fruit.
Watering needs for Feijoa O. Berg
Feijoa O. Berg requires regular watering to grow healthy and produce fruit. Young plants require frequent watering, especially during the summer season. Once the plant is established, it is best to water it once per week, deep enough to reach the root system. However, be careful to avoid waterlogging the soil as it can cause root rot, which may ultimately lead to leaf drop and plant death.
Fertilization for Feijoa O. Berg
Fertilization is essential to sustain the plant's growth and fruit production. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer, high in both nitrogen and potassium. It is best to fertilize the plant twice per year, once in the spring and once in the summer. However, be careful not to over-fertilize, as it may cause the plant to produce fewer fruits or smaller ones. Always follow the packaging instructions to determine the correct amount of fertilizer to apply.
Pruning for Feijoa O. Berg
Pruning is necessary to maintain the plant's shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage fruit production. The best time to prune Feijoa O. Berg is during the winter or early spring before the new growth appears. It is recommended to prune only one-third of the plant at a time. If the tree is unmanageable or too tall, it is best to prune it back gradually over several years.
Propagation of Feijoa O. Berg Plants
Feijoa O. Berg plants can be propagated in several ways, including:
Seed Propagation
One of the ways to propagate Feijoa O. Berg plants is by using seeds. Collect the seeds from mature fruits, rinse them in water to remove any flesh, and dry them on a paper towel. After that, plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, water the soil, and cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain moisture. Place the pot in a warm, bright area and wait for the seedlings to emerge.
Cuttings Propagation
Rooted cuttings are another method to propagate Feijoa O. Berg plants. Take 6-8 inch long cuttings from young, healthy branches and remove the leaves from the bottom 2 inches. Dip the cuttings' ends in rooting hormone, plant them in a potting mix or a well-draining soil, and water lightly. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or a plastic wrap to hold moisture and place it in a shaded area. Keep the soil moist until roots develop, then transplant the young plants into larger pots or a garden bed.
Layering Propagation
The layering method of propagation can be done by bending a low hanging branch of the Feijoa O. Berg plant to touch the ground. Make small wounds on the branch where it comes in contact with the soil, add some rooting hormone to this area, and cover it with soil. Secure the branch to the ground and water it until roots form. Once rooted, cut the branch from the parent plant, and transplant into a new pot.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another way to propagate Feijoa O. Berg. It involves taking a part of the Feijoa O. Berg plant and splicing it onto another plant's rootstock. Be sure to graft during the dormant season, make a clean cut, and use a grafting tape to secure the scion onto the rootstock. Keep the newly grafted plant in a warm but shaded area, water it frequently, and wait for the graft to take hold.
Overall, with proper care, Feijoa O. Berg plants can propagate using any of these methods, resulting in healthy and beautiful plants that can be enjoyed for years to come.
Disease and Pest Management for Feijoa O. Berg
Feijoa O. Berg, also known as Pineapple Guava, is a small evergreen tree or shrub native to South America. While generally hardy and disease-resistant, pineapple guava may experience some problems with diseases and pests. Here are some common issues and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Feijoa is relatively resistant to many diseases, but sometimes it can develop fungal and bacterial infections. Powdery mildew and gray mold are the most common diseases that affect pineapple guava. Powdery mildew is identified by the presence of a white powdery substance on the leaves and fruits. Gray mold is identified by the presence of a grayish mold on the fruits and dead tissues. Proper irrigation practices, such as watering in the morning to allow leaves to dry out during the day, and removing any diseased plant tissue are necessary for control of both diseases. Also, fungicides can be applied to control these diseases if necessary.
Pests
Feijoa can also be affected by several pests, such as aphids, fruit flies, Japanese beetles, and mealybugs. The sucking of sap by the aphids and mealybugs can lead to a reduction of plant vigor, while fruit flies and Japanese beetles cause cosmetic damage to the fruit. Insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, and insecticides can be used to manage these pests in small infestations, while large infestations should be managed by the help of a professional. Placing yellow sticky traps in the garden can also be helpful to control these pests.
Overall, it is important to inspect the Feijoa O. Berg regularly for signs of diseases and pests. Early detection and control of any issues that arise can help keep the plant healthy and productive.
