Overview of Irvingia barteri Hook.f.
Irvingia barteri Hook.f. is a species of tropical tree native to West and Central Africa. It belongs to the family Irvingiaceae and is commonly known as african mango, ogbono, or wild mango.
General Appearance
The tree can grow up to 40 meters tall and has a dense crown of branches that spread out widely. Its bark is smooth and brownish-gray, with inner layers that have a reddish tint. The leaves are large, glossy, and elliptical in shape, with pointed tips. The plant produces yellow or greenish-yellow flowers and fleshy fruits that resemble mangoes and are around 10-15 cm in length.
Uses
The African mango fruit, which is derived from Irvingia barteri, is a popular food and medicine. The seeds of the fruit are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, and are used in traditional African cuisine to thicken soups and stews. The fruit and bark of the tree are also used in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, such as diarrhea, coughs, and hernias.
The extract of the African mango seed has become popular in recent years as a weight loss supplement, due to its purported ability to suppress appetite, boost metabolism, and reduce body fat. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness for this purpose.
Light Requirements
Irvingia barteri Hook.f. requires bright and direct sunlight for optimal growth. However, it can also tolerate partial shade conditions. In regions with high temperatures, it is advisable to provide partial shade to avoid leaf scorching and drastic water loss through transpiration.
Temperature Requirements
Irvingia barteri Hook.f. is a tropical plant and requires warm temperatures for growth. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. Temperatures below 15°C can cause damage to the plant, especially during the early growth stages. Therefore, it is essential to keep the plant above 15°C at every growth stage.
Soil Requirements
Irvingia barteri Hook.f. prefers well-draining, fertile soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should have good water retention capacity and should not be waterlogged. The plant can grow in different soil types such as sandy, loamy, and muddy, as long as they are well-draining. It is also important to ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter and nutrients.
Water Requirements
Irvingia barteri Hook.f. requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be done when the soil surface is dry to a depth of about 5 cm. Overwatering can cause root rot, while under-watering can lead to wilting and stunted growth. It is also essential to ensure the plant has adequate water during the dry season.
Cultivation Methods for Irvingia barteri Hook.f.
Irvingia barteri Hook.f., also known as African mango, is a tree that is native to West and Central Africa. To cultivate this plant, it is best to start from seeds. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil that is enriched with organic matter. The best time to plant the seeds is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. It is also important to choose a location that receives partial shade in the afternoon to protect the plant from direct sunlight.
When the seedlings are around six inches tall, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground. It is important to space the trees at least 30 feet apart because they can grow up to 130 feet tall.
Watering Needs for Irvingia barteri Hook.f.
Irvingia barteri Hook.f. trees require moderate watering, especially during the dry season. When the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch, it is time to water the plant. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, so it is important not to water the plant excessively.
Fertilization for Irvingia barteri Hook.f.
Irvingia barteri Hook.f. trees benefit from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Fertilizer application should be done during the rainy season when the tree is actively growing. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant because this can lead to excessive growth and weak shoots that are susceptible to wind damage.
Pruning for Irvingia barteri Hook.f.
Pruning is important for the overall health and shape of the Irvingia barteri Hook.f. tree. Pruning should be done during the dry season when the tree is dormant. Remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Pruning can also be done to control the height of the tree.
Propagation of Irvingia Barteri Hook.f.
Irvingia barteri Hook.f. is a plant species that is primarily propagated through seeds. Although it can be propagated vegetatively, this method is not commonly used as it requires specialized skills and knowledge.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method of propagating Irvingia barteri Hook.f. Seeds are collected from mature fruits that fall naturally from the tree or by manually removing them from the tree. The seeds are then cleaned and soaked in water for a few hours to remove the pulp and to soften the coat, which facilitates germination.
After soaking, the seeds can be sown in the nursery beds or directly into the growing site. Planting should be done during the rainy season when there is enough moisture to support germination and establishment. The seeds are covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist to aid in germination.
Germination of Irvingia barteri Hook.f. seeds is usually rapid, occurring within two to four weeks. Once the seedlings have developed at least two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual containers or planted out into the field. Seedlings should be spaced at least three meters apart to allow for adequate growth and development.
Disease and Pest Management for Irvingia barteri Hook.f.
Irvingia barteri Hook.f., commonly known as wild mango, is a tropical tree species that belongs to the Irvingiaceae family. The plant is native to West and Central Africa and is grown for its edible fruit, which is used in various culinary dishes. Like other plants, Irvingia barteri is affected by various diseases and pests that can limit its productivity and quality. Therefore, proper disease and pest management approaches are necessary to ensure healthy growth and yield.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Irvingia barteri is anthracnose, caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The disease mainly affects leaves, flowers, and fruits, causing dark spots with yellow halos that eventually enlarge and form lesions. Anthracnose can lead to premature fruit drop and reduced yield. To manage the disease, farmers should avoid planting the tree in areas with high humidity and poor drainage. Furthermore, they should prune off infected parts and remove them from the field to prevent the spread of the fungus. Fungicide application is another option, but farmers must follow the manufacturer's recommendations and safety precautions.
Bacterial wilt is another disease that affects Irvingia barteri, caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas savastanoi. The disease causes wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth of young shoots and leaves. Bacterial wilt spreads rapidly, and infected trees should be uprooted and burned to prevent contamination of the soil and other plants. Farmers can prevent bacterial wilt by practicing crop rotation, avoiding waterlogging, and using disease-free planting material.
Common Pests
The fruit fly (Bactrocera spp.) is a major pest that affects the production of Irvingia barteri. The adult fly lays eggs in the fruit, and the larvae feed on the pulp, causing premature fruit drop and reduced quality. To manage fruit flies, farmers can use organic traps or apply insecticides at the recommended doses and timing. Additionally, farmers should harvest the fruits before they are overripe to reduce the chances of infestation.
Termites are another pest that affects the roots and stem of Irvingia barteri. The subterranean termites (Macrotermes spp.) tunnel into the stem and roots, causing weakening and eventual death of the tree. Farmers should use termite-resistant planting material, avoid planting the tree in areas prone to termite infestation and apply approved termiticides regularly to manage the pest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the management of diseases and pests affecting Irvingia barteri is crucial in ensuring healthy growth, high yield, and quality. Farmers should adopt integrated pest and disease management approaches that combine cultural, physical, and chemical methods to prevent or control infestation. Furthermore, farmers should monitor their plants regularly to detect early infestations and take appropriate measures to mitigate the damage.
