Origin
Irvingia caerulea, commonly known as the blue-stemmed mango, is a fruit-bearing tree that belongs to the family Irvingiaceae. This plant is mainly found in Central Africa, particularly in Cameroon and Gabon.
Common Names
The Irvingia caerulea is known by several names depending on the region. In Cameroon, it is called Atanga, while in Gabon, it is referred to as Kouongo. Other common names include wild mango, bush mango, and African mango.
Appearance
The Irvingia caerulea is a tall and slender tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall. Its trunk is straight with gray-gray bark, and its leaves are simple, glossy, and dark green. The tree bears fleshy fruit that ranges from green to yellow when ripe.
Uses
The Irvingia caerulea has significant cultural, nutritional, and medicinal value. In Cameroon and Gabon, the fruit is commonly eaten as a snack or a meal. The fruit's seed is also used to prepare a popular condiment known as 'mboh.'
The bark, leaves, and roots contain various bioactive compounds that are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, malaria, and gastrointestinal disorders. Recent scientific findings also suggest that the fruit may have potential health benefits, including weight loss and reduction in cholesterol levels.
The tree is also used in reforestation efforts due to its ability to quickly establish itself, control soil erosion, and provide food and habitat for various animals.
Light Requirements
Irvingia caerulea Tiegh. requires bright, filtered sunlight to grow well. The plant can tolerate partial shade but requires at least 4-5 hours of sunlight every day. Excess sunlight can cause sunburn on the leaves and hinder the plant's growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures, preferably between 25°C and 30°C, for optimal growth. These trees can tolerate a wide temperature range, but extreme temperatures below 10°C or above 40°C can cause stress and damage to the tree. It is essential to maintain a consistent temperature and avoid temperature fluctuations to avoid harming the tree's growth.
Soil Requirements
Irvingia caerulea Tiegh. prefers fertile, well-draining soils with good moisture retention. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should also have good organic matter content. The plant is highly adaptable and can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil should not be waterlogged, as it can harm the plant's roots, leading to stunted growth or death.
Cultivation of Irvingia caerulea Tiegh.
Irvingia caerulea Tiegh. can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the outer coating before planting in well-draining soil. Cuttings should be taken from mature trees in the dry season and planted in a mixture of sand and compost.
Watering Needs of Irvingia caerulea Tiegh.
Irvingia caerulea Tiegh. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. It is best to water deeply once a week instead of light watering every day to encourage deep root growth. The soil should be kept moist but not water-logged.
Fertilization of Irvingia caerulea Tiegh.
Irvingia caerulea Tiegh. benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, and the frequency will depend on the type of fertilizer used. Organic compost or manure can also be applied as a natural alternative.
Pruning of Irvingia caerulea Tiegh.
Irvingia caerulea Tiegh. requires minimal pruning, but it can benefit from the removal of dead or diseased branches. Pruning can be done during the dry season to promote new growth, and care should be taken not to damage the bark. Heavy pruning should be avoided as it can damage the tree.
Propagation of Irvingia Caerulea Tiegh.
Irvingia caerulea Tiegh., commonly known as blue plum or wild mango, is a tree species that grows in the African continent. The tree can reach a maximum height of up to 20 meters. The plant's propagation methods include seed propagation, cuttings propagation, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is an effective way of propagating Irvingia caerulea Tiegh. The seeds are collected from the ripe fruits and are washed to remove the pulp. The seeds are then air-dried and stored in a cool and dry place. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or raised in a nursery. The seeds have a germination rate of up to 60%, and the seedlings can be transplanted to the field after 6-8 months.
Cuttings Propagation
Irvingia caerulea Tiegh. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature trees during the dormancy period. The cuttings are treated with rooting hormones and are planted in a well-drained rooting medium. The cuttings are kept in a mist bed or under a polythene sheet to maintain high humidity. The cuttings will develop roots in 6-8 weeks and can be transplanted to the field after 6-12 months.
Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating Irvingia caerulea Tiegh. The scion of the desired cultivar is grafted onto a rootstock of a closely related Irvingia species. Grafting ensures the propagation of specific cultivars and can shorten the time to fruiting. The grafting method used is the cleft graft, and the best time to graft is during the dormant season. The grafted plants can be transplanted to the field after one year.
Disease and Pest Management for Irvingia caerulea Tiegh.
Irvingia caerulea Tiegh. is a tropical forest tree species that is grown for both its timber and edible fruit. Like any other plants, it is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can limit its productivity and serviceability. Disease and pest management practices are necessary to ensure that the plant thrives optimally. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Irvingia caerulea Tiegh. and steps for their management:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes yellowing, wilting, and blight on leaves and fruits. Control measures include removing infected plant parts, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying fungicide sprays such as chlorothalanil and copper fungicides.
Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that appears as small brown or black spots on leaves. Severely affected leaves may fall off, leading to defoliation. Control measures involve removing infected leaves, avoiding overcrowding, and applying fungicides that contain copper or mancozeb.
Powdery mildew: This disease manifests as a white powdery coating on leaves, flowers, and fruits. It can be controlled by applying fungicides such as potassium bicarbonate or neem oil, keeping the plant dry, and pruning overcrowded branches.
Pests
Fruit flies: These pests lay their eggs in immature fruit, which can cause fruit drop and spoilage. Control measures include removing and destroying infected fruits, placing yellow sticky traps, and spraying insecticides such as spinosad.
Cocoa mirid bugs: These pests feed on developing fruits, causing them to dry up and abort. Control measures include the use of parasitic wasps, applying insecticides such as pyrethroids or neem oil, and maintaining a clean and weed-free environment.
Scale insects: These pests suck sap from leaves and branches, leading to yellowing and wilting of affected parts. Control measures include pruning and burning of infected branches, applying horticultural oil, and introducing natural predators such as parasitic wasps.
Proper identification of diseases and pests affecting Irvingia caerulea Tiegh. is crucial for effective management. Combining cultural, physical, and chemical control measures can go a long way in preventing losses and ensuring optimal crop productivity.
