Overview of Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh.
Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh. is a plant that belongs to the Irvingiaceae family, commonly known as the wild mango. The plant is popularly found in the tropical areas of Africa and Madagascar. It is commonly found in the evergreen forests of Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo.
Appearance of Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh.
The wild mango plant has a height of about 40 meters, with a trunk diameter of about 1 meter. The bark is gray and darkens with age. The fruit of the plant is a large, green, and fleshy drupe, which contains the seed or nut, known as the Irvingia seed.
The leaves of the plant are simple and alternate, with a length of about 20-30 cm and a width of about 5-15 cm. The leaves of the plant are dark green on the upper surface, and lighter on the lower surface.
Uses of Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh.
Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh. has several traditional medicinal uses. The seeds or nuts are used in the treatment of infectious diseases, such as diarrhea, dysentery, and bacterial infections. The leaves of the plant are also used in the treatment of fever and other infectious diseases.
The seeds or nuts of the plant have also been found to have potential benefits in weight management, due to their ability to inhibit the digestion and absorption of dietary fat. The seeds or nuts have also been used to produce a variety of products, such as oil, cream, and butter.
In addition, the timber of the plant is used for the construction of houses, boats, and furniture.
Conclusion
Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh. is a plant with several traditional medicinal uses and potential benefits in weight management. The plant is commonly found in the tropical areas of Africa and Madagascar and has a distinctive appearance with large fleshy drupes and large alternate leaves. The plant also has practical uses in construction due to its strong and durable timber.
Light Requirements
Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh. grows best in full to partial sunlight. It is a tropical plant that thrives in bright light conditions, but it can tolerate some shade as well. However, it is important to avoid direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day as it can damage the plant's leaves and roots.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature range for Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh. is between 24°C to 30°C. The plant requires a warm and humid climate to grow successfully. Cold temperatures can damage the plant's leaves and hinder its growth. It is important to keep the plant in a warm and protected location that is shielded from harsh winds and cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh. prefers well-draining and fertile soil. It thrives in a rich soil mixture that contains organic matter and is slightly acidic. The plant prefers a deep, loamy soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained as excess water can lead to root rot and damage the plant.
Cultivation of Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh.
Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh. is a tropical tree and can be cultivated in warm climates. It requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, such as compost. The tree prefers a sunny location with some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Ideally, the tree should be planted in the early spring, after the last frost has passed. It is recommended to plant the tree in a location where it can grow without being disturbed for many years as the plant grows up to 20-30 meters high.
Watering Needs of Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh.
Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh. requires regular watering, especially during the early growth stages. The tree needs consistent moisture, and the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. However, it's important not to overwater the plant, which may lead to root rot and other diseases. It's recommended to irrigate only when the top layer of soil is dry to touch.
Fertilization of Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh.
To promote the growth of Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh. and produce healthy fruits, the tree should be fertilized regularly. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium of 2:1:1 is recommended. It's recommended to apply the fertilizer twice a year, in spring and fall. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize the plant, which can lead to the burning of roots and leaves.
Pruning of Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh.
Pruning Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh. is essential to promote healthy growth, maintain the desired shape, and control the size of the tree. The best time to prune the tree is during the dormant season, after flowering. Prune any damaged, crossed, or diseased branches. Also, prune any suckers that emerge from the base of the tree. It's important to sanitize the pruning tools before use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh.
Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh., commonly known as African wild mango, is propagated by several methods:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most commonly used method of propagation for Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh. Seeds should be collected from healthy and mature fruits, washed, and then dried to a moisture content of about 10-12% before storage. When planting, the seeds should be scarified to aid with water absorption and prevent the hard seed coat from inhibiting germination. The seeds are then sown in well-drained soil and placed in a shaded area. The germination rate is usually around 80% and can take up to four weeks to sprout.
Grafting propagation
Grafting propagation of Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh. involves attaching a scion of a desired cultivar onto a rootstock of a related species. In general, wild mango seedlings are used as the rootstock. The scion is usually taken from mature trees with desirable traits such as disease resistance, increased fruit yield, and improved fruit quality. The rootstock and scion are then joined together and wrapped with a grafting tape to ensure a tight seal that promotes healing. Grafting improves the chances of obtaining a new variety with desired characteristics.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings propagation of Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh. involves taking stem cuttings from the parent tree. The cuttings are usually taken from mature and healthy branches during the dormant season. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cuttings are treated with rooting hormones to encourage root growth. The cuttings are then planted in well-drained soil, and a misting system is installed to maintain adequate moisture levels for root growth. Cuttings propagation is not as reliable as seed and grafting propagation, and the success rate is usually below 50%.
Disease Management
Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh. is prone to fungal and bacterial diseases, which can cause significant yield losses if not managed promptly. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: It's a fungal disease that appears as brown spots on leaves and dark lesions on fruits. To manage it, ensure proper sanitation practices, including the removal of infected plant debris and use of fungicides.
- Leaf spot: It's caused by various fungal pathogens, and symptoms include black spots on leaves. To control it, avoid watering plants from overhead, remove infected leaves, and apply fungicides regularly.
- Root rot: It's a fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of leaves. To prevent it, ensure proper drainage, avoid overwatering, and use fungicides.
Pest Management
Insects and mites can also attack Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh., causing damage to the leaves, flowers, and fruits. Some common pests to watch out for include:
- Fruit flies: The adult flies lay eggs on ripening fruits, and the resulting larvae damage the fruit tissues. To control them, remove overripe fruits, use insecticides, and practice proper sanitation.
- Aphids: They suck sap from leaves, leading to stunted growth and yellowing. To control them, use insecticidal soaps or oils, encourage natural predators, and remove heavily infested leaves.
- Mites: They cause bronzing and yellowing of leaves and can reduce plant vigor. To control them, use miticides, encourage natural predators, and maintain adequate moisture levels.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the best approach to manage diseases and pests' damage in Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh. IPM involves the use of various techniques, including cultural practices, biological control, and chemical control, to reduce pests and diseases' impact. By applying these techniques, farmers can minimize crop losses and protect the environment.
