Description of the Plant Irvingia Fusca Tiegh.
Irvingia fusca Tiegh., also known as African wild mango or bush mango, is a fruit-bearing plant native to tropical West Africa, specifically Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The tree belongs to the Irvingiaceae family and can reach up to 40 meters in height.
General Appearance
The tree has a cylindrical trunk, which can measure up to 1.5 meters in diameter, and its bark is smooth and grey. Its leaves are oblong and broad, reaching up to 25 cm in length and 10 cm in width. Irvingia fusca Tiegh. produces flowers that are greenish-yellow and small, arranged in loose panicles. Its fruit has a rough, scaly exterior, and when mature, it turns from green to orange to reddish-brown. Inside its tough shell, it houses a succulent yellowish pulp with a single seed.
Common Names
Irvingia fusca Tiegh. is known by several different common names across its native region, including bush mango, odika, dibetu, ogbono, and wild mango.
Uses
The fruit of Irvingia fusca Tiegh. is edible and is commonly consumed domestically in West Africa. The seeds of the fruit can be extracted to produce a paste-like substance called dika bread or ogbono soup, which is used in traditional West African cuisine as a thickener in soups and stews. The fruit, bark, and leaves of the plant are also used in traditional medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments, from stomach ulcers to fever and diarrhea. Irvingia fusca Tiegh. is also sometimes grown for its timber, which is used in construction and to make furniture.
Growth Conditions of Irvingia fusca Tiegh.
Irvingia fusca Tiegh. is a tropical rainforest tree that needs ideal growing conditions to thrive. The following are the typical growth conditions for Irvingia fusca Tiegh.
Light
Irvingia fusca Tiegh. needs full sun to grow well, but it also tolerates partial shade. It requires at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In its natural habitat, the plant grows under the canopy of taller trees in tropical rainforests. If grown in a greenhouse or indoors, the plant can be supplemented with artificial light sources if there is not enough natural sunlight.
Temperature
This species of plant thrives in warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature range for Irvingia fusca Tiegh. is 25-30°C (77-86°F). It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 15°C (59°F). The plant needs a constant temperature throughout the year, and significant fluctuations can cause damage to the plant.
Soil requirements
Irvingia fusca Tiegh. prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.2. The soil should be rich in organic matter, with sufficient nutrients to support the growing plant. The tree grows best in moist, fertile soils that are rich in humus. The roots are sensitive to waterlogging, and the soil should have good drainage. It is recommended to use a good quality potting mix when cultivating the plant in containers.
Cultivation Methods for Irvingia fusca Tiegh.
Irvingia fusca Tiegh. is best grown in tropical areas with high rainfall and well-drained soil. The plant prefers partial shade, and it is essential to choose a location that offers protection from strong winds and direct sunlight. It can grow up to a height of 35 meters and 1 meter in diameter.
The best time to plant is during the rainy season. The soil should be prepared by digging a hole twice the size of the plant's root ball and incorporating organic matter. Seedlings should be planted at a depth of one inch below the soil's surface and spaced 10 meters apart.
Watering Needs for Irvingia fusca Tiegh.
Irvingia fusca Tiegh. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The plant prefers moist soil but not water-logged conditions. Gardeners should avoid overwatering as it causes root rot. Drip irrigation is an ideal method of watering as it prevents water wastage and provides water directly to the plant's roots.
Fertilization for Irvingia fusca Tiegh.
Irvingia fusca Tiegh. requires regular fertilization to support its growth and development. It is essential to incorporate organic matter such as compost and manure into the soil during planting to provide essential nutrients. In addition, gardeners are advised to apply balanced fertilizer every three months. The application of fertilizer should be done before watering the plant to prevent burning the roots.
Pruning for Irvingia fusca Tiegh.
Irvingia fusca Tiegh. requires occasional pruning to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Pruning should be done during the dry season to encourage new growth and to avoid spreading of diseases. Gardeners should also remove any suckers growing around the base of the plant to promote a single-stemmed tree. Pruning can be done using pruning shears, which should be disinfected to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Irvingia fusca Tiegh.
Irvingia fusca Tiegh., also known as African mango or ogbono, propagates through different methods. The following are its propagation methods:
Seed propagation
The primary method of propagating Irvingia fusca Tiegh. is through seeds. The seeds of the plant are large and can be readily obtained from its native area in Africa. To propagate the plant from seeds, follow these steps:
- Collect the fresh seeds while they are still in their pods.
- Clean the seeds and let them dry in the sun for one to two days.
- Soak the seeds in clean water for 24 hours before sowing.
- Sow the seeds in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
- Water the soil regularly and keep it moist until the seedlings emerge.
Cuttings propagation
Irvingia fusca Tiegh. can also propagate through stem cuttings. Here are the steps to propagate using stem cuttings:
- Collect 10-15 cm long stem cuttings from a healthy plant.
- Cut the leaves from the bottom one-third of the stem.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder.
- Plant the stem cutting in well-drained soil and water thoroughly.
- Place the cutting in a sheltered spot with indirect sunlight.
- Keep the soil moist until it establishes roots.
Propagation of Irvingia fusca Tiegh. can also be done through grafting, air-layering, and tissue culture methods. However, these methods are not commonly used.
Disease and Pest Management for Irvingia fusca Tiegh.
Irvingia fusca Tiegh., commonly known as African wild mango, is a tropical fruit tree that can be affected by several diseases and pests that can negatively impact its growth and fruit production. Therefore, it is essential to implement proper disease and pest management practices to ensure optimal growth and a healthy crop. Here, we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Diseases that affect Irvingia fusca Tiegh.
One of the most common diseases that affect Irvingia Fusca is anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The disease manifests itself as small, circular lesions on the leaves, which gradually enlarge, turn brown, and drop off. The fruit can also be affected, with black spots appearing on its surface, eventually leading to rotting.
To manage anthracnose, it is essential to practice good crop hygiene by removing infected plant parts, such as leaves or fallen fruits, and disposing of them properly. Applying a fungicide containing copper can also be effective in controlling the disease.
Pests that affect Irvingia fusca Tiegh.
Several insect pests can also affect Irvingia Fusca, such as fruit flies, thrips, and mealybugs. Fruit flies are a significant threat to the fruit crop, as they lay their eggs on the fruit's surface, leading to premature ripening and rotting. Thrips and mealybugs, on the other hand, feed on the leaves, affecting their growth and development.
To manage fruit flies, it is crucial to make the crop less attractive to them by practicing good sanitation measures, such as removing fallen fruits from the ground. Using yellow sticky traps can also be an effective option. As for thrips and mealybugs, introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs, lacewing, or parasitic wasps, can help control their populations. Applying a biological insecticide, such as spinosad, can also be effective.
In conclusion, implementing proper disease and pest management practices is crucial to ensure the optimal growth and health of the Irvingia fusca Tiegh. plant. With the right approach, it is possible to prevent and manage diseases and pests, leading to a successful crop yield.
