Overview
Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-LeComte ex O'Rorke) Baill. var. ivorensis Aubrév. is a species of tree native to West and Central Africa. It is commonly known as the wild mango, bush mango, or African mango.
Appearance
The tree can grow up to 40 meters tall and has a wide canopy. The leaves are dark green and glossy, measuring up to 20 cm in length. The fruit is a large drupe, typically measuring 10-20 cm in length and containing a single large seed.
Uses
The fruit of Irvingia gabonensis is a popular food in West and Central Africa, where it is used in a variety of dishes. The seed of the fruit is also used for its medicinal properties. Studies have shown that Irvingia gabonensis may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve cholesterol levels. Additionally, the bark and leaves of the tree have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea and fever.
Outside of its native range, Irvingia gabonensis is also marketed as a dietary supplement for weight loss. However, more research is needed to fully understand its potential effectiveness.
Light Requirements
Irvingia gabonensis var. ivorensis typically requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. Direct sunlight is important for the plant's photosynthesis process, but it can also tolerate partial shade in hot tropical climates.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm climates with temperatures ranging from 20° to 28°C (68° to 82°F). It cannot withstand cold weather or frost, and it is sensitive to strong winds since it can cause damage to its leaves and branches.
Soil Requirements
Irvingia gabonensis var. ivorensis can adapt to a wide range of soil types, but it thrives best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range is between 5.0 and 6.5. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils, and it requires regular watering during the dry season to survive.
Cultivation of Irvingia gabonensis var. ivorensis
Irvingia gabonensis var. ivorensis is grown primarily in West African countries such as Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria. The tree requires a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C throughout the year. It is best planted during the rainy season as it needs sufficient water during its early growth stages.
Watering Needs
Watering is crucial during the early stages of growth and development. The tree needs adequate water for proper establishment. Once established, the tree can tolerate slight water shortages. However, it is recommended to irrigate the trees during extended dry spells to increase plant growth and fruit production.
Fertilization
Irvingia gabonensis var. ivorensis requires regular fertilization for optimum growth and yield. An application of 400-500g of NPK fertilizer per tree is recommended annually. The fertilizer should be applied in a circular trench around the tree, about 1-2 meters from the trunk, and then covered with soil.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to promote good growth and better fruiting. Pruning should start in the second or third year after planting, and it should be done during the dormant season. The pruning should be done to remove dead or weak branches and any branches that cross or rub against each other. The aim is to maintain a single straight trunk with a few lateral branches.
Propagation of Irvingia gabonensis var. ivorensis
Propagation methods for Irvingia gabonensis var. ivorensis include grafting, seed propagation, and vegetative propagation.
Grafting
Grafting is a common propagation method for Irvingia gabonensis var. ivorensis as it results in better growth rates and increases the yield of the plant. The rootstock used for grafting should be healthy and of the right size.
The scion should be taken from a healthy and mature Irvingia gabonensis var. ivorensis plant. It should be grafted onto the rootstock using the cleft grafting method. The graft union should be well-sealed to avoid infections. The plant should be kept in a well-ventilated place throughout the process.
Seed propagation
Irvingia gabonensis var. ivorensis can also be propagated using seeds. The seeds should be obtained from mature and healthy fruits of the plant. The seeds should be soaked in water for about 24 hours to break their dormancy before sowing.
The soil should be prepared by mixing organic matter such as compost in it. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil at a depth of about 2-3cm. The soil should be kept moist throughout the germination process, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks.
Once the seedling has grown to about 10cm in height, it can be transplanted into its permanent location in the field.
Vegetative propagation
Irvingia gabonensis var. ivorensis can also be propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature and healthy plants, and should be about 30cm in length. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone before planting.
The soil used for planting the cuttings should be well-draining and mixed with organic matter such as compost. The cuttings should be planted at a depth of about 5-10cm in the soil, and the soil should be kept moist until roots develop.
Once the plant has established, it can be transplanted to its permanent location in the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Irvingia gabonensis var. ivorensis
Irvingia gabonensis var. ivorensis, also known as the wild mango, is a tropical tree crop that is primarily grown for its fruit and seeds. Although it is generally a hardy plant, it can still be affected by a range of pests and diseases. Effective management of these pests and diseases is critical to ensuring good yields and a healthy crop.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Irvingia gabonensis var. ivorensis is anthracnose. This fungal disease is characterized by dark, circular spots on leaves and fruit. It can cause leaves to wilt and fall off, reducing the plant's ability to carry out photosynthesis and produce energy. To manage anthracnose, it is important to prune infected plants and remove all fallen leaves and fruit. Fungicides can also be applied, although this should be done in consultation with an expert to ensure that the appropriate chemicals are used and that application rates are correct.
Another common disease affecting wild mango is powdery mildew. This fungal disease is characterized by a white, powdery growth on the leaves and can lead to leaf drop and reduced fruit production. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to prune infected plants, improve air circulation around the tree, and apply fungicides as needed.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests affecting Irvingia gabonensis var. ivorensis is the mango fruit fly. These insects lay eggs in the fruit, which can cause it to rot and fall prematurely from the tree. To manage fruit fly infestations, it is important to remove and dispose of all affected fruit, trap adult flies with sticky traps, and use insecticides as necessary.
Another common pest affecting wild mango is the mango seed weevil. These insects lay eggs in the fruit, and the larvae then burrow into the seed, making it unsuitable for consumption or processing. To manage seed weevil infestations, it is important to remove all affected fruit and destroy it, as well as to use insecticides as necessary.
Integrated Pest and Disease Management
Integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) is an effective approach to managing pests and diseases in Irvingia gabonensis var. ivorensis. IPDM involves a range of strategies, including cultural, biological, and chemical approaches, and aims to manage pests and diseases in a way that minimizes negative impacts on the environment and human health. By using a combination of management strategies, it is possible to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and promote long-term plant health and productivity.
