Introduction
Irvingia glaucescens Engl. is a plant species that belongs to the family Irvingiaceae. This evergreen tree is native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa, where it is a valuable source of food, medicine, and timber.
Common Names
The plant is known by a variety of common names in different regions of Africa. Some of the most widely used names include:
- African mango
- Ogbono
- Wild mango
- Dika nut tree
Appearance
Irvingia glaucescens Engl. typically grows to a height of 20-40 meters and has a trunk that can reach a diameter of up to 1 meter. The leaves are shiny and dark green, and the tree produces small, white flowers that are followed by large, oblong-shaped fruits.
The fruits can be up to 40 cm long and 20 cm wide, and they have a hard, woody shell. Inside the shell, there is a yellowish, fibrous pulp that surrounds one or two large seeds. These seeds, known as dika nuts, are the part of the plant that is most commonly used for food and medicine.
Uses
The dika nuts of Irvingia glaucescens Engl. are a popular ingredient in many African dishes. They can be ground into a powder and used as a thickener for soups and stews, or they can be roasted and eaten as a snack. The nuts are also a good source of fat and protein, making them a popular food for hunters and travelers.
In addition to its food uses, Irvingia glaucescens Engl. is also used in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The bark, leaves, and roots of the plant are all believed to have medicinal properties, and they are used to treat conditions like diarrhea, malaria, and fever.
The wood of the Irvingia glaucescens Engl. tree is also highly valued for its strength and durability. It is used to make furniture, flooring, and construction materials.
Light Requirements
The plant Irvingia glaucescens Engl. thrives well in direct sunlight or partial shade. It prefers bright light that is not too intense. However, it cannot tolerate low light conditions as it can lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering capacity.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Irvingia glaucescens Engl. does best in warm temperatures between 20-27°C (68-81°F). It cannot tolerate extreme cold or hot temperatures that fall outside this range. Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can cause the plant to slow down its growth rate, while temperatures above 35°C (95°F) can lead to wilting and drooping.
Soil Requirements
The plant Irvingia glaucescens Engl. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It does well in loamy or sandy soils that are slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. The soil should be relatively moist, but not too waterlogged as it can lead to root damage and fungal infections. It is also recommended to add compost or organic fertilizers to the soil to boost the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Irvingia glaucescens Engl., also known as African wild mango, is a tropical tree that requires warm temperatures and high humidity to grow. The tree can reach up to 40 meters in height and needs fertile, well-draining soil to thrive. It is usually propagated by seed, which should be planted in a moist, shaded area and kept warm until it germinates. The seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location once they are large enough to handle.
Watering Needs
Irvingia glaucescens Engl. requires regular watering, particularly during the dry season. The tree should be watered deeply but infrequently, as shallow watering can lead to the development of weak roots. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Irvingia glaucescens Engl. benefits from regular fertilization, especially in areas with poor soil quality. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be used. Fertilizer should be applied just before the rainy season, as this is when the tree is most active. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and weak branches, so it is important to follow the correct dosage.
Pruning
Irvingia glaucescens Engl. does not require extensive pruning, but regular maintenance can help promote healthy growth and fruit production. Dead or diseased branches should be removed promptly, as they can attract pests and fungal diseases. Young trees can be trained to grow a single trunk and maintain a central leader to promote a strong framework. Pruning should be done during the dry season when the tree is dormant.
Propagation of Irvingia glaucescens Engl.
Irvingia glaucescens Engl., commonly referred to as African wild mango, can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The plant can be propagated through seeds, which are typically obtained from mature, ripe fruits. The seeds are cleaned, soaked in water, and then germinated in a pot or nursery bed. Seed germination typically takes around 2-3 weeks, after which the seedlings can be transplanted to 8-10 cm pots.
Asexual propagation
Irvingia glaucescens can also be propagated asexually through various methods, including air layering, grafting, and stem cuttings.
Air layering involves inducing rooting in a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. A section of the stem is slit and a rooting hormone is applied to it, after which it is wrapped with damp sphagnum moss and covered with plastic film. Once roots have formed, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and planted in a pot or nursery bed.
Grafting involves joining two different plant parts - the scion and the rootstock - to create a new plant. The scion, a stem with several buds, is attached to the rootstock, which provides the root system. Once the two sections grow together, they form a single plant.
Propagation through stem cuttings involves taking a section of the plant stem and planting it in a rooting medium. The cuttings are usually taken from the parent plant's semi-hardwood, and rooting hormones are applied to encourage root formation. The cuttings are left to root in a warm, humid environment before transplanting to pots or nursery beds.
Disease and Pest Management for Irvingia glaucescens Engl.
Irvingia glaucescens Engl., also called wild mango, is a fruit tree that is known for its edible fruits. However, like any other plant species, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can hamper its growth and yield. As a helpful assistant, here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, as well as suggestions for managing them.
Diseases
Bacterial Canker: This disease causes wilting, cankers, and blisters on the tree's bark. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the infected plant parts and apply a copper-based fungicide.
Fruit Rot: This disease affects the fruit's skin, causing it to rot and become inedible. To manage this disease, remove diseased fruits from the tree and surrounding area, ensure good air circulation, and apply a fungicide containing copper and lime.
Anthracnose: This disease affects the leaves and fruits, causing dark spots and lesions. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the infected plant parts, prune the tree to increase air circulation, and apply a fungicide containing copper and mancozeb.
Pests
Mealybugs: These pests suck sap from the tree and produce a white, cotton-like substance. To manage mealybugs, physically remove them from the plant using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap spray the tree with neem oil.
Aphids: These pests also suck sap from the tree and cause yellowing and stunted growth. To manage aphids, spray the tree with insecticidal soap or neem oil, release parasitic wasps or ladybugs, or physically remove them with a strong jet of water from the hose.
Fruit flies: These pests lay eggs into the fruit's flesh, causing the fruit to rot. To manage fruit flies, place traps around the tree, remove and destroy infected fruits, and keep the surrounding area clean and free from fallen fruits.
Implementing good cultural practices such as proper pruning, sanitation, and appropriate watering and fertilization can help to prevent diseases and pests from affecting Irvingia glaucescens Engl. Monitoring the plant regularly and taking prompt action when symptoms are seen can also help to minimize damage and ensure a healthy harvest.
