Overview
Irvingia tenuinucleata Tiegh. is a plant species that belongs to the family Irvingiaceae. It is commonly known as "Ogbono" in Nigeria and "Dika" in Cameroon.
Origin
The plant is native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa, including countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Angola, and Gabon. Irvingia tenuinucleata Tiegh. grows naturally in the rainforest where it thrives in areas with high humidity and rainfall.
Appearance
The Irvingia tenuinucleata Tiegh. is a tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall. The bark of the tree is dark brown and scaly, while the leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong. The tree produces a fruit that is ellipsoid or oblong in shape, measuring up to 12 centimeters in length and 6 centimeters in diameter. The fruit is green when unripe and turns yellow or orange when mature. The fruit contains a nut that is covered by fibrous pulp.
Uses
The fruit of Irvingia tenuinucleata Tiegh. is edible and is commonly used in African cuisine. The fibrous pulp that covers the nut can be used to thicken soups, stews, and sauces, while the nut itself can be roasted and eaten as a snack. The nut is also used to produce a type of butter known as "dika butter," which is used for cooking and as a cosmetic ingredient. The tree itself is considered valuable for its hardwood, which is used in construction and for making furniture.
Light Requirements
Irvingia tenuinucleata requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Lack of sunlight may lead to stunted growth and poor yield.
Temperature Requirements
Irvingia tenuinucleata prefers warm and humid conditions. It thrives well in temperatures ranging from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. This plant cannot grow in areas with temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Irvingia tenuinucleata grows well in well-draining soils with a pH ranging from 5.0 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients. It cannot tolerate waterlogging conditions as these will cause root rot and ultimately lead to poor growth or death of the plant.
Cultivation of Irvingia tenuinucleata Tiegh.
Irvingia tenuinucleata Tiegh. is native to tropical forests in West and Central Africa. The plant can grow up to 25 meters tall and requires a warm and humid climate to thrive. Cultivation of Irvingia tenuinucleata Tiegh. should be done in areas with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 °C.
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for the cultivation of Irvingia tenuinucleata Tiegh. is between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant can be propagated through seeds.
Watering Needs
Irvingia tenuinucleata Tiegh. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The plant should be watered deeply, ensuring that the water infiltrates the root zone. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilizers should be applied to the plant at the start of the growing season. The use of organic fertilizer is recommended, and it should be applied at the base of the tree. The fertilizer should be spread evenly around the plant to ensure that the nutrients reach the entire root zone.
Pruning
Pruning should be done during the early stages of Irvingia tenuinucleata Tiegh. cultivation to promote the growth of a straight trunk. The removal of diseased or dead branches should also be done to prevent the spread of diseases. As the plant matures, pruning can be done to control the height of the plant and make it more manageable.
Propagation of Irvingia tenuinucleata Tiegh.
Irvingia tenuinucleata Tiegh. can be propagated through seeds, grafting, or stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seeds should be collected from mature fruit that has fallen to the ground. After removing the pulp, the seeds should be washed and air-dried. Soaking the seeds overnight in water can soften the outer coating, which can help with germination. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil, and the soil should be kept moistened. Germination can occur within 2-3 weeks.
Grafting
Grafting of Irvingia tenuinucleata Tiegh. should be done during the active growing season. Select a healthy scion from a mature tree and a suitable rootstock. The rootstock should be of the same species, and preferably about the same diameter as the scion. A sharp knife should be used to make a cleft cut in the rootstock and the scion. The scion should be inserted into the cleft and secured with grafting tape. The graft should be kept moist and protected from extreme temperatures until it takes.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free branches during the active growing season. Cuttings should be about 20 cm long and free from flowers or fruit. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment, such as a greenhouse or under plastic. Rooting occurs within 2-3 months, and once established, the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Irvingia tenuinucleata Tiegh.
Irvingia tenuinucleata Tiegh. is a fruit tree primarily cultivated in tropical Africa for its edible nuts. Unfortunately, like most crops, it is prone to several diseases and pests that can affect the quality and yield of the nuts. Here are some common diseases and pests of Irvingia tenuinucleata Tiegh. and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the tree. It can cause premature fruit drop and reduce yield. To manage anthracnose, prune infected plant parts and dispose of them. Also, apply a fungicide with copper or sulfur as the active ingredient.
Phytophthora pod rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the fruits of the tree. It causes the fruit to rot and can lead to significant yield loss. To manage phytophthora pod rot, remove the infected fruits and dispose of them. Also, avoid planting in waterlogged soils, and ensure adequate drainage in the orchard. Apply a fungicide with mefenoxam or metalaxyl as the active ingredient.
Pests
Mealybugs: These are sap-sucking insects that feed on the leaves and fruits of the tree. They secrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage mealybugs, prune and destroy infested plant parts. Also, apply a pesticide with imidacloprid or acetamiprid as the active ingredient.
Fruit fly: This insect pest lays eggs on the fruits of the tree, leading to maggots feeding on the flesh of the fruit. This can cause premature fruit drop and significant yield loss. To manage fruit flies, cover the fruit with a fine mesh bag or apply a bait spray containing spinosad or malathion.
Scale insects: These are sap-sucking insects similar to mealybugs, but they have a hard, protective scale covering their body. They can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves, and reduce plant growth and yield. To manage scale insects, prune and destroy infested plant parts. Also, apply a pesticide with acetamiprid or spirotetramat as the active ingredient.
Overall, disease and pest management for Irvingia tenuinucleata Tiegh. involves a combination of cultural, physical, and chemical control measures. It's vital to monitor the tree frequently and take action promptly to prevent severe infestations or infections.
