Origin of Irvingia velutina Tiegh.
Irvingia velutina Tiegh. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Irvingiaceae. This plant is native to tropical Africa, particularly in Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of Congo, and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Common Names of Irvingia velutina Tiegh.
This plant is commonly known as the Bush mango, Chimbo (in Cameroon), Odika (in Nigeria), Ube of Afikpo (in Nigeria), Mubaba (in Congo), and Misafu (in Gabon).
Uses of Irvingia velutina Tiegh.
Irvingia velutina Tiegh. has several uses, particularly in traditional medicine. The fruit, bark, and leaves of this plant are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, fever, and stomach aches. The fruit is also used to make jam, juice, and wine. In addition to its medicinal and culinary uses, the seeds of Irvingia velutina Tiegh. are popular for their oil content, which is rich in oleic and linoleic acids, and is used in the production of soap and cosmetics.
General Appearance of Irvingia velutina Tiegh.
The Irvingia velutina Tiegh. is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20-25 meters tall. The bark is dark brown and has deep vertical furrows. The leaves are elliptic, 10-24 cm long, and 5-12 cm broad. They are glossy green on the upper surface and light green on the lower surface. The flowers are small, and the fruit is a large, ovoid drupe that can weigh up to 2 kilograms. The fruit has a green outer layer that turns yellowish-green when ripe, and the pulp is orange-yellow and fibrous.
Growth Conditions for Irvingia velutina Tiegh.
Irvingia velutina Tiegh. is a tropical tree species native to West and Central Africa. It thrives in hot, humid environments with abundant rainfall and is commonly found in dense forest areas. To cultivate this tree successfully, the following growth conditions are crucial:
Light Requirements
Irvingia velutina Tiegh. thrives in full sunlight or partially shaded areas. However, the plant requires a balance between light and shade during the early growth stages. Therefore, it is desirable to grow Irvingia velutina in an area with some tree cover to provide shade for the young plant. Once established, the plant can tolerate full sunlight if the soil remains moist.
Temperature Requirements
To thrive, Irvingia velutina Tiegh. requires warm temperatures and high humidity levels. The ideal temperature range for this species is between 20-32°C. A minimum temperature of 18°C is needed to germinate the seed. Frost or prolonged exposure to temperatures below 10°C can kill the tree.
Soil Requirements
The soil condition is crucial for the growth and survival of Irvingia velutina Tiegh. The plant needs well-draining, fertile soils that are rich in organic matter. Sandy or loamy soil types are ideal for this plant. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5. It is also important to ensure that the soil remains moist, but not waterlogged, to promote healthy growth.
Cultivation methods of Irvingia velutina Tiegh.
Irvingia velutina Tiegh. grows well in a wide range of soils, including sandy and clay loams. The plant prefers well-drained soils with good fertility. Ensure that the soil pH is below 7.0 as the plant cannot tolerate alkaline soil conditions.
The plant does well in warm, humid, and well-drained sites that receive adequate sunlight. To ensure optimal growth, plant the Irvingia velutina Tiegh. seedlings during the rainy season when temperatures range between 27°C-32°C.
Watering needs of Irvingia velutina Tiegh.
Irvingia velutina Tiegh. is moderately drought-tolerant. However, young plants require regular watering to establish a healthy root system. Water the plants at least twice a week during the dry season and once a week during the rainy season.
It is important to avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot and eventual death.
Fertilization of Irvingia velutina Tiegh.
Apply a balanced fertilizer to enhance the development of Irvingia velutina Tiegh. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 2.5 to 5.0 kg per tree per year. It is advisable to apply the fertilizer in split doses at the onset of the rainy season.
It is recommended that you use organic fertilizers or manure as opposed to chemical fertilizers to minimize the risk of polluting the environment.
Pruning of Irvingia velutina Tiegh.
Irvingia velutina Tiegh. requires minimal pruning, and it should only be done to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Prune the plant during the dry season to avoid infection by fungi and other pathogens.
Ensure that you use clean and sharp tools to avoid causing injury to the plant. Proper pruning enhances air circulation and sunlight penetration, thereby improving the overall health of the tree.
Propagation of Irvingia velutina Tiegh.
Irvingia velutina Tiegh. can be propagated through seeds, grafting, and vegetative cuttings. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
Propagation through Seeds
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method of propagating Irvingia velutina Tiegh. Seeds should be collected from mature fruit in the late dry season when they have fallen to the ground. The seeds should be cleaned and stored in a dry place. Before sowing, seeds should be treated to break dormancy. This can be done by soaking them in hot water for 24 hours or by spreading the seeds in the sun for a few days. If the seeds are not treated, germination rates can be low.
Seeds can be sown in seed trays or pots filled with a mixture of soil and sand. They should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist. Germination usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. Seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots when they reach the stage of having two true leaves. They should be kept in a shaded area until they are well established and then gradually exposed to full sun.
Propagation through Grafting
Grafting is a common method of propagating Irvingia velutina Tiegh. because it allows for the production of clones that have the same genetic traits as the parent plant. Grafting is usually done in the nursery or on mature trees.
The preferred method of grafting is cleft grafting. This involves making a V-shaped cut in the rootstock and inserting a scion from a selected tree. The cut surfaces should be in contact and covered with grafting wax to prevent infection. The grafted plant should be kept in a moist environment and shaded until it establishes.
Propagation through Vegetative Cuttings
Irvingia velutina Tiegh. can also be propagated through vegetative cuttings. This involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them in a rooting hormone and soil mixture. The cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy trees.
The cuttings should be 20-25 cm long and cut under a node. The leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the cutting. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a soil and sand mixture. They should be kept in a humid environment and shaded until they establish roots. Rooting can take 3-6 months.
Disease and Pest Management of Irvingia velutina Tiegh.
Irvingia velutina Tiegh. is a tropical tree that belongs to the family Irvingiaceae. It is also known as bush mango or wild mango and is an important economic plant in some parts of Africa. This plant is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Therefore, it is essential to identify the common diseases and pests that affect the plant and adopt appropriate management measures.
Common Diseases
Irvingia velutina is susceptible to several diseases such as anthracnose, powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, and leaf blight. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes the leaves to turn brown and fall off, whereas powdery mildew is a white, powdery fungal growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. Bacterial wilt causes the plant to wilt, and the leaves turn yellow and brown. Leaf blight is a fungal disease that causes small, brown spots on the leaves, which eventually turn into larger brown patches and drop off the plant.
Pest Management
Insects and pests can also cause significant damage to Irvingia velutina trees. The plant is vulnerable to attacks from fruit flies, termites, borers, and caterpillars. Fruit flies are a major problem as they damage the fruit and reduce the yield. Termites and borers damage the stem and branches of the plant, which may lead to the plant's death. Caterpillars eat the leaves of the plant, which can cause significant defoliation.
To manage pests, it is crucial to adopt integrated pest management strategies, such as cultural, biological, and chemical methods. Cultural methods include pruning damaged branches, removing diseased leaves and avoiding areas with high pest infestations. Biological control involves introducing natural predators such as parasitic wasps or nematodes that attack the pests, while chemical methods involve using pesticides to control pests.
Disease Management
Control of diseases in Irvingia velutina is essential to ensure a healthy tree and increase crop yields. The management of diseases can be achieved through cultural, biological, and chemical methods. Cultural practices such as proper spacing, pruning, and removal of infected plant parts are critical in controlling the spread of diseases. Biological controls such as the introduction of biological agents such as beneficial bacteria can help fight against diseases, while chemical control can involve the use of fungicides to reduce the spread of diseases.
In conclusion, Irvingia velutina Tiegh. is susceptible to various pests and diseases that affect its growth and productivity. To manage these problems, it is essential to adopt integrated pest and disease management strategies, such as cultural practices, biological control, and chemical methods. By implementing these measures, farmers can avoid significant losses and ensure maximum crop yields.
