Overview of Mangifera africana Oliv.
Mangifera africana Oliv., commonly known as African mango or bush mango, is a tropical fruit tree native to West and Central Africa. The species belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, the same family as cashew, pistachio, and mango trees. The plant is well-known for its delicious and nutritious fruits, as well as its medicinal properties attributed to its bark, leaves, and seeds.
Appearance of Mangifera africana Oliv.
The African mango tree can grow up to 30 meters tall, with a crown that spreads up to 12 meters wide. The bark is grey-brown, smooth on young branches, and rough and scaly on older trunks. The leaves are evergreen, oblong, and can reach up to 25 centimeters long and 10 centimeters wide. The trees produce small, yellow-green flowers in clusters that develop into large, ovoid fruits with green, yellow, or red skin, depending on the cultivar. The fruits can weigh up to 2 kilograms and contain a single seed, which is edible once roasted or boiled.
Uses of Mangifera africana Oliv.
The fruits of Mangifera africana Oliv. are highly valued for their sweet and tangy flavor, nutritional content, and potential health benefits. They are rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and E, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. In addition to being consumed fresh, the fruits are also used to make juices, jams, and wine. The tree's bark, leaves, and seeds have been traditionally used in African medicine to treat various ailments, such as malaria, diabetes, infertility, and inflammation. The bark extract is also utilized in the production of cosmetics and perfumes.
The timber of the African mango tree is durable and resistant to insects and fungi, making it suitable for construction, woodworking, and fuel. The tree is also cultivated for agroforestry and reforestation purposes, as it provides shade, enriches soil fertility, and contributes to biodiversity conservation.
Typical Growth Conditions for Mangifera Africana Oliv.
The Mangifera africana Oliv. is a plant species native to tropical Africa, and it requires specific conditions to grow and develop into a healthy tree with abundant fruit production. The plant is known for its use in traditional medicine and as a source of wood and fruits.
Light Requirements
Mangifera africana Oliv. requires full sunlight exposure to grow healthily. The plant should be grown in areas with no shade or filtered light as such conditions may impair the plant's growth and ultimately affect its fruit production. The plant can grow in areas with high light intensity as long as the soil is well-drained.
Soil Requirements
The Mangifera africana Oliv. requires well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant is sensitive to soil salinity and waterlogging, which can lead to stunted growth or even plant death. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7 for the plant to grow successfully. Adding manure or compost to the soil can help improve soil fertility and organic matter content, thus promoting healthy plant growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is well-suited to growing in hot, humid climates. It requires temperatures between 25°C and 32°C to grow healthily. Temperatures that are too low or high may affect the plant's growth and fruit production. The plant is sensitive to frost and cannot survive in areas with temperatures below 10°C. Young plants should be protected from direct sunlight to prevent heat stress.
Water Requirements
The Mangifera africana Oliv. requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not water-logged. Over-watering or under-watering may cause stunted growth or even death. During the plant's early development stages, young seedlings should be watered regularly to help them establish a healthy root system.
Nutrient Requirements
The plant requires a balanced supply of essential nutrients to grow and thrive. Nitrogen is particularly crucial for the plant's development as it enhances vegetative growth and fruit production. Potassium and phosphorus are also essential for fruit production and plant growth. The plant requires regular fertilization with a balanced NPK fertilizer to provide the required nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Mangifera africana Oliv. commonly known as African mango is a tropical plant that grows well in warm and humid environments. The plant requires a lot of sunlight to thrive and soils rich in nutrients. When cultivating the plant, ensure to select a suitable site that has well-drained soils with a pH of 6.5 to 7.3. Mango trees are propagated through seeds.
Watering Needs
Mango trees require regular watering, especially during the dry season. Lack of watering may lead to poor growth and small fruits due to reduced photosynthesis. It's advisable to water the plant after every two to three weeks. However, this largely depends on the moisture content of the soil. Ensure to provide enough water for the plant during the flowering and fruiting stages, which is critical for the development of fruits.
Fertilization
Mango trees require a lot of nutrients to produce quality fruits. Therefore, the plant should be fertilized regularly. Apply a balanced fertilizer that has a ratio of 10-10-10, or 15-15-15. Apply the fertilizer twice a year, during the flowering and fruiting stage. During the vegetative stage, apply the fertilizer once every three months. In regions where soils lack nutrients, one can supplement the soils with organic matter such as well-composted manure to improve soil fertility.
Pruning
Mango trees require minimal pruning; however, removing diseased and deadwood branches is critical to minimize pest infestation and promote plant health. The plant should be pruned during the dormant season after the fruiting stage to encourage early fruiting and branching. When pruning, ensure to maintain an open canopy that allows sunlight to penetrate the inner part of the plant. This will enhance aeration, reduce pest infestation, and improve fruit quality.
Propagation of Mangifera africana Oliv.
Mangifera africana Oliv. can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Mangifera africana Oliv. can be collected from the fruits and sown directly into the soil or in seed trays containing a well-drained potting mix. The seeds should be sown immediately after extraction, as they lose viability quickly.
The seeds should be sown at a depth of at least 2 cm, and the surface of the soil should be kept moist during germination. Germination usually occurs within 3 to 4 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots when they have developed several true leaves.
Air layering
Air layering is another effective method of propagating Mangifera africana Oliv., especially for larger plants. This method involves making a small incision in the bark of the stem, wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss, and covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Roots will eventually develop within the layer of moss, and the new plant can be cut from the parent once established.
Grafting and budding
Grafting and budding are commonly used methods of propagating Mangifera africana Oliv. to preserve desirable traits and ensure genetic uniformity. The scion is cut from a mature, productive tree and grafted or budded onto a rootstock of a related species or seedling.
Grafting is the process of joining two plant parts together, while budding is the insertion of a single bud into the rootstock.
These propagation methods can produce healthy, vigorous plants, which can be grown for their delicious fruits or as ornamental trees.
Disease and Pest Management for Mangifera africana Oliv.
Mangifera africana Oliv. is a tree species that is prone to various pests and diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Implementing proper disease and pest management strategies is crucial in preventing and controlling these problems, thereby ensuring optimal production. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect Mangifera africana and ways to manage them:
Pests
Mango mealybug
Mango mealybugs (Rastrococcus invadens), also known as pink hibiscus mealybugs, are one of the most detrimental pests to mango trees, including Mangifera africana. The bugs suck sap from the tree's stems, leaves, and fruit, causing leaf yellowing, stem and fruit deformation, and peel distortion. Mealybugs' populations can increase rapidly and spread fast to other trees. Monitoring the tree regularly can help catch the problem early and prevent them from reproducing. Handpicking the mealybugs is one effective way of controlling them. Additionally, applying insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil sprays can help eradicate the bugs.
Mango seed weevil
The mango seed weevil (Sternochetus mangiferae) is another significant pest of Mangifera africana. The adult weevils lay their eggs in the fruits, and the larvae bore into the seed or pulp, making the fruit unpalatable. Infested fruit often drops prematurely, leading to yield losses. To manage the weevil, fruit bagging, a technique that involves covering the fruit with a polyethylene bag, can be done to prevent the adult weevils from laying eggs on the fruit. Chemical control measures such as lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, or diazinon can also help manage the pest.
Diseases
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects various fruits, including mangoes. The disease attacks the flowers, leaves, and fruit, causing lesions and irregular patches on the surface. It usually thrives under humid conditions and can spread fast during flowering and fruiting periods. Preventive measures such as practicing good sanitation and proper tree pruning can help reduce the disease's incidence. Additionally, control measures such as copper-based fungicides, mancozeb, or chlorothalonil can be applied.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including Mangifera africana. It manifests as a white, powdery growth on the leaves and can cause defoliation and stunted growth of the tree. Regular monitoring and pruning of infected parts of the tree can help manage the disease. Application of sulfur-based fungicides or neem oil can also control the disease.
Implementing integrated pest and disease management programs that embrace a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and chemical measures can help control pests and diseases of Mangifera africana.
