Overview of Mangifera caesia Jack ex Wallich
Mangifera caesia Jack ex Wallich, also known as the Binjai fruit or Kuini, is a tropical fruit-bearing plant that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. The plant is indigenous to Southeast Asia, specifically in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is a popular fruit tree in these countries due to its sweet and juicy edible fruit, which provides various health benefits.
Appearance
The Mangifera caesia tree is relatively large and can reach up to 30 meters in height. It has a dark green foliage that is oval-shaped and has a narrow tip. The leaves are also glossy, which makes them attractive and perfect for landscaping. The bark of the tree is rough and scaly, with a dark and greyish-brown color texture. The fruit is oblong-shaped with a smooth and thin skin. The fruit's exterior color ranges from green to yellow or purple-brown when mature, and it can grow up to 15 centimeters in length.
Common Names
The Mangifera caesia tree goes by different names depending on the region. In Thailand, it is known as the Ma-praang, while in Malaysia, it is called Buah Binjai or Buah Kunyit. In Indonesia, it is popularly known as Kuini. In the Philippines, the tree is called Catmon, but it is more commonly used to refer to Dillenia philippinensis, another tropical fruit-bearing plant in the same family as the Mangifera caesia.
Uses
The Mangifera caesia tree is primarily popular for its fruit's edible flesh, which has a sweet, tangy taste and a juicy texture. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used in various recipes, including desserts, juices, and jams. The fruit is also a source of Vitamin C and potassium, which helps boost the immune system and improve heart health. Additionally, the tree's wood is used for construction and furniture due to its durability and resistance to termites and decay.
In traditional medicine, different parts of the Mangifera caesia tree, such as the bark and leaves, are used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. The bark is also used as a natural dye for fabrics. Besides its practical applications, the tree's fruit and striking appearance make it a popular landscaping and ornamental tree.
Light Requirements
The Mangifera caesia Jack ex Wallich plant requires full sunlight to thrive. Therefore, it should be grown in an area where it can receive direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. Inadequate light can decrease the plant's fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
The Mangifera caesia Jack ex Wallich plant prefers a warm tropical climate with a temperature range of 22-30°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost or cold temperatures. Therefore, it should be grown in an area with a warm climate throughout the year.
Soil Requirements
The Mangifera caesia Jack ex Wallich plant grows well in well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH level, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capacity. Sandy loam soil types are best suited for growing this plant.
The soil should be prepared by adding enough compost or well-rotted manure to enhance the soil's fertility. The addition of mulch to the soil can help reduce evaporation, which in turn can help keep the soil moist.
Cultivation methods
Mangifera caesia Jack ex Wallich, commonly known as Binjai, is a large and long-lived tree native to Southeast Asia. It is typically grown in tropical areas and requires full sun to thrive. The tree prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate slightly acidic to moderately alkaline soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The ideal temperature for Binjai cultivation is between 20°C to 32°C, and it can grow up to 40 meters tall and 1.5 meters in diameter.
Watering needs
Binjai is a drought-tolerant plant, but it does require regular watering to keep it healthy and promote growth. During the dry season, young Binjai trees should be watered deeply once a week and mature trees every two weeks. The soil needs to be moist but not waterlogged to avoid root rot. During the rainy season, it is usually not necessary to water the Binjai trees regularly unless there is a prolonged dry spell.
Fertilization
Binjai trees require regular fertilization to promote growth and fruit production. The fertilization should be applied during the rainy season, with nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus being the primary nutrients required. The fertilizer should be applied at a rate based on the age of the tree, with younger trees requiring less than the mature trees. It is recommended to use organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, to provide a slow-release source of nutrients to the tree.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of Binjai cultivation to maintain tree health, shape, and encourage the growth of new shoots. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, mainly in late winter or early spring before the trees start to grow new leaves. Young Binjai trees should have the leaders pruned to encourage branching and develop a sturdy framework. Pruning cuts must be done at 45-degree angles, and the pruning shears should be sterilized with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Mangifera Caesia Jack ex Wallich
Propagation of Mangifera caesia Jack ex Wallich can be done through several methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds from ripe fruits can be used for propagation. The seeds need to be planted as soon as possible after harvesting since they lose viability quickly. It is better to sow in large containers or directly in the field with well-draining soil. It is important to select only healthy seeds and discard infected or damaged seeds. The seeds need to be partially covered with soil to prevent them from drying out and to avoid bird and pest damage. Germination usually takes 2-4 weeks, but it may take up to 6 weeks depending on the quality of the seed and the environmental conditions. After the seedlings reach 10-15 cm height, they can be transplanted to the desired location.
Air-Layering
Air-layering is a method to propagate plants by inducing roots to form on a stem while still attached to the parent plant. For Mangifera caesia Jack ex Wallich, air-layering can be done during the active growing season. A section of the stem about pencil-thick is selected and cut halfway through the stem, just below a node, at an angle. A rooting hormone can be applied to the cut area. The cut section is then wrapped with moist sphagnum moss, and then a plastic bag is used to cover the moss band and tied securely at both ends. After about 2-3 months, roots will form, and the new plant can be separated and transplanted into a new pot or the field.
Grafting
Grafting is another common method to propagate Mangifera caesia Jack ex Wallich. It is done by joining a scion (shoot) from a desired plant onto a rootstock of a related species. The rootstock is selected for its strong root system and tolerance to pests or diseases. The best time for grafting is during the active growing season. The scion and the rootstock are prepared by making clean cuts at the same angle and inserting them together firmly. The union is then wrapped with a grafting tape or polyethylene bag to keep the scion and rootstock in contact and to prevent moisture loss. The grafted plant is then kept in a humid environment until the union is successful.
Disease and Pest Management for Mangifera caesia Jack ex Wallich
Mangifera caesia Jack ex Wallich, commonly known as the Binjai fruit, is a tropical tree species that belongs to the same genus as the mango (Mangifera indica). The Binjai fruit tree is relatively resistant to pests and disease. However, it is still susceptible to some problems that may affect its growth, yield, and fruit quality. The following are some common diseases and pests that may affect the Binjai tree and ways to manage them.
Diseases
1. Anthracnose
Anthracnose is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The disease can affect all parts of the Binjai tree, including the leaves, stems, and fruits. Symptoms of anthracnose include black spots on the fruits and leaves, which may grow and become sunken lesions. Severe infections can cause premature fruit drop and defoliation.
To manage anthracnose, it is important to improve tree vigor and maintain good orchard sanitation. Pruning can also help to increase air circulation and sunlight penetration, which can reduce disease severity. In addition, spraying fungicides such as copper-based sprays and triazole fungicides can help to control the fungus.
2. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Oidium mangiferae. The disease can cause a white powdery layer on leaves, stems, and fruits of the Binjai tree. Infected fruits may develop rough corky patches that can lower the fruit quality.
To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good orchard sanitation and improve air circulation and sunlight penetration through proper pruning. Applying fungicides such as sulfur and potassium bicarbonate can also help to control the fungus.
Pests
1. Fruit fly
Fruit flies are common pests that can infest the Binjai fruit. They lay eggs in the fruit, and the larvae feed on the pulp, causing it to rot. Symptoms of fruit fly infestation include fruit discoloration and softness.
To manage fruit flies, it is important to regularly monitor fruit for infestation. Removal of infested fruit can also help to reduce the spread of the pest. Additionally, application of protein bait sprays and use of fruit fly traps can help to manage the pest.
2. Mango seed weevil
The mango seed weevil (Sternochetus mangiferae) is a pest that infests the fruit of the Binjai tree. The adult feeds on the fruit, while the larvae tunnel through the seeds, causing them to rot. Infested fruits may drop prematurely or wither on the tree.
To manage mango seed weevils, it is important to regularly monitor fruit for infestation and remove infested fruits. Destroying infested fruits and trees can help to reduce the spread of the pest. Additionally, insecticide application can also be used to control the pest.
By following good orchard practices and implementing proper pest and disease management strategies, it is possible to grow healthy and productive Binjai fruit trees that produce high-quality fruit.
