Introduction: Mangifera foetida Lour.
Mangifera foetida Lour. is a species of evergreen tree in the Anacardiaceae family. It is commonly known as Bagan, Bachang, and Kuweni in various regions around the world. The tree is native to the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Appearance:
The tree grows up to a height of 40 meters and has a trunk diameter of around 75 cm. It has an upright growth habit and produces a large crown. The leaves are evergreen, large and lanceolate in shape, and grow up to 30 cm long. They have a glossy appearance on the upper surface and a dull appearance on the lower surface. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, and are produced on a terminal panicle.
Uses:
The fruit of the Mangifera foetida Lour. tree is edible, and is consumed raw or used in various recipes. It is rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. The wood of the tree is hard and durable, and is used in construction, furniture making, and as fuel. The bark and leaves of the tree have medicinal value and are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and inflammation.
Cultivation:
Mangifera foetida Lour. prefers humid tropical climates with heavy rainfall and well-draining soils. It is grown in plantations and home gardens for its fruit, timber, and medicinal properties. The tree is propagated by seed and requires a well-prepared seedbed for germination. It is a slow-growing tree and may take up to 6-7 years to produce fruit.
Conclusion:
Mangifera foetida Lour. is a valuable tree species with a wide range of uses. It is an important source of food, timber, and medicine in many tropical regions around the world. Its cultivation and conservation are essential for the sustainable management of natural resources.
Light Requirements:
Mangifera foetida Lour. requires a lot of sunlight for optimal growth. It grows best in full sun exposure and can tolerate partial shade, but any amount of shade will slow down its growth rate.
Temperature Requirements:
Mangifera foetida Lour. is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and requires warm temperatures for optimal growth. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 24 to 30 °C and can tolerate temperatures as low as 18 °C and as high as 40 °C. However, temperatures below 10°C and above 45°C can be lethal to the plant.
Soil Requirements:
Mangifera foetida Lour. grows well in a variety of soils but prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal for this plant, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. However, the soil must also be able to hold moisture, as the plant requires regular watering.
Cultivation of Mangifera foetida Lour.
Mangifera foetida Lour. can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, grafting, or budding. However, grafting has been found to produce faster and better results. The plant prefers a warm and humid climate but can tolerate brief periods of drought.
Watering Needs of Mangifera foetida Lour.
The plant requires regular watering; the soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering may depend on factors such as temperature and soil type. In dry weather, the plant may need extra watering.
Fertilization of Mangifera foetida Lour.
The plant requires regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are suitable. The quantity of fertilizer may depend on the plant's age and size. It's important to avoid over-fertilization to prevent damage to the plant.
Pruning of Mangifera foetida Lour.
Pruning of Mangifera foetida Lour. is essential to keep the plant healthy and manageable. It's recommended to prune in the dormant season to prevent stressing the plant. The primary objectives of pruning include removing diseased or damaged branches, promoting fruiting and flowering, and shaping the plant. It's important to use sharp and sterile tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Mangifera foetida Lour.
Mangifera foetida Lour., also known as the Borneo mango or Kuweni mango, can be propagated both sexually and asexually.
Sexual propagation:
The seeds of the Borneo mango can be used for sexual propagation. After collecting ripe fruits, the mesocarp should be removed and the seeds should be cleaned. The seeds should then be placed in a container of water and left to ferment for 1-3 days. After fermentation, the seeds should be washed and planted in a mixture of sand and organic matter. The containers should be kept moist and placed in partial shade. Germination can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks.
Asexual propagation:
Budding and grafting are the most common methods for asexual propagation of Mangifera foetida Lour. These methods allow growers to produce clones of desirable cultivars. Budding is usually done on seedlings, while grafting can be done on seedlings or mature trees.
In the budding method, a bud is taken from a mature tree and inserted under the bark of a seedling. The bud then grows into a new shoot.
In grafting, a branch from a mature tree is cut and inserted onto a seedling or mature tree. The branch is secured using grafting tape or twine, and the graft union is covered with grafting compound.
Both budding and grafting should be done during the active growing season and under sterile conditions to prevent the introduction of diseases.
Disease and Pest Management for Mangifera foetida Lour.
Mangifera foetida Lour., commonly known as the horse mango or wild mango, is a species of evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. As with any plant, the horse mango is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests that can harm its health and reduce its yield. Proper disease and pest management can help prevent or reduce damage to the plant.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect the horse mango is anthracnose, a fungal disease that causes sunken black spots on the fruit and leaves. Another common disease that affects the horse mango is powdery mildew, which causes a white powdery coating on the leaves and fruit. Leaf spot is another fungal disease that can infect the horse mango, causing yellow or brown spots on the leaves.
To manage these diseases, it is important to practice good sanitation by removing and disposing of infected plant debris and fallen fruits. Additionally, the use of fungicides can prevent or reduce the spread of fungal diseases. Consult with a local agricultural extension office to determine the specific fungicides recommended for treating these diseases.
Common Pests
The horse mango is also susceptible to a variety of pests that can cause damage to the fruit and leaves. One common pest is the fruit fly, which lays its eggs in the fruit and causes it to rot. Scale insects are another pest that can infect the horse mango, causing yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. Mealybugs are also a common pest that can infest the horse mango, causing the leaves to curl and the fruit to distort.
To manage these pests, it is important to prune the plant regularly to remove any infested branches or leaves. Additionally, the use of insecticides and sticky traps can help control the spread of these pests. It is important to use insecticides that are recommended for fruit trees and to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
By practicing good disease and pest management techniques, it is possible to prevent or reduce damage to the horse mango and ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest.
