Overview:
Manilkara eickii (Engl.) H.J.Lam is a tree species in the family Sapotaceae, native to West and Central Africa. It is well-known for its durable hardwood, and has several common names including bomanga, dongoyaro, and orachi.
Appearance:
The tree grows up to 35 m tall and has a straight trunk that can be 2 m in diameter. The bark is dark brown, thick, and rough, with deep vertical fissures. Manilkara eickii leaves are leathery and glossy, with a length of up to 8 cm, and have a pointed, narrow shape.
Uses:
A notable feature and use of Manilkara eickii is its durable wood that is resistant to insect attack and decay. It is used in construction, cabinetry, and making furniture. The leaves, bark, and roots of Manilkara eickii have medicinal properties, including treatment against diarrhea, fever, and sore throat. The fruit of the tree is edible and has a sweet, tangy taste.
Cultivation:
Manilkara eickii thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers well-drained soil, a sunny location, and high humidity. The seeds can be sown in nursery beds and transplanted after six months. The tree grows slowly, with an average growth rate of 0.5 to 1.0 m per year. It takes about 20 to 30 years for the tree to mature, and provide quality wood.
Light Requirements
Manilkara eickii is a plant that thrives best in full sunlight. It requires direct sunlight to grow well, so it is recommended to plant it in an open area without any shade. The plant can also survive partial sunlight conditions, but this may affect its growth, fruiting, and overall development.
Temperature Requirements
Manilkara eickii is a tropical plant that grows well in warm temperatures. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 15°C, but temperatures between 25°C to 30°C are ideal for its growth and development. Frost or cold temperatures can be detrimental to its growth and may result in the death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-drained soils with good fertility levels. Acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5 is considered the best for Manilkara eickii growth. The soil should also be deep and rich in organic matter to provide the required nutrients for the plant's healthy growth and development.
Cultivation Methods for Manilkara Eickii
The Manilkara Eickii plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. However, seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate this plant. The ideal time to plant is during the rainy season when the soil is moist and warm.
Before planting, clear the area of weeds and other debris. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant’s root ball and fill it with organic matter. Place the plant in the hole, cover with soil, and tamp down firmly.
Watering Needs for Manilkara Eickii
The Manilkara Eickii plant requires regular watering to thrive. Water the plant deeply once a week during the rainy season and twice a week during the dry season. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization of Manilkara Eickii
Manilkara Eickii requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer every four months during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plant and water it in. Avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves, as it can burn them.
Pruning Manilkara Eickii
Prune Manilkara Eickii once a year to keep it in shape and promote new growth. The best time to prune is during the dry season when the plant is less active. Remove dead or diseased branches, and cut back any overgrown stems. Be sure to use clean pruning shears to avoid spreading diseases.
Propagation of Manilkara Eickii
Manilkara eickii is a tropical tree species known to have beneficial properties, including medicinal and timber value. Propagation of Manilkara eickii can be undertaken by using either sexual or asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Propagation of Manilkara eickii through seed germination is an efficient propagation method. The seeds are collected from the fruit, soaked in water for 48 hours to soften the outer coating, and sown in the nursery. The nursery should have a well-drained soil mixture, with adequate sunlight and regular watering.
The germination rate of Manilkara eickii seeds typically ranges between 60%-90%, with an average germination period of 3-6 weeks. The seedlings' growth rate is slow, and they will undergo transplanting into the main field after reaching 6-12 months with a height of 12-18 inches.
Asexual Propagation
The vegetative propagation of Manilkara eickii involves the use of cuttings or air layering. Multiple stem cuttings are collected from the mature plant and observed for disease and pest infestation. The cutting's bottom part is then treated with rooting hormones before planting in the nursery. The nursery should have adequate moisture and light to facilitate root development.
The air layering technique involves wrapping the branch's lower region with wet sphagnum moss and polythene to encourage root formation. The roots' formation period ranges between 3-6 months, and the new plant is separated from the mother plant when the roots have fully developed.
Both propagation techniques can be used in a plantation setting to ensure a continuous supply of Manilkara eickii. A combination of sexual and asexual methods can offer maximum production expansion of this valuable species.
Disease and Pest Management for Manilkara eickii (Engl.) H.J.Lam
Manilkara eickii, commonly known as wild mango, is a tropical fruit tree native to West and Central Africa. To ensure healthy growth and production, it is essential to manage diseases and pests that can negatively impact the plant. Here are some common issues and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause severe damage to the fruit, leaves, and twigs, resulting in defoliation, poor fruit quality, and yield reduction. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant debris, practice good sanitation, maintain proper plant spacing, and apply fungicides.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease infects the leaves, causing a white, powdery coating on the surface. It can cause leaf drop and reduce plant growth. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant material, practice proper plant spacing, and apply fungicides.
Black spot: This fungal disease affects the leaves, causing black, circular spots on the surface. It can cause leaf drop and reduce plant growth. To manage black spot, remove infected plant material, practice good sanitation, maintain proper plant spacing, and apply fungicides.
Pests
Fruit flies: This common pest can damage the fruit, causing premature drop and reducing fruit quality. To manage fruit flies, trap them with sticky traps, use pheromone traps, remove damaged fruit, and apply insecticides.
Mites: This pest feeds on the leaves, causing a yellowing and stippling effect on the surface. It can reduce plant growth and yield. To manage mites, remove infected plant material, keep the plant foliage dry, and apply insecticides.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause severe damage to the leaves and fruit, resulting in defoliation and yield reduction. To manage caterpillars, monitor the plant regularly, manually remove them, use pheromone traps, and apply insecticides.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is crucial for the healthy growth and production of Manilkara eickii. Proper sanitation, plant spacing, and the use of fungicides and insecticides when necessary can help prevent and manage common diseases and pests on the plant.
