Overview
Manilkara obovata, also known as the Indian jujube or locally called "lotebhatta" in Bangladesh, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and South Asia, specifically in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Description
The Indian jujube tree can grow up to 20 meters in height and has a dense and spreading crown. Its bark is gray to brown in color and somewhat rough, while its branches are droopy and spiny. The leaves of the tree are simple, alternate, and ovate, measuring around 5-10 centimeters in length and 3-6 centimeters in width. The tree's flowering period ranges from August to November, and its fruits mature in October to January. The fruit's color varies from yellow to reddish-brown, and it measures around 2-3 centimeters in diameter.
Uses
The Indian jujube tree is a valuable source of food and medicine. Its fruit is rich in nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, and B, iron, and calcium, making it an essential part of the local cuisine. The fruit's pulp is used to make juices, jams, pickles, and sweets. In traditional medicine, the tree's bark, roots, and leaves are used to treat various ailments, such as diarrhea, dysentery, skin diseases, and respiratory problems.
The wood of the Indian jujube tree is durable and termite-resistant, making it suitable for construction and furniture. Its leaves are used as animal feed, and its flowers attract bees, making it an excellent source of honey.
Cultivation
The Indian jujube tree prefers warm and tropical climates and can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. The tree can withstand drought and salinity but cannot tolerate waterlogging. Propagation is mainly through seeds, which should be sown in the early rainy season. The seedlings should be transplanted after six months in well-drained soil. The tree starts bearing fruits three to five years after plantation and can yield up to 100 kilograms per plant annually.
Light Requirements
The Manilkara obovata plant prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. It needs bright light to thrive and flower. The plant can survive in low light conditions, but it may not grow as vigorously as it would in bright light.
Temperature Requirements
The Manilkara obovata plant grows well in warm to hot temperatures. It prefers a tropical environment with temperatures ranging between 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C). The plant can tolerate moderate temperature fluctuations but does not tolerate frost or cold temperatures. It may need to be protected from extreme weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
The Manilkara obovata plant requires well-draining, moderately fertile soil. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ranging between 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capabilities. The plant can grow in sandy or clay soils, but it will benefit from adding compost or other organic material to the soil to improve its quality.
Cultivation of Manilkara obovata
Manilkara obovata, commonly known as the batoko plum, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that is native to tropical West Africa. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
For seed propagation, the seeds should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, humid environment. Germination may take 4-6 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed, they can be transplanted into larger containers or in the ground.
Cuttings can be taken from the plant in the spring or early summer and placed in a potting mix. Keep the soil moist and the cuttings in a shaded area until they develop roots, which can take several weeks. Once the roots have developed, they can be transplanted into larger containers or in the ground.
Watering Needs
Manilkara obovata prefers moist, well-draining soil. It is important to water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot.
The amount of water needed for the plant may vary depending on the climate, soil, and size of the plant. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant deeply once a week.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, Manilkara obovata should be fertilized regularly. This can be done using a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer.
During the growing season, the plant can be fertilized once a month. In the winter months, fertilization can be decreased to once every two months.
Pruning
Manilkara obovata does not require frequent pruning, but it can benefit from occasional maintenance pruning to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. It is important to use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
The plant can be pruned to shape or reduce its size, but extensive pruning should be avoided as it can affect the plant's growth and fruiting ability.
Propagation of Manilkara obovata
Manilkara obovata or commonly known as the Indian Gutta tree is propagated by both seeds and vegetative means.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Manilkara obovata are collected from mature fruits, which are fleshy berries. The seeds are extracted from the fruit pulp and washed thoroughly with clean water to remove any debris. The cleaned seeds are sun-dried for 3-4 days to reduce the moisture content and then stored in a cool and dry place.
The seeds are sown in a seedbed during the monsoon season. The soil should be well-draining and fertile. Before sowing the seeds, the soil should be loosened to a depth of 15-20 cm. The seeds are sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and covered lightly with soil. The seedbed should be watered regularly to maintain soil moisture.
After 3-4 weeks, the seeds will germinate, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots filled with well-draining soil. The seedlings should be watered regularly and protected from direct sunlight until they are established.
Propagation by Vegetative Means
Manilkara obovata can also be propagated by vegetative means such as stem cuttings and layering.
Stem cuttings are taken from mature trees during the monsoon season. The stem cuttings should be 15-20 cm long and have at least 2-3 nodes. The cuttings are treated with rooting hormones and planted in a pot filled with well-draining soil. The cuttings should be watered regularly and protected from direct sunlight until they are established.
Layering is another method of propagating Manilkara obovata. In this method, a low-hanging branch is bent down and a portion of the branch is buried in the soil. The buried part of the branch will develop roots, and a new plant will emerge. The new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.
Disease Management
Manilkara obovata is susceptible to various diseases that may lead to severe damage or death in extreme cases. Some of the diseases are:
- Damping-off: This disease is caused by pathogens like Pythium and Rhizoctonia, which usually attack seedlings causing rot. To prevent damping-off, the seeds should be soaked with a fungicide before planting them or the soil treated before planting.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is caused by fungi like Cercospora which affects the leaves of Manilkara obovata causing defoliation. This disease can be controlled by regular application of fungicides and timely pruning of affected leaves.
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by pathogens like Phytophthora which affect the roots of the plant making it difficult for the plant to absorb water and nutrients effectively. To prevent root rot, it is recommended to plant Manilkara obovata in well-draining soil and avoid over-watering.
Pest Management
Manilkara obovata is also prone to various pest attacks which can affect the plant's growth and productivity. Some of the pests that commonly attack this plant include:
- Mealybugs: These are small insects with a wax-like coating that feed on the sap of the plant. They can be controlled using insecticides, insecticidal soap or wiping them off using a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small sap-sucking insects that attach themselves to the leaves, branches or fruits of Manilkara obovata. They can be controlled by using insecticides, pruning affected areas or wiping them off using a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
- Mites: Mites are tiny arachnids that suck the sap of the plant and can cause defoliation and can be difficult to control. Regular monitoring of the plant, keeping the area clean, and applying insecticides can help to keep mites at bay.
Proper management of diseases and pests in Manilkara obovata is essential for the healthy growth and productivity of the plant. Regular monitoring and early intervention can help to prevent severe damage or death of the plant.
