Overview
Manilkara surinamensis Miq. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. This plant is known for its many medicinal properties as well as its hardwood, which is highly valued for furniture making.
Origin and Common Names
Manilkara surinamensis Miq. is native to the Guianas, which includes Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. It is commonly known as the Bulletwood tree, Milk tree, Massaranduba, or Balata tree.
General Appearance
The Bulletwood tree can grow up to 50 meters tall and has a diameter of about 1-2 meters. The bark of the tree is gray and smooth with vertical fissures. The leaves are oval-shaped, dark green, and shiny. The bullet-shaped fruit of the tree is reddish-brown in color and contains one seed. The wood of the tree is red-brown and hard, making it popular in the furniture industry.
Uses
Manilkara surinamensis Miq. has many uses. The latex from the tree is used in various industries, including the production of chewing gum, adhesives, and waterproof coatings. The bark of the tree has medicinal properties and has been used to treat respiratory ailments and to relieve pain. The hardwood of the tree is durable and resistant to decay, making it ideal for furniture and construction materials.
In addition, the Bulletwood tree is also used for ornamental purposes due to its striking appearance. Its tall and straight trunk, shiny leaves, and reddish-brown fruit make it a popular choice for landscaping and as a shade tree on large properties.
Light Conditions
Manilkara surinamensis Miq. thrives in full sun or partial shade. It can withstand direct sunlight, but it prefers moderate shade.
Temperature Conditions
The plant requires warm and humid weather to grow well. It can grow in a range of temperatures from 20°C to 37°C. Temperatures below 15°C can slow down plant growth, while frost can kill it.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in a variety of soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter to promote growth. Clay soils with poor drainage should be avoided.
Cultivation methods
Manilkara surinamensis Miq., also known as balata or bulletwood tree, can be grown from seeds or cuttings. If you're using seeds, it's necessary to soak them in hot water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat and speed up the germination process. The ideal time to plant the seeds is during the rainy season. The cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy trees, and they need to be treated with rooting hormone to encourage growth.
Watering needs
The balata tree thrives in well-draining soil that's kept moist but not waterlogged. It's essential to water the tree regularly, especially during the dry season. Newly planted trees require more frequent watering than established trees. The amount of water needed will depend on the soil type and the tree's age. You can check the moisture level in the soil by inserting your finger into the soil to a depth of around 2 inches.
Fertilization
Manilkara surinamensis Miq. requires regular feeding to grow healthy and produce good yields. Apply a balanced fertilizer that's rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during the growing season. The frequency of fertilization will depend on the age of the tree, the soil fertility, and the results of soil tests.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Manilkara surinamensis Miq. However, it can help promote better tree health and improve yields. The best time to prune the tree is during the dry season when the leaves have fallen. The pruning should focus on removing dead and diseased branches and those that are rubbing against each other. You can also shape the tree to your preferred height and width.
Propagation of Manilkara surinamensis Miq.
Manilkara surinamensis Miq., commonly known as balata, is propagated mainly by seeds, although vegetative propagation methods have also been successfully employed.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Manilkara surinamensis are large, round, and brown. They should be collected from fully mature fruits, which are usually available from November to March. Seed viability is about six months, but they should be sown as soon as possible to prevent loss of viability.
Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water overnight to remove the fleshy coating. They should then be scarified or nicked with a sharp blade to facilitate water absorption and germination. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil in pots or seedbeds, covered lightly with soil, and kept moist. They germinate within 10-15 days.
The seedlings should be grown for about six months before transplanting to their permanent location. It is important to note that the seedlings should be handled with care, as the roots are very sensitive to damage.
Vegetative Propagation
Another method of propagation for Manilkara surinamensis is vegetative propagation. This method is usually employed for the production of selected varieties.
The methods include air layering, stem cuttings, and grafting. Air layering involves girdling a branch of the plant, applying a rooting hormone to the wound, and wrapping it in damp sphagnum moss. Roots will develop in the moss, and the branch can be cut and planted once the roots have developed.
Stem cuttings can be taken from mature plants, preferably from the basal portions. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-drained soil mixture. They should be kept moist and in a shaded area until roots have developed.
Grafting involves uniting the scion (selected variety) with a rootstock (seedling or sapling). This method is used to combine desirable traits of different varieties.
Disease and Pest Management for Manilkara surinamensis Miq.
Manilkara surinamensis Miq., also known as balata or bulletwood, is an important tree species due to its potential uses in construction, furniture, and tool handles. However, it is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests that can negatively impact its growth and productivity. Therefore, proper disease and pest management strategies are necessary to maintain healthy and productive stands of Manilkara surinamensis.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Manilkara surinamensis is leaf spot caused by the fungus Cercospora sp. Symptoms include small, circular to irregularly shaped spots on leaves, which can coalesce and lead to premature defoliation. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain good sanitation practices by removing infected leaves and debris from around the base of the tree. Additionally, the use of fungicides can be effective in controlling the spread of the fungus.
Another common disease is powdery mildew caused by the fungus Oidium sp. Symptoms include a white or grayish powdery film on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation and reduced growth. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the tree and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the fungus.
Common Pests
The most common pest affecting Manilkara surinamensis is the shoot borer, which is the larva of the beetle, Hypsipyla grandella. This pest attacks young shoots and terminal buds, resulting in stem deformation and reduced growth. To manage this pest, it is important to prune and remove affected shoots and buds as soon as possible. The use of insecticides can also be effective in controlling the spread of the pest.
Another common pest is the leaf miner, which is the larva of various moths that feed on the leaves of the tree. Symptoms include curled and distorted leaves, which can reduce photosynthesis and growth. To manage this pest, it is important to prune and remove affected leaves and the use of insecticides can help control the spread of the pest.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management strategies are essential for maintaining healthy and productive stands of Manilkara surinamensis. Thus, the implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) practices that combine cultural, biological, and chemical control methods is highly recommended. Monitoring of the orchard for early signs of disease and pest infestation and taking appropriate actions in a timely manner can significantly minimize the negative impact of diseases and pests on the productivity and quality of Manilkara surinamensis Miq.
