Overview of Manilkara zapota (L.) P.Royen
Manilkara zapota (L.) P.Royen is a slow-growing evergreen tree that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. The plant is native to southern Mexico and Central America and is now widely cultivated throughout tropical regions worldwide. The plant is also known as sapodilla or chiku in Hindi and other Indian languages.
Appearance
The sapodilla tree grows up to 20-30 m in height and has a dense, pyramidal-shaped crown. The bark is rough and grayish-brown, and the leaves are glossy, leathery, and oval-shaped, growing up to 15 cm. The plant produces small, white or yellow colored flowers, which bloom throughout the year. The fruits are round or oval-shaped, 4-8 cm in diameter, and have a tough, brown, and slightly hairy skin. The flesh is yellow-brown and sweet with small black seeds.
Uses
The sapodilla fruit has a sweet flavor similar to caramel and is eaten fresh or used to make jam, juice, and desserts. The fruit has also been used in traditional medicine to treat coughs, constipation, and diarrhea. The latex obtained from the sapodilla tree is used to manufacture chewing gum due to its sticky and elastic nature. The bark and leaves of the sapodilla plant are used to produce a red-brown dye.
In conclusion, Manilkara zapota (L.) P.Royen is a valuable plant with various uses and attractive appearance.
Light Requirements
The plant Manilkara zapota typically grows well in full sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but prefers to receive direct sunlight for at least part of the day. In the absence of adequate light, the plant may grow tall and spindly and produce few fruits. Therefore, it is recommended to place it in a sunny location.
Temperature Requirements
The Manilkara zapota is a tropical and subtropical plant that grows best in warm temperatures. It is frost-sensitive and will not tolerate temperatures below 26ºF (-3ºC). The optimum temperature range for growth of Manilkara zapota is between 60ºF to 85ºF (15.5ºC to 29.5ºC). The plant can survive drought conditions, but not prolonged periods of heavy rain or flooding.
Soil Requirements
The Manilkara zapota plant prefers well-drained, sandy loam soils with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate a variety of soils, but does not perform well in waterlogged soils that lack proper drainage. The incorporation of organic matter into the soil can improve the aeration, water-holding capacity, and nutrient availability for the plant. Manure or compost can be added to improve soil fertility and structure.
Cultivation Methods
Manilkara zapota, commonly known as sapodilla, is a tropical fruit tree that grows best in warm and humid conditions. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 8.0. The plant can be propagated through seeds or grafting. Plant the sapodilla tree in a hole that is twice as wide and deep as its root ball. Keep the tree in a sunny spot with protection from strong winds.
Watering Needs
Sapodilla trees require regular watering to grow and produce fruit. Water the tree deeply once a week, and increase the frequency during dry and hot weather. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The sapodilla tree needs regular fertilization to thrive. Apply a balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every three months during the growing season. Additionally, use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure to improve soil quality and promote healthy growth.
Pruning
Prune the sapodilla tree regularly to remove dead or damaged branches. Trim away the lower branches to create a clean trunk, and remove any leggy growth to promote branching. Avoid heavy pruning, especially during the winter months, as it can affect fruit production. Ensure that your pruning tools are sharp and disinfected to avoid spreading diseases.
Propagation of Manilkara zapota
Manilkara zapota, commonly known as sapodilla or chikoo, is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. The tree is native to Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America and is now grown worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. There are several methods of propagating Manilkara zapota, including seed propagation, grafting, and air layering.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Manilkara zapota is through seed propagation. The seeds can be extracted from the ripe fruits and planted directly into the soil. However, the seeds have a short viability period and must be planted within a few days of extraction. The seeds should be planted at a depth of approximately 2 cm and kept in a warm and moist environment. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted when they are 6-8 months old.
Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating Manilkara zapota that is commonly used to preserve desirable traits of the parent tree. The most common grafting techniques include cleft grafting and veneer grafting. The best time for grafting is during the spring when the tree is in an active growth phase. The success rate of grafting in Manilkara zapota is generally high, and the grafted plants usually begin to bear fruits within 3-4 years.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method that involves inducing the development of roots on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. This can be done by removing a ring of bark from the stem, covering the wound with rooting hormone, and wrapping it with a moist material such as sphagnum moss and plastic. The roots will develop within 2-3 months, and the new plant can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into a new location. However, this method is generally not used for Manilkara zapota as it is a slow process and can take up to a year to develop new plants.
Disease Management
The plant Manilkara zapota (L.) P.Royen is susceptible to various diseases. Here are some of the common diseases and ways to handle them:
- Anthracnose: This foliar disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The symptoms include dark spots on leaves and fruits, which gradually enlarge and merge, leading to defoliation and fruit rot. Cut off the infected parts and dispose of them properly. Use copper-based fungicides to protect healthy plant parts.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease is caused by Phyllosticta spp. It manifests as brownish-black circular spots on leaves, leading to defoliation. Cut and dispose of infected parts. Apply copper-based fungicides according to package instructions.
- Pink disease: This fungal disease is caused by Corticium salmonicolor. The symptoms include the formation of a pinkish growth on the bark and wood, leading to the death of infected tissues. Remove the infected part and ensure proper sanitation. Apply copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Manilkara zapota (L.) P.Royen is also attacked by various pests. Here are some common pests that infest this plant and ways to manage them:
- Fruit fly: This pest lays eggs on ripe fruits, which hatch into maggots that feed on the pulp. Use sticky traps or protein baits to trap adult flies. Cover fruits with fine-mesh bags to prevent egg-laying. Apply insecticides to kill the eggs and larvae.
- Scale insects: These sap-sucking pests infest the leaves, stems, and fruits. They secrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes fungal growth. Use soft-bristled brushes to scrub off scales from leaves and stems. Apply horticultural oils or soapy water solutions to suffocate the pests.
- Mealybugs: These pests also suck sap and secrete honeydew, leading to fungal growth and black sooty mold. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or horticultural oil to dab on the mealybugs. Apply insecticides if necessary.
