Overview of Morus macroura
Morus macroura is a species of mulberry tree that belongs to the family Moraceae. It is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, where it is known by many vernacular names.
Common Names
Some of the common names for this plant include big mulberry, black mulberry, and Himalayan Mulberry. In the Philippines, it is also known as tapol and tapulauan.
Appearance
Morus macroura is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The leaves are large, broad, and shiny, with a length of up to 30 centimeters. The tree produces fruit that resembles a blackberry, with a diameter of up to 4 centimeters. The fruit is edible and sweet, with a juicy texture.
Uses
The fruit of Morus macroura is commonly used in traditional medicine as it is believed to have many health benefits. In some cultures, it is used to treat various conditions, including constipation, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The leaves, bark, and roots are also used in traditional medicine.
In addition to its medicinal properties, the fruit of Morus macroura is also used in the food industry to make jams, jellies, and syrups. The tree is also used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive leaves and fruit.
Light Requirements
The plant Morus macroura requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and fruit production. It cannot tolerate shade and requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Morus macroura prefers a warm and humid climate. It can grow in a wide range of temperatures between 20-30°C, but it thrives at an average temperature of 25°C. Temperatures below 10°C can damage the plant, and frost can kill it.
Soil Requirements
Morus macroura prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It grows well in loamy and sandy soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged, as it can lead to root rot. The plant can tolerate salt in the soil, but excessive salinity can adversely affect its growth.
Cultivation methods:
Morus macroura, commonly known as the large fruited mulberry, is a small to medium-sized plant. It prefers full sunlight for optimum growth but can also tolerate partial shade. The plant thrives in well-draining and fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH level must be between 6.0 to 6.5. Mulberry trees grow well in warm climates, and they require protection from frost.
Watering needs:
Proper watering is an essential factor in the growth of mulberries. These plants require frequent irrigation and high amounts of moisture, especially during the dry season. A well-watered mulberry tree produces more and bigger fruits than an under-watered tree. When watering, ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering may lead to root rot, which can result in plant death.
Fertilization:
Mulberry trees require sufficient quantities of nutrients to produce good yields. Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are the primary nutrients required for mulberry growth. Since the plant prefers fertile soil, organic matter is essential for mulberry cultivation. You can add organic compost to the soil to increase the soil's fertility. You may also consider applying a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilizer application should be reduced during the winter season.
Pruning:
Pruning is an essential aspect of mulberry tree care. It involves removing dead, diseased, or broken branches to maintain the tree's health. Pruning also stimulates the growth of new shoots that produce more and bigger fruits. It is advisable to prune mulberry trees during the dormant season, which is generally in winter. When pruning, ensure that you maintain the shape and height of the tree while cutting.
Propagation of Morus Macroura
Morus macroura, commonly known as Pakistani Mulberry, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Moraceae family. This tree is native to the foothills of the Himalayas in Pakistan, India, and Nepal. Propagation is the process of creating new trees from parent plants, either sexually (by seed) or asexually (by cuttings, layering, or grafting).
Propagation Methods
Propagation of Morus macroura can be done through various methods. Some of these methods include:
- Seed Propagation: This method involves collecting fresh seeds from a mature Mulberry fruit and planting them in a seedbed. The seeds require stratification before planting to break dormancy and increase the germination rate. Seed propagation is a slow process and may take up to 6 months before seedlings emerge.
- Cutting Propagation: This method involves taking stem cuttings from the parent tree and rooting them under controlled conditions. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free, and mature wood during the dormant season. Softwood cuttings can also be taken during the growing season. Rooting hormones can be used to enhance the rooting process.
- Air Layering: This method involves creating a wound on a healthy branch of the parent tree and wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss. The branch is then covered with plastic wrap to keep the moss moist and encourage root development. Once roots have formed, the branch can be removed and planted as a new tree.
- Grafting: This method involves joining a scion (a young shoot of the desired tree) with a rootstock (a mature root system of a different tree). Grafting can be used to propagate clones of a desirable cultivar, control the size of the tree, and increase disease resistance.
Propagation is an essential aspect of plant conservation and cultivation. Morus macroura is an attractive tree that produces delicious mulberries. By using the right propagation methods, gardeners, and farmers can ensure to produce healthy, vigorous, and uniform trees.
Disease and Pest Management for Morus macroura
As a plant, Morus macroura is relatively resilient. However, it can succumb to diseases, pests, and other issues if not cared for properly. Here are some common problems that might affect the plant and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can cause defoliation and stunted growth if left untreated. To manage this disease, prune affected branches and remove any debris around the base of the plant. Fungicides may also be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Leaf spot is another common fungal disease that affects Morus macroura. It causes irregularly shaped brown spots to form on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove any infected leaves and discard them in the trash. Use a fungicide as directed to control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
The Morus macroura plant is relatively resistant to pests, but some might still cause damage. Two of the most common pests to affect the plant are spider mites and aphids.
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn brown and fall off. To manage spider mites, use a miticide as directed, or simply spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock the mites off the leaves.
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. This can attract ants and other pests, leading to further damage. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use an insecticidal soap as directed.
Overall, the Morus macroura plant is relatively low-maintenance when it comes to disease and pest management. With proper care and occasional monitoring, it can thrive and provide delicious, nutritious fruit for years to come.
