Introduction
Morus mesozygia Stapf, commonly known as African mulberry, is a tree that belongs to the Moraceae family. This tree grows in different parts of Africa and its fruits are edible.Origin
Morus mesozygia Stapf is native to the eastern African countries of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. However, it has also been introduced to other countries in Africa like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ethiopia, where it grows very well in many types of soils.Common Names
The African mulberry has various common names depending on the region. In Ethiopia, it is known as “shola'' or “shekla,” while in Kenya, it is called “Mkonde-konde.” In Tanzania, it is commonly known as “Mkundi,” and in Uganda, it is called “Mulombwe” or “Musyanya.”Uses
Morus mesozygia Stapf has several uses that make it a valuable tree in most African communities. The tree's fruits are edible, and they are mostly consumed when ripe and raw or used in making jam, juice, and wine. Its leaves are also used as fodder for livestock and can be fed to pigs, rabbits, and chickens. The tree's bark, roots, and leaves have been used in traditional medicine to cure various ailments like dysentery, diarrhea, and even malaria.General Appearance
Morus mesozygia Stapf grows up to 20 meters tall, and its trunk can grow up to 30 centimeters in diameter. The tree is deciduous, and it loses its leaves during the dry season. It has a grayish-brown bark that is smooth when young and rough when mature. The tree has broad and rough leaves that are about 15 centimeters long and 10 centimeters wide. The African mulberry tree also produces small, juicy, and red or black fruits that are about 1 centimeter in diameter.Growth Conditions for Morus mesozygia Stapf Plant
Morus mesozygia Stapf is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that is native to tropical Africa, particularly in countries such as Cameroon, Kenya, and Nigeria. It is commonly known as the African mulberry, and it thrives in a wide range of environmental conditions.
Light Requirements
Morus mesozygia Stapf requires a lot of sunlight to grow and develop properly. It is a sun-loving plant and requires at least six hours of full sun exposure each day. In areas with extremely hot and dry climates, it can thrive under partial shade to reduce the risk of sunburn.
Soil Requirements
The African mulberry grows well in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it prefers deep, well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.
Water Requirements
This plant requires moderate watering during the growing season, particularly in areas with hot and dry climates. However, it is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, so it is important to avoid waterlogging the soil.
Temperature Requirements
Morus mesozygia Stapf grows well in tropical and subtropical regions, where temperatures range between 18 to 30 °C. It is frost-sensitive and cannot tolerate temperatures below -2 °C. Therefore, it is not suitable for cultivation in areas with cold winters.
Fertilizer Requirements
The African mulberry generally does not require high levels of fertilizer, but it responds well to balanced fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizer application should be done during the growing season, particularly in areas with poor soils.
Cultivation
Morus mesozygia Stapf, also known as African mulberry, is a tree that is native to Africa and can grow up to 25 meters tall. It prefers warm, humid climates and well-drained soil. The best time to plant African mulberry is during the rainy season when the soil is moist.
When planting, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the plant and fill it with a mixture of soil and compost. The tree should be planted at the same depth it was in the pot. Keep the soil around the tree moist and add a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture.
Watering Needs
African mulberry requires regular watering, especially during its first few years of growth. The tree should be watered deeply once a week during dry spells. It is best to water the tree early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce water evaporation and allow the roots to absorb the water thoroughly.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential to promote healthy growth and fruiting of the African mulberry tree. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied to the tree twice a year, in the early spring and late summer. Avoid over-fertilizing the tree, as it can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruiting.
Pruning
Regular pruning is crucial to encourage branching and promote a healthy shape for the African mulberry tree. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before the tree starts to produce new growth. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and thin out any overcrowding branches. To increase fruit production, prune back the previous year's growth to 2-3 buds.
Propagation of Morus mesozygia Stapf
Morus mesozygia Stapf, commonly known as African mulberry, is a tree species belonging to the Moraceae family. Propagation is an essential aspect of plant cultivation for the production of new individuals and to maintain genetic diversity in the population. Several propagation methods can be used for Morus mesozygia, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are readily available and have been used for propagation of Morus mesozygia. Seeds should be harvested from mature fruits and cleaned before sowing. It is necessary to soak seeds in warm water for 24-48 hours to soften the seed coat for a better germination rate. Sowing seeds should be done in a well-drained growing medium at a depth of 2-3 cm. The seeds should be watered frequently to maintain soil moisture. Germination usually occurs within 3-4 weeks, and seedlings can be transplanted into individual containers when they are large enough to handle.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Morus mesozygia by cuttings is a widely used method. Semi-hardwood cuttings are commonly used and should be collected during the growing season (June to September). Cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free trees. The cuttings should have two or three nodes and a length of about 15 cm. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-drained rooting medium. Cuttings should be placed in a protected area with high humidity and bright but indirect sunlight. Rooting can take between 3-6 months. When rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual containers for further growth.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering propagation is a more advanced method and is typically used for Morus mesozygia when higher genetic fidelity is desired. The method involves wounding a small section of the stem by removing a ring of bark. This wound is treated with a rooting hormone and then covered with moist sphagnum moss and wrapped with polythene. The moss is kept consistently moist, and after several weeks roots usually appear. Once roots are well developed, the stem cutting can be severed from the parent tree and transplanted into a well-draining soil mix.
In conclusion, Morus mesozygia can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or air layering. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the grower's experience and the intended use of the propagated plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Morus mesozygia Stapf
Morus mesozygia Stapf, commonly known as the African mulberry, is a deciduous tree that is widely distributed in Africa. While it is generally a hardy tree and tolerant of different conditions, it is still susceptible to diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect the African mulberry and some ways that they can be managed.
Diseases
Leaf spot disease: Leaf spot disease is one of the most common diseases that affects the African mulberry. It is caused by different fungi that proliferate in warm, humid environments. Symptoms include circular or angular spots that may be brown, yellow, or black. Fungicides containing copper or mancozeb can be used to manage the disease. Additionally, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread.
Crown canker: Crown canker is a fungal disease that causes the bark to rot and eventually leads to the death of the tree. It is often spread through wounds or cuts in the bark. There is no cure for crown canker, so prevention is crucial. Proper pruning techniques, irrigation, and fertilization practices can help prevent the disease from taking hold.
Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are common pests that infest African mulberry trees. They are small, white, soft-bodied insects that feed on sap. Mealybugs weaken the tree and can cause stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, insecticides containing malathion or imidacloprid can be sprayed on the tree. Alternatively, natural predators like ladybugs can help keep the mealybug population in check.
Scale insects: Another common pest that affects the African mulberry is the scale insect. Scale insects cover themselves with a hard, waxy shell to protect themselves from predators and insecticides. They also feed on sap, which can weaken the tree. To manage scale insects, insecticides containing neem oil or pyrethrins can be used. Additionally, pruning out heavily infested branches can help control the population.
By being vigilant and taking proactive measures, it is possible to manage diseases and pests that may affect the African mulberry. This will help ensure the health and longevity of the tree, allowing it to continue providing benefits like food, shade, and timber to its surroundings.
