Overview
Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R.Br. ex G.Don, commonly known as the African locust bean or néré, is a tropical tree species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to West Africa, specifically the Sahel region, and is known for its culinary and medicinal uses.
Common Names
Apart from the African locust bean or néré, the plant is also known by several local names such as Dawadawa, Iru, Soumbala, and Netetou.
Appearance
The Parkia biglobosa tree can grow up to 20 meters tall, with a broad, spreading canopy. The leaves are pinnate and can have up to 20 leaflets. The plant bears small, greenish-yellow flowers that are pollinated by bees and other insects. The fruit is a long, twisted pod that can reach up to 50 cm in length, and can contain up to 25 seeds.
Uses
The African locust bean is a highly valued food crop in West Africa, and is used as a condiment in soups and stews. The seeds are first fermented, then boiled and milled into a paste, which is used to add flavor to traditional dishes. The pulp of the fruit can also be eaten fresh or dried, and is high in calcium, iron, and other micronutrients.
In addition to its culinary uses, the African locust bean is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The bark, leaves, and roots of the plant are used to treat fever, respiratory infections, and skin conditions. The seeds are also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Light Requirements
Parkia biglobosa is a tree species that requires full sun to grow adequately. They thrive in areas with plenty of sunshine, where they can receive direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. In areas with insufficient sunlight, the tree tends to grow taller with fewer branches and leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The tree prefers warm and humid conditions, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. They grow best in areas with a temperature range of 25°C to 30°C, and are sensitive to frost and extreme cold. Ideally, they should be grown in areas with a consistent temperature that rarely falls below 20°C.
Soil Requirements
Parkia biglobosa grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. They prefer soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. However, the tree does not thrive in waterlogged soils and requires adequate drainage to prevent root rot. Regular application of organic manure helps to enhance soil moisture retention and improve the fertility of the soil.
Cultivation Methods
Parkia biglobosa, also known as African locust bean, is a tropical plant that thrives in hot and humid climates. It can grow in various soil types, but it prefers well-drained, loamy soil. The ideal temperature for the plant's growth is between 25 and 35°C, and it requires full sun exposure. The plant is propagated through seeds, which should be sown in the field or nursery at the onset of the rainy season. The seeds should be soaked in water overnight before planting to enhance germination.
Watering Needs
While Parkia biglobosa is drought-resistant, it still requires consistent watering for optimal growth and production. Irrigation should commence immediately after planting and continue at intervals of 7 to 10 days, depending on the climate and soil type. During the dry season, the plant may require frequent watering to survive.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial for the healthy growth of Parkia biglobosa. The plant requires a high amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In the first year of planting, apply 200g of NPK fertilizer per tree, and in subsequent years, apply 400g of fertilizer per tree. To ensure proper absorption of nutrients, it is best to fertilize the plant in split applications, with the first one at the beginning of the rainy season and the second around the middle of the rainy season.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the desired shape and size of the tree. The best time to prune Parkia biglobosa is during the dry season, as it facilitates easier access and better visibility of the tree structure. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and thin out the canopy to enhance air circulation. Pruning should be done annually to maintain tree health and vigor.
Propagation of Parkia biglobosa
Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R.Br. ex G.Don, also known as the African locust bean or néré, is most commonly propagated through seeds. However, propagation can also be done through vegetative means, such as cuttings and grafting.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Parkia biglobosa are usually collected from the pods that develop on the tree. The pods are left to dry, after which the seeds are removed and stored for propagation. To ensure successful seed germination, it is recommended to scarify the seeds by manually nicking the seed coat to allow water to penetrate and soften the protective layer. This can be done by using a file, sandpaper, or hot water.
After scarification, the seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours. This helps to further soften the seed coat to aid in germination. The soaked seeds are then sown in a suitable substrate, such as sandy soil or river sand mixed with compost, in a shaded area. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of the substrate and kept moist until germination. Germination usually takes between 2 to 4 weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Cuttings and grafting are alternative methods for propagating Parkia biglobosa. Cuttings are usually taken from young branches or twigs, and should be about 25-30 cm long with at least 3-4 nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a suitable substrate. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment and shaded area, and it may take several months for rooting to occur.
Grafting involves joining a stem or bud from a desirable tree (scion) onto the stem of a rootstock from another tree. This method is usually used to maintain desirable traits of a specific cultivar and to ensure uniformity of the resulting plants. Grafting is a more complex propagation method and requires knowledge and skill to be performed successfully.
Overall, propagating Parkia biglobosa can be done through various methods and requires some basic knowledge and care to ensure successful growth and development of the plant.
Disease and Pest Management of Parkia biglobosa
Parkia biglobosa, commonly known as the African locust bean, is a valuable multipurpose tree widely cultivated in Africa. It is highly utilized for its edible pods, seeds, and leaves, which have significant economic, nutritional, and medicinal values. However, the plant is prone to many diseases and pests that affect its productivity. Therefore, it is essential to take measures to manage these problems to increase production and ensure food security.
Common Diseases of Parkia biglobosa
1. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and pods of Parkia biglobosa. Infected leaves develop brownish-black spots that can lead to defoliation, while infected pods become dark brown, dried, and shriveled. To manage anthracnose, it is crucial to improve air circulation, avoid over-irrigation, and remove infected plant parts. Fungicides can also be used to manage anthracnose.
2. Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Parkia biglobosa. Infected leaves develop yellowish or reddish-brown spots on the upper surface and brownish-yellow pustules on the lower surface. Severe infections can lead to defoliation and reduced plant growth. To manage rust, remove infected plant parts, improve air circulation, and apply fungicides.
3. Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Parkia biglobosa, causing them to rot and decay. Infected plants exhibit reduced growth, yellowing of leaves, and eventual death. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage, avoid over-irrigation, and use fungicides to control the disease.
Common Pests of Parkia biglobosa
1. Pod borers: Pod borers are insect pests that affect the pods of Parkia biglobosa. They tunnel into the pods, causing them to rot and drop prematurely. To manage pod borers, handpick and destroy infected pods, use insecticides, and encourage natural enemies like parasitic wasps to control the pest.
2. Leaf-eating caterpillars: Leaf-eating caterpillars are insect pests that feed on the leaves of Parkia biglobosa, causing defoliation and reduced plant growth. To manage leaf-eating caterpillars, use biological control agents like Bacillus thuringiensis or neem-based insecticides to control the pests.
3. Termites: Termites are soil-dwelling insect pests that feed on the roots and stem of Parkia biglobosa, causing wilting and death of the plant. To manage termites, apply soil insecticides around the base of the plant, use termite-resistant mulch, and avoid over-irrigation, which can attract the pests.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is crucial to ensuring the productivity and sustainability of Parkia biglobosa. A combination of cultural practices, biological control agents, and chemical control measures can be used to control diseases and pests, improve yield, and maintain the overall health of the plant.
