Overview
Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr. is a leguminous tree that is native to West Africa and commonly found in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon. It is also known by various common names such as African locust bean, néré, and dawadawa.
General Appearance
The tree is known to grow up to 40 meters tall in the wild, but in cultivation, it is usually around 10 to 20 meters tall. The bark of the tree is gray or brown, and its leaves are pinnate with 5 to 6 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are yellow and fragrant, and the fruit is a flat, leathery pod that contains several seeds.
Uses
Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr. has a variety of uses, including as a food source, medicine, and timber. The pods of the tree are used for cooking and as a seasoning in various dishes. The seeds can be ground into a powder and used as a condiment or fermented to make a highly nutritious and protein-rich food ingredient. In traditional medicine, different parts of the tree are used to treat a variety of ailments such as diarrhea and fever. The wood is used for various purposes, such as flooring, furniture, and construction material. Additionally, the tree's ability to fix nitrogen makes it useful for reforestation and soil improvement purposes.
Light Requirements
Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr. is a tree species that requires direct sunlight for optimum growth. They require long hours of bright light to carry out photosynthesis effectively. Lack of adequate light can lead to stunted growth and reduced productivity.
Temperature Requirements
Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr. is a tropical tree species that thrives in warm temperatures. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures as long as they do not fall below 20°C or rise above 35°C. Growth is usually optimal at temperatures between 25°C to 30°C.
Soil Requirements
Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range between 6.0 and 7.5. These trees can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil must have adequate nutrients, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to support growth.
Cultivation of Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr.
Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr., also known as African locust bean, is an indigenous tree to West Africa that thrives well in warm temperatures. For successful cultivation, it's advisable to plant it during the rainy season, which should be done following the steps below:
- Select a suitable planting site that has well-draining soils, and sufficient sunlight exposure.
- Prepare the land by digging holes that are twice the depth and size of the root ball.
- Place the seedling carefully at the center of the hole and backfill with soil while packing it firmly.
- Leave a shallow concave-shaped basin around the base of the tree to harvest rainwater.
- Water the seedling immediately after planting.
Watering needs of Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr.
Proper watering regimes are critical for ensuring the growth, health and fruit production of Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr. Establishing a regular and sufficient watering schedule is necessary in the first year of planting, to enable the plant to develop deep roots that can better access groundwater. Subsequently, avoid frequent watering and let the tree access groundwater, only watering occasionally during dry spells when necessary.
Fertilization of Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr.
Supplying proper nutrients to Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr. is essential for its growth, flowering, and fruiting. Consider the following fertilization tips:
- Apply manure or compost around the base of the tree before the onset of the rainy season.
- Spread a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) during the rainy season, but avoid over-fertilizing as it harms the plant's growth and quality of the fruits.
- You can top-dress the soil with nitrogenous fertilizers before the flowering season to increase flower count.
Pruning of Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr.
Limited pruning is necessary in either the rainy or dry seasons. During the first year of planting, only prune broken, diseased, or pest-infested branches. In subsequent years, perform pruning mainly to remove diseased, dead, or crowded branches. However, do not prune excessively since the African locust bean canopies are used to protect the tree from direct sunlight.
Propagation of Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr.
The propagation of Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr., also known as African locust bean, can be carried out by seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr. can be propagated by either direct sowing or pre-nursery seed treatment. For pre-nursery seed treatment, the seeds are usually soaked in warm water for about 24 hours before sowing. The seeds germinate in 5-10 days after sowing and usually have a high germination rate of up to 90%.
Propagation by cuttings
The propagation of Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr. by cuttings is not very common. However, it can be done by taking stem cuttings of about 20cm length with at least three nodes. The cuttings are usually treated with rooting hormones, planted in soil, and kept under moist and shaded conditions. Rooting of the cuttings usually takes 3-4 weeks.
Propagation by grafting
Grafting is a common method of propagating Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr. The plant is usually propagated by root stock grafting. This involves grafting the desired scion on a seedling rootstock. The rootstock usually has a vigorous root system and is resistant to soil-borne diseases. Grafting helps to propagate plants with desirable traits such as high yields, early maturity, and disease resistance.
Disease and Pest Management for Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr.
Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr., also commonly known as African locust bean, is a hardy tree that is native to West Africa. While it is relatively pest-resistant, it can still suffer from a few diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield.
Common Diseases
A few common diseases that may affect Parkia oliveri are:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease is characterized by small, dark sunken spots on leaves, stems, and pods. It can cause leaf drop and pod rot, which can affect yield. To manage anthracnose, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant material, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides as necessary.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi that attack the roots of the tree. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilting. To manage root rot, it is important to ensure good drainage, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides as necessary.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves and pods of the tree. It can cause deformation of the pods and affect yield. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to practice good sanitation and cultural practices, such as pruning for good air circulation, and apply fungicides as necessary.
Common Pests
While Parkia oliveri is relatively pest-resistant, a few common pests that may affect it are:
- Bean pod borer: This pest lays eggs on the young pods of the tree and the larvae bore into the pods, causing damage. To manage bean pod borer, handpicking of affected pods and application of insecticides can be used.
- Termites: Termites are common pests that can attack the roots of the tree. To manage termites, it is important to keep the area around the tree free of debris and apply insecticides.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause yellowing and deformation of leaves. To manage aphids, handpicking and application of insecticides can be used.
Overall, the key to disease and pest management for Parkia oliveri is good cultural practices, such as pruning for good air circulation, ensuring good drainage, and keeping the area around the tree free of debris. Additionally, using resistant varieties and applying pesticides only as necessary can help prevent disease and pest problems.
