Introduction
Pouteria ceresolii (Rock) Fosberg is a species of tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. It is an evergreen plant that is native to the Philippines.Common Names
Pouteria ceresolii is commonly known as "bagawak-morado" or "bagawak-lamok" in the Philippines.Appearance
Pouteria ceresolii can grow up to 15 meters in height. The tree has a straight trunk that is covered with slightly rough brown bark. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped, with a dark green glossy upper surface and a lighter green lower surface. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, blooming during the summer months. The fruit of the tree is a round, shiny berry that is about 3 cm in diameter, with a shiny black exterior and a white, soft, and sweet flesh inside.Uses
The fruit of Pouteria ceresolii is edible and is commonly consumed fresh or used in making desserts and jams. The tree is also commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as cough, fever, and diarrhea. The bark of the tree is used to treat skin infections and wounds. Additionally, the tree's wood is used for furniture making and construction. Pouteria ceresolii is also valued for its ornamental value, with its attractive foliage and striking fruit making it a popular landscaping choice in tropical regions.Light Requirements
Pouteria ceresolii prefers to grow in an area with partial shade to full sunlight exposure for its balanced growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures within its growth zone, which is USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11. The areas it prefers to grow in have an approximate temperature range of 18 to 35 °C (65 to 95 °F).
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5. Sandy soil with organic matter is the best-suited soil type for Pouteria ceresolii. However, the plant can tolerate and grow well in a wide variety of soil types like loamy soil, clay soil, and acidic soil.
Cultivation Methods for Pouteria Ceresolii
Pouteria ceresolii, commonly known as Ceresol sapote, is a tropical evergreen tree native to the Brazilian Atlantic coast. The tree can grow up to 15 meters tall, and its fruits are edible and highly valued for their taste and nutritional value. If you're planning to cultivate Pouteria ceresolii, here are some tips to consider:
- Plant the seedlings in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The best soils for this tree are those that are slightly acidic with a pH of about 6.0 to 6.5.
- The tree requires full sun exposure to thrive. Therefore, ensure that you plant it in an area that receives sunlight for most of the day.
- Provide enough space between the seedlings to allow for optimal growth. The recommended spacing is 10 to 15 meters apart.
- Mulch around the tree's base to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and add nutrients to the soil.
- Transplant the seedlings when they are about 20 to 30 cm high into bigger containers.
Watering Needs for Pouteria Ceresolii
Pouteria ceresolii requires consistent watering for optimal growth. Here are some tips to ensure that you provide the right amount of water:
- Water the tree frequently during the first year after planting to ensure that the roots establish well.
- Once established, the tree requires moderate watering. Ensure that the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
- Water the tree once or twice a week during the dry season to supplement rainfall.
- Reduce watering during the winter season to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization of Pouteria Ceresolii
Pouteria ceresolii benefits from regular fertilization to promote optimal growth and fruiting. Here are some tips for fertilizing the tree:
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer high in nitrogen every four to six months during the growing season.
- Avoid overfertilizing, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the tree's expense of fruit production.
- Ensure that the fertilizer application is even to promote uniform growth.
- Use organic fertilizers, compost, or well-rotted manure as an alternative to chemical fertilizers.
Pruning Pouteria Ceresolii
Pruning helps manage the size and shape of the tree, promoting optimal growth, and increasing fruit yield. Here are some tips for pruning Pouteria ceresolii:
- Prune the tree during the dry season when the tree is dormant.
- Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches to promote healthy growth.
- Prune the tree's top to achieve the desired size and shape, keeping in mind that taller trees produce higher yields.
- Thin out the branches to promote better light penetration into the tree's interior.
- Seal any cuts with pruning paint to prevent pests and diseases from entering the tree.
Propagation of Pouteria ceresolii (Rock) Fosberg:
Pouteria ceresolii (Rock) Fosberg, commonly known as the Ceresoli Sapote, is a tropical tree native to the region of Fiji. The plant can be propagated through seeds and vegetative methods, which include cuttings, layering, and budding.
Propagation from Seeds:
The seeds of Pouteria ceresolii can be collected from the ripe fruits of the tree. The seeds must be washed and cleaned before sowing. To enhance the germination rate, the seeds could be pre-treated with sulphuric acid or hot water, but this method is not recommended for unexperienced growers. After pre-treatment, the seeds are sowed in a well-draining potting mixture and covered with sand or fine soil. The pot must be kept under a shade cloth or a misting system, where the temperature and humidity levels are regulated. The seedlings should be transplanted to larger containers when they reach a height of 5 to 6 inches.
Vegetative Propagation:
Cuttings are the most common method of vegetative propagation used for Pouteria ceresolii. Select the healthy stem cuttings with green bark, make a 6 to 8 inches cut from the tip or lateral branch, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the stem cuttings in a rooting hormone for a few seconds and plant them in the potting mixture. Keep the pot under a shade for the first few days, and then gradually expose it to sunlight. The cuttings will produce roots in 4 to 6 weeks, and after that, they can be transplanted to larger containers or directly in the garden.
The layering method of propagation is similar to that of the cuttings but, instead, the stem is bent towards the ground, and a portion of the stem is buried in the soil with the help of pegs. After a few weeks, roots will emerge from the buried stem, and the new plant can be detached from the parent plant and planted separately.
Budding is a more advanced method of propagation that involves joining a bud of a desired cultivar onto a selected rootstock. This method is mainly used by commercial growers to speed up the process of propagation and to ensure the uniformity of the plant's characteristics.
Disease and Pest Management for Pouteria ceresolii
Pouteria ceresolii is a tropical tree that produces edible fruit and belongs to the family Sapotaceae. Proper disease and pest management is essential for maintaining healthy plants and maximizing yields. Some of the common diseases and pests that can affect P. ceresolii are discussed below along with their management strategies.
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, twig blight, and fruit rot in P. ceresolii. The affected leaves turn yellow and fall off, and fruit may have brownish-black spots. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy the infected plant material. Use fungicides like copper-based compounds and avoid overhead irrigation, as wet leaves create ideal conditions for fungal growth.
2. Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease caused by soil-borne pathogens that infect the roots and stem base. The infected plants show symptoms like yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, maintain well-drained soil, avoid overwatering, and practice good sanitation by removing infected plants and soil.
Pests
1. Scale insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped pests that attach themselves to the leaves, twigs, and stems of P. ceresolii, sucking sap and causing yellowing of leaves, dieback, and stunted growth. Control scale insects by pruning and destroying the heavily infested parts of the plant, using insecticidal soaps and oils, and encouraging natural predators like lady beetles and lacewings.
2. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that produce a white, cottony substance on the leaves and stems, which attracts ants. Mealybugs suck the sap from the plant, causing plant stunting, leaf yellowing, and wilting. Control mealybugs by removing and destroying heavily infested plant parts, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, and introducing natural predators like lady beetles and parasitic wasps.
Regular scouting and monitoring, quick diagnosis, and timely management measures are crucial for preventing and managing diseases and pests in P. ceresolii. Use of integrated pest management strategies, such as cultural, biological, and chemical methods, can help to reduce pest infestations and prevent the emergence of pesticide resistance.
