Overview of Pouteria disaco (Engl.) A.Meeuse
Pouteria disaco (Engl.) A.Meeuse, also known as Diploknema butyracea or Indian garcinia, is a tropical plant species belonging to the family Sapotaceae.
Origin and Distribution
Pouteria disaco is native to the Indian subcontinent, specifically found in the Western Ghats region of India, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It prefers subtropical and tropical climates and grows naturally in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests at elevations up to 900 meters.
Common Names
Pouteria disaco is known by various common names in different parts of the world. In India, it is called mahua or mowrah, while in Sri Lanka, it is known as pol-ma or pala. The plant is also called butter tree, Indian garcinia, or velvet apple in English-speaking countries.
Uses
Pouteria disaco has various uses, particularly in traditional medicine and cuisine.
In traditional medicine, the bark, fruits, and seeds of the plant are used for treating various ailments such as skin diseases, diarrhea, and intestinal worms. The bark has antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties, while the seeds possess anthelmintic and mild purgative qualities.
In cuisine, the fruits of Pouteria disaco, also known as velvet apples, are eaten as a dessert fruit or juiced for making refreshing drinks. The seeds are also used to make a type of edible fat, known locally as mahua butter, which is used in cooking, soap making, and traditional lamps.
Appearance
Pouteria disaco is a medium-sized evergreen tree, reaching heights of up to 15-25 meters. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and leathery, measuring 5-15 cm in length and 2-6 cm in width. The tree bears small, greenish-white flowers that appear in clusters and are followed by round or oval-shaped fruits, measuring 5-7 cm in diameter, with a bright yellow or reddish-brown velvety skin. The flesh of the fruit is creamy white, with a sweet, fragrant flavor. The seeds are large, circular, and flat, measuring 3-4 cm in diameter, with a hard, woody outer shell.
Light Conditions
Pouteria disaco requires bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and stunt the plant's growth. It is best to place the plant near a window that receives filtered light or to use a sheer curtain to filter the sunlight.
Temperature Conditions
The Pouteria disaco plant prefers warm temperatures between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). It is important to avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 13°C (55°F) as this can cause the plant to suffer and eventually die.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Pouteria disaco should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mixture of sand, peat moss, and perlite (or vermiculite) works best. The soil pH should be acidic, between 5.5 and 6.5, to promote healthy growth.
It is recommended to repot the plant every year using fresh soil to allow the roots to spread and absorb more nutrients. Poor soil conditions can lead to stunted growth and nutrient deficiencies.
Cultivation Methods
Pouteria disaco is a tropical tree that grows up to 20 meters tall and requires full sun exposure to thrive. It can be grown in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter, preferably slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0-6.5. The tree can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or grafts.
If grown from seeds, they should be sown as soon as possible in a mixture of sand and peat moss. The seeds must be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften their coats. Cutting and grafting techniques require experienced hands and are usually done on young plants.
Watering Needs
Pouteria disaco tree has moderate watering needs. During the growing season, it should be watered deeply about twice a week. The frequency should be reduced during the dormant season or winter months when the tree is not actively growing.
It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot and lead to several plant diseases. Poor drainage and waterlogged conditions can be avoided by firmly planting the tree in well-draining soil and ensuring that excess water is drained away from the planting area.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, Pouteria disaco trees should be fertilized during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) is recommended. The tree can be fertilized once a month from March to September.
The amount of fertilizer to use will depend on the size of the tree, but a general guideline is to use 1-2 ounces of fertilizer per square yard of planting area. It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions and follow them, as over-fertilization can also cause harm to the plant.
Pruning
Pouteria disaco trees do not require regular pruning, but they can be pruned to maintain their shape, promote airflow, and eliminate diseased or damaged branches. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, preferably in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth.
When making cuts, it is important to use sharp, sterile pruning tools to prevent the transmission of plant diseases. Cuts should be made just above a healthy bud or lateral branch, and the angle of the cut should be slightly slanted away from the bud or branch to promote healing.
Propagation of Pouteria Disaco
Pouteria disaco (Engl.) A.Meeuse can be propagated from seeds or through vegetative propagation methods. However, most commercial propagation of this plant is through seeds. The following are the different methods used for Pouteria disaco propagation:
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds used for propagation must be collected from fully mature fruits and sown within a week. After collecting, the seeds should be cleaned and stored in dry sand or sawdust for up to two weeks before sowing. Sowing should be done in containers filled with a well-draining potting mix, preferably a 50:50 mixture of sand and compost. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 centimeters and watered gently. The containers should then be placed in a warm and humid environment, with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C. Germination occurs within 2-4 weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted into individual containers once they have developed two leaves.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Pouteria disaco can be done through air-layering, budding, or grafting. Budding or grafting can be used for commercial purposes, while air-layering is suitable for small-scale propagation. Grafting should be done during the active growing season and should involve grafting scions onto rootstock. Air-layering involves inducing roots to grow on a stem, while still attached to the mother plant. The following steps are involved in air-layering:
- Select a healthy stem below a node and remove a circular section of the bark.
- Apply rooting hormone to the exposed area of the stem.
- Wrap the exposed area with damp sphagnum moss and cover this with plastic wrap.
- Secure the plastic wrap with tape at both ends.
- Check the moss frequently to maintain its dampness level. Roots will start to grow within 2-3 months, and the new plant can be separated from the mother plant and planted in a separate container.
Common Diseases of Pouteria Disaco
Pouteria disaco, commonly known as the sapote tree, is prone to fungal and bacterial diseases that can affect its growth, fruit yield, and overall health. The following are some of the common diseases and their management strategies.
Fruit Rot
Fruit rot is caused by various fungal pathogens such as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and may lead to fruit damage or drop. Good orchard hygiene and cultural practices such as pruning and thinning can help to reduce disease pressure. Fungicides such as copper-based fungicides, tebuconazole, and imazalil can also be applied to control the pathogens.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is caused by the fungal pathogen Cercospora sp. and manifests as small, circular, necrotic spots on the leaves. Infected leaves can turn yellow and drop prematurely, reducing the tree's productivity. The management strategy for leaf spot includes promoting good orchard hygiene, minimizing plant stress, and the application of organic or synthetic fungicides such as mancozeb, copper oxychloride, and triadimefon.
Common Pests of Pouteria Disaco
Pests can also be a significant challenge to the sapote tree's health and productivity. The following are some common pests and their management strategies.
Mites
Several species of mites can affect the sapote tree, including the spider mites and the broad mite. Mites suck the sap from the foliage, leading to yellowing and stunting of leaves. The management strategy for mites involves applying acaricides such as bifenazate, propargite, or abamectin.
Fruit Fly
The fruit fly, Anastrepha spp., is a common pest that attacks the sapote fruit and can cause economic losses. The female fruit fly lays eggs in the fruit, and the larvae feed on the pulp. The management strategy for fruit fly involves the use of cultural control, including the removal of affected fruit, sanitation of the orchard, and the application of insecticides such as spinosad or fipronil.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are common sap-sucking pests that affect most fruit trees, including the sapote tree. Mealybugs feed and lay eggs on the leaves, causing them to yellow or curl, and secrete honeydew, leading to the growth of sooty mold. The management of mealybugs involves applying insecticides such as imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, or pymetrozine or releasing natural predators such as Cryptolaemus montrouzieri or Leptomastix dactylopii to control their population.
