Overview of Sapota mammosa Gaertn.
Sapota mammosa Gaertn. is a fruit tree belonging to the Sapotaceae family. It is commonly known as sapodilla, chikoo, or noseberry. The tree is native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. However, it is also widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, such as India, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Description of Sapota mammosa Gaertn.
The sapodilla tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a leathery texture. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are pale yellow in color. The fruit, which is the most notable part of the tree, is a berry that is approximately 4-8cm in diameter. The fruit has a brown, rough skin that is edible but not commonly consumed. The flesh of the fruit is yellowish-brown and has a sweet, malty flavor. The fruit contains 1-6 seeds that are black and shiny.
Uses of Sapota mammosa Gaertn.
Sapodilla has a variety of uses. The fruit is commonly eaten fresh, cooked, or canned in syrup. The flesh of the fruit is also used to make milkshakes, ice cream, and other desserts. The fruit is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The bark of the tree is used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea and fever. The seeds of the plant are ground into flour and used to make bread. The sapodilla tree is also commonly used as a ornamental tree, especially in landscaping projects.
Typical Growth Conditions
Sapota mammosa Gaertn., commonly called sapodilla or chikoo, is a tropical fruit tree that thrives in warm and humid environments. The plant is characterized by its small, evergreen foliage and round-shaped fruits with a brown, rough exterior and sweet, juicy flesh.
Light Requirements
Sapodilla trees prefer full to partial sunlight. They can grow in both direct sunlight and light shade, although excessive shade may lead to poor fruit production. Providing the plant with enough sunlight will enhance its overall growth, fruit quality, and yield.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for sapodilla growth is between 20°C to 36°C (68°F to 97°F). The tree can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°C (32°F) and as high as 48°C (118°F) for a brief period. However, prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions can damage the tree, affect its fruit production, and even cause death.
Soil Requirements
Sapodilla trees thrive in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, loose, and free of any hardpans or obstacles that can interfere with root development. Avoid waterlogging, as it can cause root rot and limit the tree's growth. Adding sand or vermiculite to heavy clay soils can improve soil drainage.
In conclusion, sapodilla thrives in a warm and humid environment, requiring full to partial sunlight, an ideal temperature of 20°C to 36°C, and well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soils enriched with organic matter.
Cultivation Methods of Sapota Mammosa Gaertn.
Sapota Mammosa Gaertn., commonly known as chikoo, is best grown in warm and tropical regions with well-draining sandy loam soils that are rich in organic matter and have a pH range of 6.0-8.0. It is advisable to plant the sapota seedlings at the beginning of the rainy season. The plant requires adequate sunlight and protection from strong winds.
Sapota Mammosa Gaertn. is propagated by seeds, grafting, and budding. Budding with wedge grafting is the recommended method of propagation. The sapota seedlings should be spaced at least 6m x 6m apart to avoid overcrowding and reduce competition for sunlight, water, and nutrients.
Watering Needs of Sapota Mammosa Gaertn.
The sapota plant requires adequate watering, particularly during the dry season. The plant should be watered once or twice a week depending on the soil moisture content. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged since sapota has shallow roots.
If planting of the sapota is done during the rainy season, they wouldn't require much watering however, it is essential that they are given water if the rain fails to fall for a couple of days.
Fertilization of Sapota Mammosa Gaertn.
To enhance growth and fruit production, apply organic manure at the base of the sapota plant. For every sapota tree, add 50-100 kg of well-decomposed organic matter, such as cow dung, every year. Apply nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer following the recommended dosages, which can vary based on age, soil fertility, and the application method.
Young sapota trees require 100 g urea plus 300 g superphosphate for the first year, which can be increased to 1.5 kg urea plus 4.5 kg superphosphate when the tree reaches 10 years of age. Spreading fertilizers near sapota trees should be done after weeding and watering to avoid root damage and ensure uniform distribution of nutrients.
Pruning of Sapota Mammosa Gaertn.
Regular pruning is a critical aspect of growing healthy sapota trees. Pruning should be done to remove dead, diseased, and broken branches and to provide adequate light and air circulation to the tree. Prune the tree to a central leader system by removing the side shoots up to the desired height. Below that point, prune the trees' side branches that can bear fruits.
It would be best if you prune Sapota Mammosa Gaertn. after fruiting to maintain the desired shape and size. In addition, remember that pruning cuts can be a fruitful way of spreading diseases, so disinfect pruning tools before use. Up to 70% of the foliage mass can be removed during pruning without affecting the sapota's health and productivity.
Propagation of Sapota mammosa Gaertn.
Sapota mammosa Gaertn. can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Sapota mammosa Gaertn. can be collected from mature fruits that have fallen from the tree. The seeds should be washed and dried before sowing. They should be sown in a well-draining potting mixture and kept in a warm and humid place. The seeds usually take 15-30 days to germinate. Seed propagation should be done during the rainy season.
Air layering
Air layering is an effective method of propagating Sapota mammosa Gaertn. trees. In this method, a small branch is selected and a ring of bark is removed from the middle portion. A rooting hormone is then applied to the exposed area, and it is wrapped with moist sphagnum moss. The moss is then covered with polythene and tied at both ends to create a humid environment. Roots will grow from the cut area and after a few weeks, the entire branch can be cut off and planted in a pot or in the ground.
Grafting
Grafting is a common method used to propagate Sapota mammosa Gaertn. trees. In this method, a scion from a mature tree is selected and grafted onto a seedling rootstock. The graft union should be wrapped with grafting tape to hold it in place until it heals. Grafting is usually done during the monsoon season.
Disease and Pest Management for Sapota mammosa Gaertn.
Sapota mammosa Gaertn. is a fruit tree that is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can cause significant loss of yield if not managed properly. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that attacks the leaves, twigs, and fruit of the Sapota mammosa tree. Symptoms of anthracnose include sunken lesions on the fruit, leaf spots, and twig dieback. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and twigs from the tree and apply fungicides like copper oxychloride or mancozeb.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that can affect the Sapota mammosa tree. Symptoms of leaf spot include circular or irregular spots on the leaves. To control leaf spot, remove infected leaves from the tree and apply fungicides.
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that can cause the tree to wilt and die. The fungus attacks the roots of the plant, leading to a reduction in the ability of the plant to uptake water and nutrients. To manage this disease, avoid planting the tree in areas with poorly drained soil or where water tends to stagnate. Apply fungicides and remove infected parts of the plant.
Pests
Fruit fly: The fruit fly is a common pest that attacks the fruit of the Sapota mammosa tree. The pest lays eggs in the fruit, and the larvae feed on the fruit pulp, causing it to rot. To control fruit fly, hang yellow sticky traps, and spray insecticides like malathion or carbaryl.
Mites: Mites are small insects that can cause significant damage to the Sapota mammosa tree. They feed on the leaves and cause them to turn yellow and fall off the tree. To control mites, apply insecticides like abamectin or hexythiazox.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are insects that attack the tree's leaves, causing them to curl and turn yellow. They produce a powdery wax that covers their bodies, making them hard to control. To manage this pest, remove infected parts of the plant and apply insecticides like imidacloprid or acetamiprid.
Proper disease and pest management practices are essential to maintain the health and productivity of the Sapota mammosa tree. You should always sanitize any tools used to prune or remove diseased parts of the tree to prevent the spread of diseases. Additionally, follow the manufacturer's instructions when using fungicides and insecticides to prevent the development of resistances to these chemicals.
