Overview of Solanum delagoense Dunal var. benguelense (Peyr.) Bitter
Solanum delagoense Dunal var. benguelense (Peyr.) Bitter is a bright-colored, flowering plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family. Known by several common names like poison apple, glassy nightshade, and Abrus precatorius, the plant is native to southern Africa, Central and South America.
Appearance
The Solanum delagoense Dunal var. benguelense (Peyr.) Bitter is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 5 m tall and about 4 m wide. The plant has oval to lance-shaped leaves that are arranged alternately, measuring up to 22 cm long by 10 cm wide. Its branches, stems, and leaves have small spines growing from them and are green in color.
The plant produces vibrant purple-blue flowers that grow in clusters of up to 30 blooms each. These flowers are about 4 cm wide and have a star-shaped appearance, with five pointed petals and a prominent yellow center. Its fruit is a globose berry-like fruit that is green before ripening and turning reddish-orange when mature. The fruit measures about 2.5 cm in diameter and contains numerous small seeds.
Uses
The Solanum delagoense Dunal var. benguelense (Peyr.) Bitter has several uses in traditional medicine. The roots and leaves of the plant are used to treat various ailments like headaches, fever, and respiratory problems. It is also used to manage skin conditions like eczema and acne.
However, the plant is highly toxic and poses a significant danger if ingested. Its unripe fruit, leaves, and root contain solanine, a toxic alkaloid that can cause severe respiratory and neurological reactions once ingested in large amounts.
Despite its toxic nature, the plant is sometimes used as a natural pesticide to ward off pests in fields and crops. Its leaves can be crushed and mixed with water to create a natural insecticide spray that repels or kills pests like aphids and caterpillars.
Light Requirements
Solanum delagoense var. benguelense prefer full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Therefore, it thrives well in areas with bright and direct sunlight with long light exposure durations. It is not suitable for conditions with low light intensities.
Temperature Requirements
Solanum delagoense var. benguelense is adapted to warm and moderate temperature conditions. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 18 and 28°C (64 and 82°F) with the optimum being around 24°C (75°F). This plant is susceptible to frost and freezing temperatures, so it should be protected if grown in areas where the temperature frequently drops below freezing.
Soil Requirements
Solanum delagoense var. benguelense thrives well in soils that are well-drained, fertile, and moist. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.4 but prefers loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. Sandy and clay soils are less suitable since they do not provide the ideal growing conditions for this plant.
Cultivation Methods
Solanum delagoense Dunal var. benguelense (Peyr.) Bitter, commonly known as wild tomato or tomato tree, grows to be a small tree or a large shrub, typically reaching a height and spread of 3 to 5 meters. This plant prefers to be grown in well-drained and sandy loam soil and requires exposure to full sunlight. Ideally, it must be cultivated in temperatures ranging between 18 to 25?.
Watering Needs
Tomato tree requires constant moisture, especially when young or when the climate is dry. Water the plant deeply every 7 to 10 days, particularly during the growing season. Avoid overwatering as it could lead to fungal problems or root rot. If the weather is rainy, it is best to skip watering the plant altogether.
Fertilization
The tomato tree benefits from organic-rich soil by adding in organic manure or compost. Regular fertilization can be done every four weeks, ideally during the summer. Use a well-balanced fertilizing compound with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and supplement with micronutrients. Stop feeding during the winter when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Pruning the tomato tree can commence before the growing season. Cut out any weak or broken branches and those that appear diseased. Head back the remaining new growth at the top of the plant to spur side shoots. Thin out the growth in the center of the tree to allow airflow and sunlight penetration, which aids the ripening of fruit. Once established, minimal pruning is required.
Propagation of Solanum delagoense Dunal var. benguelense (Peyr.) Bitter
Solanum delagoense Dunal var. benguelense (Peyr.) Bitter is commonly known as the "bush tomato" because of its tomato-like fruit. Propagation of this plant is essential to improve the yield and ensure genetic diversity. There are various methods of propagating Solanum delagoense Dunal var. benguelense (Peyr.) Bitter, including:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagation of Solanum delagoense Dunal var. benguelense (Peyr.) Bitter. The plant produces viable seeds that can be harvested for propagation purposes. The seeds can be sowed in sterile soil or a germination medium and kept moist until they germinate. This method is efficient for producing large numbers of plants quickly.
Stem Cutting propagation
Solanum delagoense Dunal var. benguelense (Peyr.) Bitter can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature stems with several leaves and planted in soil or water until roots appear. This method is an excellent way to propagate plants during the off-season or propagate diseased-free plants.
Air Layering propagation
Air layering is another method of propagation that works well with Solanum delagoense Dunal var. benguelense (Peyr.) Bitter. It involves wounding a mature stem, packing the wound with moist sphagnum moss, and wrapping it in plastic. New roots will develop at the wound site, and the plant can be cut from the parent after rooting. This method is more complicated and may take several months, but it ensures genetic continuity.
Disease Management
Solanum delagoense Dunal var. benguelense (Peyr.) Bitter is susceptible to various diseases that can affect both the fruit and foliage of the plant. Some common diseases that can affect the plant include:
- Anthracnose: This disease causes necrotic lesions on the leaves and fruit of the plant. It can lead to premature defoliation and fruit drop. It is caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Colletotrichum acutatum. Regular fungicide application can help prevent an outbreak of this disease.
- Early blight: Caused by Alternaria solani, this disease causes circular brown spots on the leaves which can lead to defoliation. Fungicides can be applied early to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Grey mold: Caused by Botrytis cinerea, this disease can cause fruit rot and damping off of seedlings. Good airflow and hygiene practices can help prevent an outbreak of this disease.
It is important to monitor plants regularly for symptoms of disease and take immediate action as soon as they are observed. This includes removing and disposing of infected plant material and applying fungicides according to label instructions.
Pest Management
Solanum delagoense Dunal var. benguelense (Peyr.) Bitter can also be affected by various pests that can cause damage to both the foliage and fruit of the plant. Some common pests that can affect the plant are:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the plant, causing poor growth and yellowing of leaves. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used to control aphids.
- Fruit flies: Fruit flies can cause damage to fruit by laying eggs in them, which then hatch into larvae that feed on the fruit flesh. Covering the fruit with fine mesh netting can help prevent fruit fly damage.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests suck sap from the plants, causing spotting on the leaves and eventual defoliation. Regular application of insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control spider mites.
Integrated pest management strategies should be used to control pests, including the use of natural predators, good plant hygiene practices, and regular monitoring. Chemical controls should be used as a last resort and only when necessary.
