Overview
Treculia zenkeri Engl. is a tropical plant that belongs to the Moraceae family. It is native to West Africa and is commonly known as African breadfruit.
Description
The tree can grow up to a height of 30 metres, with a straight, cylindrical trunk that can have a diameter of up to 1 metre. Its bark is smooth and greyish-brown in colour. The leaves are simple, alternate and glossy, measuring about 35 cm in length and 15 cm in width. The tree produces greenish-yellow flowers that are borne on axillary inflorescences. The fruit is a large, oval-shaped, yellowish-green drupe, measuring about 20 cm in length and 15 cm in diameter.
Common names
Treculia zenkeri Engl. has many common names in various African languages. It is commonly called African breadfruit, ukwa, breadfruit, ukwa in Igbo, arere in Yoruba, and eben in Efik language.
Uses
Several parts of Treculia zenkeri Engl. are used for various purposes. The fruit is edible and can be prepared by roasting, boiling or frying. The seeds can be eaten or ground into flour. The leaves and bark of the tree are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several ailments, including diarrhoea, asthma, and fever. The wood of the tree is used for building and making furniture.
Light Requirements
Treculia zenkeri Engl. requires bright, indirect sunlight to grow properly. Insufficient sunlight can lead to weak, spindly growth; too much direct sunlight may damage the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm temperatures, with an ideal range between 20-30°C. It is important to protect the plant from cold drafts, which can cause permanent damage to the leaves and stem.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained, nutrient-rich soil to grow. Ideal soil for Treculia zenkeri Engl. should have a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. The addition of compost or organic matter to the soil can improve its overall quality. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot and negatively impact growth.
Cultivation Methods for Treculia Zenkeri Engl.
Treculia Zenkeri Engl., also known as African breadfruit, can be grown from seeds or stem cuttings. Before planting, soak the seeds in water for at least 24 hours to soften the seed coat. The seedlings can be planted in pots or directly in the ground.
Choose a location with well-draining soil, as waterlogged soil can cause root rot. African breadfruit plants prefer full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. Plant the seedlings or cuttings in a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball, and backfill with soil mixed with organic compost.
Watering Requirements for Treculia Zenkeri Engl.
African breadfruit plants require regular watering, especially during the first year of growth. Water deeply once a week, and do not allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can also be harmful, so make sure the soil is well-draining and does not retain excess water.
During hot and dry weather conditions, you may need to water the plants more frequently. Check the soil moisture level frequently by touching the top inch of the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water.
Fertilization for Treculia Zenkeri Engl.
Treculia Zenkeri Engl. plants benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Use a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizing formula.
Apply the fertilizer in early spring before the growing season starts and again in mid-summer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the dosage and application method.
Pruning Treculia Zenkeri Engl.
Treculia Zenkeri Engl. plants benefit from regular pruning to promote bushier growth and increase fruit production. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins.
Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the plant to encourage bushy growth. Avoid overpruning as this can reduce fruit production.
Propagation of Treculia zenkeri Engl.
Treculia zenkeri Engl. or African breadfruit is a tropical tree that belongs to the Moraceae family. It is commonly found in West Africa, where it is grown for its edible seeds and timber. Propagation of Treculia zenkeri can be achieved through various methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and budding.
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Treculia zenkeri can be done by seed. Fresh seeds collected from the tree are soaked in water for a few days to soften their coats and enhance germination. The seeds are then sown in good quality seed-starting mix, watered regularly, and kept in a warm, humid environment until germination.
Seedlings are kept under partial shade until they have established well and can be transplanted to their permanent positions. It should be noted that seedlings grown from seeds are not necessarily true to the parent, and there is a chance of obtaining different genetic characteristics.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Treculia zenkeri is another method of propagating this plant. This technique involves the use of vegetative parts such as stem cuttings, root cuttings, and even leaves.
Stem cuttings are obtained from young vigorous stems of the plant. A stem cutting should be about 20-30 cm long and should be taken from the plant's growing tips. The cutting is then trimmed to remove the leaves at the lower end, dipped in rooting hormone, and planted in a rooting medium. The cutting should be kept under high humidity and partial shade until it develops roots and shoots.
Root cuttings can be obtained from mature plants, and the cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long. The cuttings are planted in a rooting medium and kept under high humidity until new shoots emerge.
Leaf propagation of Treculia zenkeri is done by planting the leaves on a rooting medium and keeping them under high humidity until new shoots develop. This type of propagation is not as reliable as stem and root propagation.
Budding
Budding is a propagation method that involves grafting a bud from a desirable plant onto a related rootstock. This method is mainly used to propagate the desired forms of the plant with favorable traits such as disease resistance, fruit quality, and yield.
In conclusion, various propagation methods can be used to propagate Treculia zenkeri, including seed, vegetative, and budding methods. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the desired outcome.
Disease Management for Treculia Zenkeri Engl.
Treculia zenkeri Engl. is generally a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to most diseases. However, as with any plant, it is still susceptible to a few diseases that could reduce its yield and quality. It is essential to identify any signs of disease early and apply control measures promptly to ensure healthy growth.
One common disease that affects Treculia zenkeri is root rot. This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi that thrive in waterlogged soils. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, avoid over-watering, ensure adequate drainage, and improve soil aeration. Also, remove any infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Another disease that affects Treculia zenkeri is leaf spot. This is caused by various fungal pathogens that infect leaves, leading to the formation of small, dark spots with yellow halos. The disease can be controlled using fungicides that contain copper or sulfur-based compounds. Remove any infected leaves and dispose of them safely to prevent the spread of spores to other parts of the plant.
Pest Management
Treculia zenkeri is also susceptible to a few pests that could damage the leaves or fruits, leading to a reduction in yield and quality. It is essential to identify any signs of pest infestation and take control measures early to prevent damage.
One common pest that affects Treculia zenkeri is the mealybug. These soft-bodied insects suck sap from leaves, leading to leaf yellowing and distortion. You can control mealybugs by physically removing them or by treating the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, which disrupt their growth and development.
Another pest that affects Treculia zenkeri is the fruit fly. These insects lay their eggs on fruits, leading to the development of maggots inside the fruits. The infested fruits become deformed and unmarketable. To control fruit flies, use yellow sticky traps or apply pesticides that contain spinosad, which is toxic to fruit flies but safe for beneficial insects.
In conclusion, disease and pest management are essential for ensuring healthy growth and high yield in Treculia zenkeri. By adopting appropriate control measures, you can prevent the spread of diseases and pests and ensure a bountiful harvest.
