Origin
Uragoga guineensis (Schnell) Schnell var. bindelyensis Schnell is a plant species that is native to West Africa, specifically to the countries of Nigeria and Cameroon. It is a member of the family Irvingiaceae and is closely related to Irvingia gabonensis, a tree species also known as African mango.
Common Names
Uragoga guineensis (Schnell) Schnell var. bindelyensis Schnell is commonly known as bush mango or wild mango. It is also sometimes referred to as African wild mango, dika nut, or ogbono.
Uses
The fruit of Uragoga guineensis (Schnell) Schnell var. bindelyensis Schnell is consumed by indigenous communities in West Africa as a source of food. The seeds of the fruit are edible and are often used to make a paste or soup called ogbono soup, which is a staple in Nigerian cuisine. The fruit is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach pains. The bark and leaves of the tree have been found to contain compounds with potential anti-inflammatory properties.
General Appearance
Uragoga guineensis (Schnell) Schnell var. bindelyensis Schnell is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, and can grow up to 30 centimeters long and 15 centimeters wide. The tree produces large, round or oblong fruits that can weigh up to 2 kilograms and have a tough, fibrous outer shell. Inside the fruit, there are 1-6 large seeds that are surrounded by a yellowish-white pulp.
Light Requirements
Uragoga guineensis var. bindelyensis requires bright but indirect light for optimal growth. It is best to place the plant near a window that receives filtered light or in a shaded outdoor area. Direct sun exposure can scorch the leaves and inhibit growth.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Uragoga guineensis var. bindelyensis is 20-30°C. It is important to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations or prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of this range, as this can negatively impact growth. Additionally, the plant should be kept away from drafty areas or air conditioning units.
Soil Requirements
Uragoga guineensis var. bindelyensis requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mixture that is equal parts sand, peat moss, and perlite can provide the ideal growing conditions for this plant. It is also important to ensure that the soil pH is acidic to neutral, ideally around 5.5-7.0. Overly acidic or alkaline soil can hinder growth and nutrient uptake.
Cultivation methods
Uragoga guineensis (Schnell) Schnell var. bindelyensis Schnell, also known as the African oil palm, is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures and high humidity to thrive. It is best cultivated in well-draining soils rich in organic matter and grown in areas with a temperature range of 25°C to 30°C.
It is often propagated through seedlings that are transplanted into the soil after germination. The ideal time for transplantation is during the wet season to ensure that the plant can establish itself well before the dry season sets in.
Watering needs
Uragoga guineensis (Schnell) Schnell var. bindelyensis Schnell needs consistent watering to maintain its moisture requirements. It is critical to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged in the first few weeks after planting.
Once established, the plant requires regular watering to ensure it doesn't drought-stress. Inadequate water supply during the dry season can lead to stunted growth and reduced oil yield.
Fertilization
Fertilizer application is crucial for the growth and development of Uragoga guineensis (Schnell) Schnell var. bindelyensis Schnell. The application of organic manure, such as poultry droppings, is highly recommended for its rich nutrient composition.
Addition of recommended fertilizers such as nitrogenous, phosphatic, and potassium fertilizers enhances growth, results in increased yields and quality of the oil produced. Fertilizer application, however, should be done carefully to avoid nutrient leaching and chemical pollution of groundwater systems.
Pruning
Uragoga guineensis (Schnell) Schnell var. bindelyensis Schnell does not require frequent pruning in the first few years when establishing itself.
However, as the plant grows, pruning of the fruit-bearing stems is advisable to ensure that the plant's nutrients are utilized optimally. Pruning also removes unwanted inflorescences and diseased parts of the plant that could hinder growth and development.
Propagation of Uragoga guineensis var. bindelyensis Schnell
Uragoga guineensis var. bindelyensis Schnell, commonly known as the Guinea pepper, is a perennial plant that grows up to 3 meters tall and is native to West Africa. The plant has medicinal properties and its fruits are commonly used as a spice.
Propagation by seeds
The quickest and most common method of propagation for Uragoga guineensis var. bindelyensis is by seeds. The seeds are viable for up to two years and germinate best within four to six weeks after harvest. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat, which will enhance germination rates.
The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix or soil, covered lightly with soil, and kept moist. Optimum germination occurs when the temperature is between 25-30°C, with high humidity levels. The seedlings should be transplanted to bigger containers when they reach a height of 5 cm.
Propagation by stem cuttings
A vegetative method of propagation for Uragoga guineensis var. bindelyensis is by stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the rainy season, between May and June. Select a healthy stem, cut a 15-20 cm section, remove the lower leaves, and make a 2-3 cm deep wound on the stem. The cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix with high humidity levels.
The cutting should be kept under shade with high humidity levels for four to six weeks. After that, the cutting can be transplanted into a bigger container or directly into the ground.
Propagation by air layering
Another method of vegetative propagation is by air layering. This method is used to propagate mature plants that cannot be propagated by stem cuttings. Select a healthy and mature stem, make a small cut in the bark, and wrap moist sphagnum moss around the cut area. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and tie with a string to hold in place. Roots will develop within 6-8 weeks.
Once the roots have developed, cut the stem below the air layering and plant it in a well-draining potting mix or directly in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Uragoga guineensis (Schnell) Schnell var. bindelyensis Schnell
Uragoga guineensis (Schnell) Schnell var. bindelyensis Schnell, also known as African oil palm, is a highly valuable crop grown for its oil. Apart from being a source of vegetable oil, it provides employment to millions of people worldwide. Hence, the production and protection of this plant are of utmost importance for the agriculture sector. The tree is susceptible to various pests and diseases, leading to reduced productivity and quality. In this article, we will discuss some of the common pests and diseases of African oil palms, along with the management practices that can be employed to control them.
Pests
African oil palm is affected by several insect pests that cause damage to the plant and reduce its productivity. The major pests include the Red Palm Weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, and the Palm Aphid, Toxoptera odinae.
Red Palm Weevil (RPW)
The RPW is a highly destructive pest that causes damage to the trunk of the plant, leading to its death. The adults bore into the palm tree for laying eggs, and the larvae feed on the internal tissues of the plant, leading to its weakening. The RPW is challenging to control, as it can attack all parts of the tree.
To control the RPW, it is essential to monitor the plant regularly. Infected parts of the plant should be removed and destroyed. Insecticides can also be used to control the RPW. However, it is essential to apply insecticides with care and follow the recommended application rates and safety precautions. This will help prevent resistance buildup in the pest population.
Palm Aphid, Toxoptera odinae
Another significant pest of the African oil palm is the Palm Aphid. The aphids suck the sap from the plant, leading to its weakening. They also secrete honeydew, which promotes the growth of black sooty mold, reducing the photosynthetic capacity of the plant.
To control the Palm Aphid, insecticides can be used. However, cultural control methods, such as removal of the infested parts of the plant and regular pruning, can also be employed. Biocontrol agents, such as parasitic wasps, can also be used to control the aphids.
Diseases
The African oil palm is also affected by several diseases, which reduce the productivity and quality of the plant. The major diseases include Bud Rot, Ganoderma boninense, and Fusarium wilt.
Bud Rot
Bud Rot is caused by the fungus Phytophthora palmivora. It affects young palms, causing the fronds to wilt. In severe cases, the fungus can enter the bud and kill the plant.
To manage Bud Rot, it is essential to prevent the spread of the disease by avoiding planting infected seedlings. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Ganoderma boninense
Ganoderma boninense is a fungal disease that affects the root system of the African oil palm. The disease causes the yellowing and wilting of the fronds, leading to the ultimate death of the plant.
To manage Ganoderma boninense, it is essential to avoid planting the disease-infected planting materials. The use of tolerant or resistant varieties can also help manage the disease.
Fusarium wilt
Fusarium wilt is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. It affects the vascular system of the plant, leading to the wilting of the fronds. However, the disease is severe in some areas than in others.
To manage Fusarium wilt, it is essential to ensure that the planting materials are free from the fungus. The use of tolerant or resistant varieties can also help manage the disease. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
In conclusion, for optimal productivity and quality, it is essential to manage pests and diseases of the African oil palm properly. This will ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry and provide income and employment to millions of people worldwide.
