Overview
Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn. subsp. nilotica (Kotschy) A.N.Henry, Chithra & N.C.Nair, also known as Nilotica Shea Butter Tree, is a tree species from the family Sapotaceae. It is native to Africa and grown in the savannas and dry forests of Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, and Ethiopia. The tree is widely known for its oil-rich nuts that produce shea butter, which is of great economic importance to local communities.
General Appearance
The Nilotica Shea Butter Tree is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. Its bark is dark brown and fissured with age, while its leaves are deep green and alternate, with length ranging from 15 to 25 cm. The tree's flowers are small, yellow, and grow in clusters, while its fruits are oval-shaped, green, and turn brown as they mature. The tree's nuts are enclosed in a hard shell and have a yellowish-brown, buttery flesh.
Common Names
The Nilotica Shea Butter Tree has various common names depending on the region. It is known as Karite in French-speaking Africa, Ori in West Africa, and Kpakahili in the Sudanese language. In East Africa, it is known as Ngalama or Mgunga in Swahili, while in Ethiopia, it is called Bedena or Bera.
Uses
The Nilotica Shea Butter Tree has a variety of uses, mainly due to its oil-rich nuts that produce shea butter. The shea butter is widely used in cosmetics, such as body lotions, soaps, and lip balms, due to its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. Additionally, the tree's bark, leaves, and roots are used for medicinal purposes, treating various ailments such as malaria, stomachache, and diarrhea. The tree is also used for timber, fuel, and shade in agroforestry projects, providing economic and ecological benefits to local communities.
Growth Conditions of Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn. subsp. nilotica (Kotschy) A.N.Henry, Chithra & N.C.Nair
Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn. subsp. nilotica (Kotschy) A.N.Henry, Chithra & N.C.Nair or commonly known as Shea tree, is a native tree to Africa. This tree mostly grows in savanna and parkland regions that experience irregular rainfall and has an altitude up to 600m above the sea level. It is also found in Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and West Africa's Guinea and Ivory Coast regions.
Light Requirements
Vitellaria paradoxa requires full sunlight for optimal growth and development. The tree will need an average of six hours of direct sunlight exposure per day.
Soil Requirements
The Shea tree prefers well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range. These soils are often fertile and rich in organic matter, though the tree can also grow in less nutrient-rich soils. Shea trees can also grow in sandy soils, but water must be available to them in some form at all times.
Temperature Requirements
The Shea tree can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but has optimal growth at temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. The tree is well-adapted to changes in temperature for most of its life stages, making it an excellent choice for tree planting projects in various terrains.
Cultivation methods
Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. nilotica is a tree species that can be grown in tropical and subtropical areas. The tree can reach a height of up to 15 meters, with a rounded crown.
The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.8. The tree can survive drought and erratic rainfall. It grows best in areas with an annual rainfall of between 400 and 1500 mm. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20 and 35°C.
Propagation of Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. nilotica can be achieved through seedlings or direct seeding. When planting seedlings, they should be planted at a depth of 2 cm. The spacing between trees should be at least 10 meters.
Watering needs
Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. nilotica requires regular watering during the early stages of growth. Once the tree is established, it can withstand periods of drought. The plant should not be over-watered, as excess water can cause root rot. Water should be applied evenly and sufficiently to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
For optimal growth and development, Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. nilotica requires a balanced fertilization program. The plant requires nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. The best way to determine the fertilizer needs of the plant is to carry out a soil test. The test will enable the grower to determine the nutrient status of the soil and the type of fertilizer needed.
Pruning
Pruning of Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. nilotica is important to promote optimal growth and development of the tree. The pruning should be done during the dry season. The objectives of pruning include opening up the canopy to allow for better light penetration, removing dead and diseased branches, and promoting the formation of new shoots.
The pruning should be carried out in a manner that minimizes damage to the tree. The tools used for pruning should be sharp and clean to prevent the spread of infections.
Propagation of Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn. subsp. nilotica (Kotschy) A.N.Henry, Chithra & N.C.Nair
Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn. subsp. nilotica can be propagated either by seeds or vegetatively. The propagation method used depends on the desired result, the availability of materials and the expertise of the propagator.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn. subsp. nilotica is through seeds, which are usually collected from ripe fruits. The seeds are cleaned to remove the pulp and are then sun-dried for a few days. Before planting, the seeds must be soaked overnight in warm water and then washed to remove any remaining pulp.
Seeds can be planted directly into the field or in pots filled with a suitable germination medium. The pots should be watered regularly to ensure adequate moisture. Germination usually occurs within 1-2 months depending on the prevailing environmental conditions. Once the plants have developed enough leaves, they can be transplanted into their permanent positions in the field.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is less common but can be used to produce clones of superior individuals. Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn. subsp. nilotica can be propagated vegetatively using various methods such as grafting, budding, or stem cuttings.
Grafting involves joining a scion taken from a desirable tree onto rootstock of a wild type. Budding is similar to grafting but involves inserting a bud instead of a scion. The stem cutting method involves taking a stem cutting with a few leaves and planting it in a rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a shaded area until they are rooted. Once rooted, they can be planted into the field.
Overall, propagation of Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn. subsp. nilotica requires knowledge of the biology, ecology, and culture of the plant. Proper management practices during the propagation stages are critical for successful planting and establishment of Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn. subsp. nilotica.
Disease and Pest Management for Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn. subsp. nilotica
Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn. subsp. nilotica, commonly known as the shea tree, can be affected by several diseases and pests that can negatively impact crop yield and quality. Here are some of the most common ones and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Phaeosphaeria sp. and results in small, dark spots on the leaves that can merge and lead to defoliation. To manage it, remove and destroy infected leaves and thin out the canopy to improve air circulation. Fungicide sprays can also be applied.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, causes leaf blight, fruit rot, and cankers. It can be managed by pruning and removing infected tissues and applying copper fungicides.
Sooty Mold: Sooty mold is a fungal disease that grows on honeydew secreted by insects such as mealybugs and scales. It can be managed by treating the pest infestation and improving overall plant health (e.g., through fertilization and watering) to reduce the excretion of honeydew.
Pests
Shea Nut Weevil: The shea nut weevil, or Curculio sp., is a major pest that feeds on the developing nuts, causing yield losses of up to 75%. To manage it, harvest mature nuts promptly and regularly, and store them in dry, well-ventilated places to prevent the emergence of adult weevils.
Termites: Termites can damage the shea tree by feeding on roots, bark, and wood, leading to reduced growth and yield. To manage them, maintain good soil drainage and avoid excessive use of irrigation water, as these create moist conditions that favor termite activity. Land clearing and regular inspections can also help detect and control termite infestations.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, immobile pests that suck plant sap and excrete honeydew, leading to sooty mold growth and reduced plant vigor. To manage them, control ant populations (as ants protect scales from predators) and apply insecticides or use biological controls such as ladybugs or parasitic wasps.
By applying these disease and pest management strategies, growers of Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn. subsp. nilotica can maintain plant health and optimize yield and quality.
