Planting Ogbono (Bush Mango): See How To Plant Ogbono
Ogbono (Irvingia gabonensis), commonly known as bush mango, is a highly valued tree native to West Africa, particularly Nigeria.
The seeds from the fruit are used to prepare the famous “Ogbono soup” in Nigeria.
In addition to its culinary uses, the plant is also prized for its medicinal properties and economic benefits.
In this guide, we will take a look at how to successfully plant Ogbono in Nigeria, the necessary steps involved, and the best practices to ensure a fruitful harvest.
Description of the Ogbono Plant
The Ogbono tree is a large tropical tree that can grow up to 40 meters in height.
It has a dense canopy and glossy, dark green leaves.
It produces round, greenish-yellow fruits similar to mangoes, from which the famous Ogbono seeds are extracted.
These seeds are high in fats and protein, making them an essential ingredient in Nigerian cuisine, particularly in soups and sauces.
The fruit contains a fibrous pulp, and inside the fruit is a hard seed that is dried and ground into a powder.
When mixed with water or broth, the powder produces a slimy texture similar to okra, which gives Ogbono soup its distinct consistency.
The Planting Season for Ogbono in Nigeria
The best time to plant Ogbono in Nigeria is during the rainy season, which typically falls between April and October.
The wet conditions help young plants establish themselves by providing sufficient water for growth.
However, planting at the beginning of the rainy season (April–June) is ideal as it allows the plants to benefit from several months of rain before the dry season.
Planting Ogbono
Certain steps should be followed to ensure the seeds grow into healthy, productive trees when cultivated successfully. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to plant Ogbono.
Step 1: Choose a Location
Ogbono trees thrive in tropical rainforests with well-drained soils and ample sunlight.
When selecting a location for planting, ensure the area receives full sunlight throughout the day, as this promotes healthy growth.
The soil should be fertile, rich in organic matter, and have good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can damage the roots.
Ideal soil conditions:
- Loamy or sandy-loam soil
- pH between 5.5 and 7.0
- Rich in organic matter
If you’re planting Ogbono commercially, you should carry out a soil test to determine the soil’s fertility and suitability for planting.
Step 2: Land Clearing and Preparation
Once you have chosen a suitable location, the next step is to clear the land of any vegetation, including weeds, bushes, and debris.
Clearing ensures the Ogbono seeds are planted in a clean environment, free of competition for nutrients and sunlight.
Plough the land to loosen the soil and improve its aeration if necessary.
This step also makes it easier for the roots of young Ogbono plants to penetrate the soil.
After clearing, mark the areas where the Ogbono trees will be planted.
For large-scale farming, ensure proper spacing to allow the trees to spread their canopy and reduce competition for sunlight and nutrients.
Step 3: Means of Propagation
Ogbono trees can be propagated in two ways:
- Seeds: This is the most common method of propagation. Fresh seeds are extracted from ripe fruits, dried, and planted directly in the field.
- Grafting: A more advanced technique where cuttings from a mature tree are grafted onto a young seedling. Grafting ensures quicker fruiting and consistency in seed quality.
Planting from seeds is the most straightforward method for beginner farmers, and it ensures good genetic variation.
Step 4: How to Plant Ogbono from Seed
- Seed Preparation: To prepare Ogbono seeds for planting, remove them from the fruit, clean off any remaining pulp, and dry them in the sun for a few days. The seeds should be planted soon after harvesting for the best germination rate.
- Planting Depth: Dig small holes that are about 2-3 cm deep and place the seeds inside. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and ensure the top layer is not too compacted, as the seedlings need space to emerge.
- Spacing: If planting on a large scale, leave at least 6-8 meters between each tree. This spacing allows enough room for the trees to grow fully and spread their canopy.
Step 5: Watering
Ogbono trees need adequate water, especially during the early stages of growth.
Natural rainfall during the rainy season will provide sufficient water for the seedlings.
However, consider installing an irrigation system to ensure a consistent water supply if planting towards the end of the rainy season or in areas with lower rainfall.
Young trees should be watered deeply once a week, especially during dry spells, to encourage root development.
Step 6: Apply Manure
Organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or farmyard manure should be applied to the soil around the base of the tree to enhance soil fertility.
Organic manure helps retain moisture and provides essential nutrients to the growing tree.
If necessary, apply a balanced fertilizer (NPK 20:10:10) to promote the healthy growth of the Ogbono tree.
Fertilizers should be applied at regular intervals during the first few years to ensure optimal development.
Maturity and Harvest
Ogbono trees typically begin producing fruit after 3 to 5 years, depending on the growing conditions and propagation method used.
Trees propagated by grafting may produce fruit earlier than those grown from seeds.
Harvesting occurs once the fruits turn yellow or orange and fall naturally from the tree.
The fruits are collected, and the seeds are extracted, cleaned, and dried. A mature Ogbono tree can produce up to 100-150 kg of fruit annually.
Pest and Diseases
Like any crop, Ogbono trees are susceptible to pests and diseases that can affect their growth and yield. Some common pests include:
- Fruit flies These attack the fruits, causing premature dropping and spoilage.
- Stem borers: Insects that bore into the stems and branches, weakening the tree.
- Leaf miners: They feed on the leaves, reducing the tree’s ability to photosynthesize.
Common diseases affecting Ogbono trees include:
- Root rot: Caused by waterlogging or poor drainage, leading to the tree’s death.
- Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes dark spots on leaves and fruits, leading to fruit rot.
Pest and Disease Control
To manage pests and diseases, it is essential to adopt integrated pest management practices:
- Cultural practices: Regularly clear weeds and debris around the tree’s base to prevent pest breeding. Ensure proper spacing to reduce the spread of diseases.
- Chemical control: If necessary, apply appropriate insecticides or fungicides to control pests and diseases. However, use chemicals responsibly to avoid environmental damage.
- Biological control: Introduce beneficial insects that feed on harmful pests, such as ladybugs, to control leaf miners.
How Many Ogbono Plants Can I Grow on an Acre of Land, and What Quality of Ogbono Can I Harvest?
On average, you can plant around 80-100 Ogbono trees on an acre of land, depending on the spacing you adopt.
For optimal yield, follow the recommended spacing of 6-8 meters between trees.
A well-maintained Ogbono farm can yield 2,000 to 4,000 kg of seeds per hectare (approximately 800-1,600 kg per acre) annually.
The quality of Ogbono harvested depends on the growing conditions, soil fertility, and the method of cultivation.
Proper care, including regular watering, manuring, and pest control, will lead to higher-quality seeds with better market value.
I hope this article is helpful.
