TREE FRIEND DATA SHEET- Moringa Oleifera

TREE FRIEND DATA SHEET- Moringa Oleifera

1. a) Average expected life of tree, in years, from sprout to death (approx numbers)
   ans: Approximately 20 years
2. b) Years until trees first fruit (ie some trees fruit within a few years, others can take decades)
   ans: 6 months after planting, but yield is low. After two years it will have good yield.
3. c) Season of year when productive tree fruits (ie Summer, Autumn, Winter Spring or combo ie Su/Au)
   ans: flowering only occurs once a year between April and June. In more constant seasonal temperatures and with constant rainfall, flowering can happen twice or even all year-round.
4. d) Expected or average number years tree expected to fruit for once it begins. (ie year 8 to 20 = 12 yrs)
   ans: It yields until its death.
5. e) Country/area of origin
   ans: Moringa oleifera is native to tropicaland subtropicalregions of South Asia
6. f) Average annual rainfall in area of origin
   ans: 250 – 3000 mm
7. g) Latin name of tree and family
   ans: Moringa derives from a Tamilword, murungai, meaning “twisted pod”, alluding to the young fruit. The species name is derived from the Latin words oleum “oil” and ferre “to bear”
8. h) Any other products, benefits, useful or interesting facts about of tree:
   ans: oleifera can be cultivated for its leaves, pods, and/or its kernels for oil extraction and water purification. The yields vary widely, depending on season, variety, fertilization, and irrigation regimen.
   Moringa has the potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development, and support sustainable land care.
   It may be used as foragefor livestock, a micronutrient liquid, a natural anthelmintic, and possible adjuvant.
   Moringa oleiferaleaf powder was as effective as soap for hand washing when wetted in advance to enable anti-septic and detergent properties from phytochemicals in the leaves.
   Moringa oleifera seeds and press cake have been implemented as wastewater conditioners for dewatering and drying fecal sludge.
9. i) Height, width and shape of tree at maturity.
   ans: It can reach a height of 10–12 m (32–40 ft) and trunk diameter of 45 cm (1.5 ft)
10. j) Challenges or special requirements, such as needing other varieties in order to fruit.
    ans: The moringa tree is not affected by any serious diseases in its native or introduced ranges. In India, several insect pests are seen, including various caterpillars such as the bark-eating caterpillar, the hairy caterpillar or the green leaf caterpillar. The budworms Noctuidaeare known to cause serious defoliation. Damaging agents can also be aphids, stem borers, and fruit flies. In some regions, termites can also cause minor damage. If termites are numerous in soils, insects management costs are not bearable.
    The moringa tree is a host to Leveillula taurica, a powdery mildewwhich causes damage in papaya crops in south India. Cultivation management should therefore be checked.

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Sheetal Konnur

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