Sapota (Manilkara achras), commonly known as sapodilla or chiku, is a tropical fruit crop of the family Sapotaceae. It is valued for its nutritional and economic significance, thriving in diverse agro-climatic conditions and marginal lands. Effective management of soil, climate, nutrients, and water, along with addressing specific problems, is essential for optimizing sapota cultivation and yield.
Introduction and Importance
- Sapota (Manilkara achras) is a tropical fruit introduced from Central America, widely cultivated in India.
- Commonly known as sapodilla or chiku, it belongs to the family Sapotaceae.
- Fruits are recommended for patients with tuberculosis and children with primary complex due to their nutritional value.
- Offers high economic returns, even under marginal land and low-input conditions.
Climate and Soil Requirements
- Grows well from sea level up to 1200 m altitude, preferring warm, moist climates.
- Optimal temperature range: 11°C to 34°C; annual rainfall: 1250–2500 mm.
- Best suited to coastal climates but adaptable to both dry and humid regions.
- Prefers deep, well-drained, porous soils such as alluvium, sandy loams, red laterites, and medium black soils.
- Tolerates moderate soil and irrigation water salinity.
Propagation and Planting
- Propagation is mainly through grafting onto Manilkara hexandra (Pala) rootstock.
- Planting season: June to December; recommended spacing: 8 x 8 m (standard), 8 x 4 m (high density).
- Pits of 1 m³ are prepared and filled with topsoil, 10 kg FYM, 1 kg neem cake, and 100 g lindane (1.3%).
- Grafts are planted with the graft union at least 15 cm above ground and staked for support.
Nutrient and Water Management
- Immediate and regular irrigation is crucial after planting; water copiously post-planting, then every 10 days until establishment.
- Annual application of FYM and NPK fertilizers, increasing with tree age; mature trees (6th year onwards) require 50 kg FYM, 1 kg N, 1 kg P, and 1.5 kg K per tree.
- Fertilizers should be applied in September–October, 45 cm from the trunk, and incorporated into the soil up to the leaf drip line.
Aftercare and Intercropping
- Regular removal of rootstock sprouts, water shoots, criss-cross, and lower branches is essential for healthy growth.
- Legumes and short-duration vegetable crops can be intercropped during the pre-bearing stage to improve soil fertility and income.
Plant Protection and Disease Management
- Leaf webber: Controlled by spraying phosalone at 2 ml/liter.
- Hairy caterpillars: Managed with endosulfan at 2 ml/liter (note: endosulfan use is restricted in many countries; safer alternatives are recommended).
- Budworm: Controlled by phosalone spray at 2 ml/liter.
- Sooty mould: Treated by spraying a 5% solution of boiled maida or starch (1 kg in 20 liters water).
Harvesting, Ripening, and Yield
- Fruits are ready for harvest when dull brown and the skin beneath is lighter in color; mature fruits lose brown scaly material and have reduced latex.
- Harvesting is done by hand picking; main seasons are February–June and September–October.
- Ripening is accelerated by placing fruits in airtight chambers with 5000 ppm Ethrel and 10 g NaOH pellets.
- Yield starts from the third year, reaching 20–25 t/ha/year in mature orchards.
Objective Questions
Q1. What is the ideal annual rainfall range for optimal sapota cultivation?
A. 500-1000 mm
B. 1250-2500 mm
C. 3000-4000 mm
D. 100-500 mm
Answer: B
Q2. Which rootstock is commonly used for grafting sapota plants?
A. Manilkhara zapota
B. Manilkhara hexandra
C. Achras sapota
D. Pouteria campechiana
Answer: B
Q3. What is the recommended spacing for high density planting of sapota?
A. 10 x 10 m
B. 6 x 6 m
C. 8 x 4 m
D. 12 x 12 m
Answer: C
Q4. Which of the following soils is NOT considered ideal for sapota cultivation?
A. Deep alluvium
B. Sandy loam
C. Red laterite
D. Heavy clay with hard pan
Answer: D
Q5. At what minimum height above ground should the graft joint be positioned when planting sapota?
A. 5 cm
B. 10 cm
C. 15 cm
D. 25 cm
Answer: C
Q6. Which chemical is recommended for spraying against sapota leaf webber?
A. Endosulfan
B. Phosalone
C. Lindane
D. Ethrel
Answer: B
Q7. What is the total amount of FYM (Farm Yard Manure) recommended per tree for a 6-year-old sapota?
A. 10 kg
B. 20 kg
C. 30 kg
D. 50 kg
Answer: D
Q8. Which intercrops are suitable during the pre-bearing stage of sapota?
A. Cereals and oilseeds
B. Legumes and short duration vegetables
C. Tubers and spices
D. Plantation crops
Answer: B
Q9. What is the recommended method for ripening harvested sapota fruits?
A. Exposing to sunlight
B. Dipping in ethylene solution
C. Keeping in airtight chamber with 5000 ppm Ethrel + 10 g NaOH pellets
D. Spraying with gibberellic acid
Answer: C
Q10. Which of the following is a clear sign of sapota fruit maturity?
A. Fruit turns bright green
B. Brown scaly materials disappear from the surface
C. Milky latex content increases
D. Stigma becomes sticky
Answer: B