Tamarind monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future

Chapter 4. Ecological Requirements
4.1 Introduction
Revised by J.T. Williams
Tamarind is adapted to a wide range of ecological conditions, reflecting its
wide geographical distribution in the sub and semi-arid tropics. It grows wild
in many countries and is also widely cultivated. It thrives under the same
conditions as the baobab tree (Jansen, 1981; Mahony, 1990), and often
grows near villages though it is rarely found growing in close proximity to
other species (FAO, 1988). According to Dalziel (1937), the tree has an
abundant leaf fall and usually has no undergrowth. Although the tree is often
planted for its pleasant shade in villages, people in India object to sleeping
under the tree, as they fear the ‘harmful acid exhalations’. The leaves bear
acid exudation droplets, which refresh the air at hot times of day (Jansen,
1981).
4.2 Climate
Joshi (1985) has suggested that tamarind is a weather indicating plant of
tribals in Rajasthan, India. When the length of the fruits appear longer than
usual, weather with abundant rains conducive to the ripening of genhu
(Triticum aestivum L.) and chinna (Cicer arietinum L.) is forecasted. This is
a common phenomenon throughout the forest.
4.2.1 Water
Tamarind grows well with an evenly distributed mean annual rainfall of 500-
1500 mm (FAO, 1988; Jama et al., 1989; Hocking, 1993). The minimum
rainfall requirement is 250 mm. In areas where rainfall is this low, for
example in the Sahel, where annual rainfall is 300-400 mm, the trees are
usually located near the water table or along water courses. The maximum
annual rainfall which tamarind can tolerate is up to 4000 mm, provided that
the soil is well-drained (Duke and Terrell, 1974). Tamarind grows under
these conditions in the wet tropics but does not flower (Allen and Allen,
1981). In fact, dry weather is important for flower initiation and if heavy
rains occur during flowering tamarind does not bear fruit. Thus, in the wet
tropics of northwest India and south Malaysia, the trees grow well but do not
produce any fruit (Morton, 1987). Dry weather is very important for fruit
development and regardless of total annual rainfall, tamarind produces more
fruit when subjected to a fairly long annual dry period (Allen and Allen,
1981; von Maydell, 1986). Tamarind can be grown in very dry areas with
supplementary irrigation and can withstand up to six months without
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