SOURSOP - WONDER TREE

SOURSOP (Annona mauricata) is a multipurpose and wonder tree, with nearly all its parts, even the seeds, having important uses in herbal medicine. Few ASEAN Countries is one of the soursop producing country. In Malaysia there are 3 varieties grown known as DB1, DB2 and DB3. Among them only 1 varieties meet the domestic demands. Most of them are smallholders farmers located traditional villages. The natural chemicals found in this fruit can treat numerous kinds of ailments. Soursop seeds are known for its insecticidal properties. It may be reported to be toxic, but do not be afraid to consume this fruit. The flesh is perfectly safe and in case of seed ingestion, digestive juice is not enough to soften and digest it. Soursop seeds appear oval, hard, smooth and black in color, about ½ to ¾ inch long. A large fruit may also contain a dozen to 200 or more seeds depending on the variety of Annona. Also known by names such as Sirsak in Indonesia, the seed contains 13% ash, 8% moisture, 2% crude protein, 8% crude fiber, 47% carbohydrate and 20% fat. It also contains 0.8% titratable acidity, 0.2% water-soluble ash and 17mg calcium/100 grams. Soursop seeds have many herbal medicinal uses. It is traditionally used by indigenous people where the plant commonly grows. It can be used as a fish poison, and if pulverized, it can be effective against pea aphids, head lice (as pediculocide) and southern armyworms. The crushed seeds can be used as parto of the antihelminthic and vermifuge against external and internal parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms. The seed oil is used topically for skin parasites and lice. This article I would like to share with you in "Anim Agriculture Technology" based on my reading anf farm visits.

The black soursop seeds have emetic properties; hence, they are used in the treatment of nausea and vomiting. A tincture of bay rum and pulverized seeds is used to treat vomiting. In Brazil, it is considered astringent, which help in lessening bleeding, cleanse and calm the intestines and help in balancing acid levels. Pulverizing the seeds and mixing it with water and soap can be used as an effective insecticide against caterpillars, leafhoppers and armyworms. Studies have also discovered the A. muricata seed extract’s anti-cancer property. In one study, five mono-tetrahydofuran acetogenin including cis-annonacin were discovered. Cis-annonacin is believed to be selectively cytotoxic to HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma cells. Soursop is commonly propagated by seeds, chosen from fully mature fruits. Due to the recalcitrant nature of the seed, they have shorter viability. If the seeds are fresh, they are quick to germinate. You may soak it for 12 to 24 hours. Sow the seeds about ½ inch deep in fertile, well-drained soil, preferably on seedbeds or seed boxes. The soil should consist of sterilized loam and organic matter. Place it in shade once they have fully germinated, then gradually move it in sunny area.

When sown in containers, germination happens within 15 to 30 days. The soil must be kept moist. Water it once a day during hot days. Shield-budding or cutting method is often used to produce selected variety of graviola. This plant will not survive in winters, as it is strictly a tropical tree. Soursop may also propagate through asexual reproduction, but this is not common practice. Trees planted from soursop seeds (sexual propagation) grows fast and starts to bear fruits within 3 to 5 years. Those who interested to grow soursop able to get more information through reading and farm visits. Thanks.

By,
M Anem
Senior Agronomist,
Agriculture Station,
Pontian, Johore,
Malaysia.
(21 June 2014)