Editing Kola nut (section)

== Cultivation ==
Originally a tree of the [[tropical rainforest]], it needs a hot humid climate, but can withstand a dry season on sites with a high ground water level. It may be cultivated in drier areas where groundwater is available. ''C. nitida'' is a shade bearer, but develops a better spreading crown which yields more fruits in open places. Though it is a lowland forest tree, it has been found at altitudes over 300 m on deep, rich soils under heavy and evenly distributed rainfall.

Regular weeding is necessary, which can be performed manually or through the use of [[herbicide]]s. Some irrigation can be provided to the plants, but it is important to remove the water through an effective drainage system, as excess water may prove to be detrimental for the growth of the plant. When not grown in adequate shade, the kola nut plant responds well to fertilizers. Usually, the plants need to be provided with windbreaks to protect them from strong gales.

Kola nuts can be harvested mechanically or by hand, by plucking them at the tree branch. Nigeria produces 52.4% of worldwide production followed by the Ivory Coast and Cameroon.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Producing Countries of Kola Nut |url=https://www.tridge.com/intelligences/kola-nut/production |access-date=2019-12-29 |website=Tridge}}</ref> When kept in a cool, dry place, kola nuts can be stored for a long time.<ref>{{Cite news |title=From Nigeria, the Kola nuts are here |url=http://www.nation.co.ke/business/seedsofgold/From-Nigeria-the-Kola-nuts-are-IN-KENYA/2301238-2957394-dpbbej/index.html |access-date=2017-12-28 |work=Daily Nation |language=en-UK}}</ref>

The crop's value makes it one of the most important indigenous cash crops in West Africa and is used as a means of social mobility.<ref name="bbc" />

===Pests and diseases===
The nuts are subject to attack by the kola weevil ''[[Balanogastris kolae]]''. The larvae of the moth ''[[Characoma strictigrapta]]'' that also attacks cacao bore into the nuts. Traders sometimes apply an extract of the bark of ''[[Rauvolfia vomitoria]]'' or the pulverised fruits of ''[[Xylopia]]'' and ''[[Capsicum]]'' to counteract the attack on nursery plants. The cacao pests ''[[Sahlbergella]]'' spp. have been found also on ''C. nitida'' as an alternative host plant. While seeds are liable to worm attack, the wood is subject to borer attack.

{| class="wikitable floatright" style="text-align:center; "
|+ Kola nut production, 2022
|-
! scope="col" | Country
! scope="col" | [[tonne]]s
|-
|{{NGA}} || 174,108
|-
|{{CIV}} || 58,641
|-
|{{CMR}} || 48,571
|-
|{{GHA}} || 24,644
|-
|{{SLE}} || 8,450
|-
|'''World''' || '''315,024'''<ref name="fao">{{cite web |date=2024 |title=Kola nut production in 2022, Crops/Regions/World list/Production Quantity/Year (pick lists) |url=https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL |access-date=10 June 2024 |publisher=UN Food and Agriculture Organization, Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT)}}</ref>
|}

=== Production ===
In 2022, world production of kola nuts was {{Convert|315024|t|lbs}}, led by Nigeria with 55% of the total (table).