Origin and Common Names
Aragallus besseyi Rydb., commonly known as Bessey's locoweed, is a herbaceous plant commonly found in the western United States, specifically in Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Idaho. The plant belongs to the Fabaceae family.
Appearance
The plant is a perennial herb that grows up to 20 cm tall and has a spread of 20 cm. The plant's leaves are pinnately compound and are generally small, with each leaf having 9 to 11 elliptic leaflets. The plant blooms from June to August, producing clusters of small, tubular, cream-colored flowers. After pollination, the plant produces legume pods that contain 1-3 seeds.
Uses
Aragallus besseyi Rydb. has been used in traditional Native American medicine to treat various ailments. The plant contains toxic alkaloids, which are known to cause locoism in livestock and wildlife. Locoism is a condition that affects the nervous system and causes a variety of symptoms, including incoordination, muscle weakness, and eventually death. Despite its toxicity, the plant is used for its medicinal properties in small doses. It is also used in ecological restoration projects to establish vegetation on disturbed sites, as the plant has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, thus improving soil fertility.
Light Requirements
Aragallus besseyi Rydb. typically requires full sunlight to thrive. It is not tolerant of shaded areas and will experience stunted growth if not exposed to abundant sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to grow in cool, high-elevation environments. It can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers moderately cool conditions with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F. Aragallus besseyi Rydb. cannot tolerate extreme heat and may die if exposed to temperatures above 90°F for an extended period of time.
Soil Requirements
Aragallus besseyi Rydb. thrives in dry, well-draining soils. It prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH ranging between 6.5 to 7.5. The plant cannot tolerate soils that are too wet or compact, and as such, it is well adapted to grow in sandy and gravelly soils.
Cultivation
Aragallus besseyi Rydb., commonly known as Bessey's locoweed, is a hardy perennial plant that prefers dry and well-draining soils. It thrives in full sun and is generally resistant to pests and diseases. The plant is best propagated by seed, which can be sown in the fall or spring.
Watering
While Aragallus besseyi Rydb. is drought-tolerant, it still requires regular watering during the growing season to thrive. The plant should be watered deeply about once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. It's best to water in the morning so that the plant has enough time to dry off before nighttime.
Fertilization
Fertilization of Aragallus besseyi Rydb. should be done sparingly, and only during the growing season. The plant can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10, applying it at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet of space. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduce flowering.
Pruning
Aragallus besseyi Rydb. generally does not require much pruning. However, to maintain the overall shape and remove dead or damaged branches, it's best to prune back the plant in early spring before new growth emerges. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth and promote healthy flowering throughout the season.
Propagation of Aragallus Besseyi Rydb.
Propagation is a crucial aspect of the cultivation of Aragallus besseyi Rydb. The propagation methods used for this plant include seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the primary mode of propagation for Aragallus besseyi Rydb. The seeds are collected from mature plants during the fall season when they are fully ripe. The seeds are then treated to remove any potential fungal or bacterial infections before planting.
Before planting, the seeds are stratified for two to three months to simulate winter conditions. This process enhances germination rates since the seeds require exposure to winter temperatures before they can sprout. After this process, the seeds are planted in a well-draining soil and lightly covered. Germination typically takes between two to three weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves using vegetative parts of the plant to grow new plants. This method is usually used for the propagation of specific cultivars or when the resulting plants need to retain the parent plant's characteristics. For Aragallus besseyi Rydb., vegetative propagation is done using root cuttings or stem cuttings.
Root cuttings are taken at the beginning of the plant's growing season and should be four to six inches long with a diameter of at least a quarter of an inch. The cuttings are then treated to promote the development of adventitious roots and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Usually, stem cuttings are taken in the summer months and require the removal of some of the leaves to reduce transpiration while rooting. The cuttings are then rooted in a sterile soilless mix.
Overall, propagation of Aragallus besseyi Rydb. can be challenging, but using proper propagation techniques can lead to successful growth and propagation of the plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Aragallus besseyi Rydb.
Aragallus besseyi Rydb., commonly known as Bessey's locoweed, is native to western North America. The plant is primarily found in rangelands and is used for forage by cattle, sheep, and wildlife. However, like any other plant, Aragallus besseyi Rydb. is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and production.
Common Diseases
Aragallus besseyi Rydb. can be affected by several diseases, including:
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by a soil-borne fungus, Phymatotrichopsis omnivora. It can cause wilting, stunted growth, and even death of the plant. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, and improve soil drainage. The use of fungicides might be necessary in severe cases.
- Sclerotinia crown and stem rot: Sclerotinia crown and stem rot is caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a fungal pathogen that attacks the plant's stems, leaves, and flowers. The disease can lead to the death of the plant. To control the spread of the disease, remove and destroy the infected plant parts and avoid working in the wet field.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is caused by several fungi, including Mycosphaerella aragalli and Ascochyta locoweeds. It can cause yellowing and necrosis of the leaves and reduce the plant's vigor. To manage leaf spot, avoid overhead irrigation, remove and destroy the infected plant parts, and use appropriate fungicides.
Common Pests
Aragallus besseyi Rydb. can also be affected by various pests, including:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the plant's sap causing wilting, yellowing, and stunting of the plant. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps and oils and encourage the predators and parasites of the aphids.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant by piercing the cells and sucking the sap. They cause a reduction in plant vigor, discoloration, and defoliation. To manage spider mites, use a strong jet of water to wash off the mites from the plant or use miticides that target the mites. Also, maintain high humidity in the field.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of night-flying moths that cut the plant's stem at the soil level causing the plant to die. To manage cutworms, till the soil before planting to expose the larvae to predators and parasites, use cutworm collars around the stems, and apply appropriate insecticides.
It's essential to regularly monitor the Aragallus besseyi Rydb. stands for any signs of diseases and pests and take immediate action to manage them. Proper nutrient management, irrigation, and pruning can also help improve the plant's resistance to diseases and pests.
