Introduction
Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich. is a medicinal plant that can be found in various parts of the world. The plant is known for its anthelmintic properties, which means it is capable of expelling parasitic worms from the body.Origin and Common Names
Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich. is native to India and can also be found in other parts of Asia, such as Pakistan, Nepal, and Bhutan. The plant is also known by several common names such as Kala Dandoti in Hindi, Indian Wormseed, and St. Lucie's Cherry.Appearance
Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich. is an annual shrub that can grow up to 1 meter in height. The leaves of the plant are pinnately divided, with many small leaflets that have a strong odor when crushed. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and arranged in terminal spikes. The fruits are small, dry and contain small black seeds.Uses
Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich. has been used traditionally as a vermifuge (substance that expels parasitic worms) and is also used for various medicinal purposes. Its seeds are used for treating digestive disorders like colic, bloating, and indigestion. The plant is also used in the treatment of skin diseases, cough, asthma, and bronchitis. Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich. oil is used for the treatment of ear infections and its extract has shown potential for the treatment of cancer. In conclusion, Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich. is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used for centuries. Its anthelmintic properties and other health benefits make it an important plant for medicinal purposes.Growth Conditions for Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich.
Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich., commonly known as Wormseed, is a medicinal plant that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. This plant species belongs to the family Asteraceae and grows in warm and tropical regions. Below are the growth conditions suited for Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich.
Light Requirements
Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich. requires full sunlight to grow. It cannot grow in the shade as it needs a lot of light to photosynthesize and produce food. Therefore, it is advisable to plant Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich. in an area that receives direct sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich. is adapted to warm and tropical conditions. It prefers a temperature range of 25-32°C (77-90°F) for optimum growth. The plant cannot survive in frost-prone regions and temperatures below 10°C (50°F). Lack of warmth can also affect the germination process and lead to stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich. grows well in well-drained sandy or loamy soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soils but grows best in neutral soils. The soil must be rich in organic matter to retain moisture and provide the required nutrients. The plant prefers soils with excellent drainage to avoid waterlogging that can lead to root rot.
Overall, providing Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich. with full sunlight, warm temperatures, and well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and neutral in pH can ensure successful growth and high yields.
Cultivation methods
Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich., commonly referred to as Wormseed, is a perennial herb plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. The plant is best grown in warm and sunny areas with sandy or well-drained soils that have a pH of between 6.0 to 7.5.
Seeds of the plant can be directly sown, approximately 0.5 inches deep in the soil, and covered with a thin layer of compost or topsoil. You can start the seeds indoors to give them a head start. After the last frost, you can safely transfer the seedlings outside at a spacing of around 12 to 18 inches.
The plant is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it an ideal choice for beginner gardeners.
Watering needs
Wormseed requires regular watering during its growing period. Water the plant deeply, about once per week. The soil should always be moist but not waterlogged. If you are unsure of a plant's watering needs, insert a finger into the soil, and water if the soil feels dry under the surface.
Fertilization
Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich is not a heavy feeder, so fertilizing the plant is unnecessary. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, once every month during the growing season to improve the plant quality.
Pruning
Pruning should be done to maintain wormseed's shape and size. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires little pruning, mainly to remove dead or diseased leaves and stems. Cut back the leaves and stems of the plant to a height of around 6 inches in late autumn or early winter when the plant goes dormant.
Propagation of Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich.
Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich. is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is propagated through various methods, some of which are natural, while others are artificial. Below are the main propagation methods used by farmers.
Seed propagation
The use of seeds remains the most common method of propagation for Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich. The seeds are collected from mature plants and treated to enhance germination. Before sowing, the seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours, and then dried in the sun to remove any remaining moisture. The seeds are then sown in the prepared beds or pots at a depth of 1-2 centimeters.
Vegetative propagation
Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich. can also be propagated through vegetative means. The two main methods used are cuttings and division.
Cuttings: The cuttings should be taken from mature plants, around six months to one year old. The cuttings should be around 15-30 cm long and should have a minimum of three branches. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained rooting medium, and treated with rooting hormones to enhance the development of roots.
Division: Division is the process of dividing the root mass of a plant into smaller portions and planting them in separate pots or sites. This method of propagation is mainly used for plants that grow in clumps or have rhizomes. The plant is carefully uprooted from the soil and divided into smaller sections. Each section should have enough roots and should be replanted in separate pots or sites.
Disease and Pest Management for Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich.
Besenna anthelmintica A.Rich. is a medicinal plant that is native to the Middle East, Africa and Asia. It is commonly known as Wormseed and belongs to the family of Asteraceae. The plant has antihelminthic properties which make it a popular treatment for helminthiasis. Proper management of diseases and pests is crucial in ensuring the plant attains optimal yields.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Besenna anthelmintica is leaf spot. The disease is characterized by circular spots with brown borders and yellow centers. In severe cases, the leaves may become distorted and eventually fall off. Leaf spot is caused by the fungal pathogens: Alternaria alternata, Phoma exigua, and Cercospora sesami.
Another common disease is powdery mildew, which is caused by the fungus, Erysiphe cichoracearum. It is characterized by white, powdery patches on the surface of the leaves due to the fungal growth. In severe cases, the leaves may become distorted, turn yellow and prematurely drop off.
Disease Management
One of the best ways to manage leaf spot and powdery mildew diseases is by practising good cultural practices. Always ensure that your plants are not overcrowded, and they have adequate spacing to enhance proper air circulation, which will reduce humidity levels that encourage fungal growth. Additionally, remove infected plant parts and properly dispose of them to prevent the spread of the disease. Application of fungicides such as copper-based fungicides can also help to control both diseases.
Common Pests
The most common pests that infest Besenna anthelmintica are aphids. These small insects have a soft body and feed on the sap of the plant. They reproduce quite fast, making it difficult to manage their populations. Aphids cause damage to the plant, such as deformed leaves, stunted growth, and leaf drop off.
The other common pest of Besenna anthelmintica is spider mites. These pests are very tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye. They feed on the plant's sap, leading to bronzing and yellowing of the leaves. Severe infestations may cause premature leaf drop off and even death of the plant.
Pest Management
The best way to manage aphids and spider mites is by practising good cultural practices. Always keep the plant clean, removing any debris that may harbor pests. Proper irrigation practices can also help. Avoid overwatering, as this may encourage pests since they thrive in humid environments. Introducing natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites can also help to control pest populations. Neem oil is also a natural pesticide that has demonstrated impressive results in controlling spider mites and aphids in Besenna anthelmintica plants.
By implementing proper disease and pest management practices, it is possible to maintain a productive and healthy Besenna anthelmintica plantation that thrives for many years.
