Origin and Common Names
Bidens pilosa L. var. glabrata (Vatke) Engl., commonly known as Smooth beggarticks or Smooth burr marigold, is a plant species originating from tropical and subtropical regions of America, Africa, and Asia. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and genus Bidens.
Appearance
Smooth beggar ticks is an annual herbaceous plant that grows from 20 to 100 cm tall. It has a fibrous root system that allows it to grow in different soil types and conditions. The stem is upright, slender, and slightly ridged, with branches from the base. The leaves are opposite and pinnate, with toothed edges and a glossy dark green color on top and a pale green underside. The daisy-like flowers are yellow, with eight to ten petal-like ray florets surrounding a cluster of tiny yellow disk florets in the center, and are borne in the axils of the leaves. The fruit is a small, slender, prickly achene that has two to four barbed awns that stick to clothing, animal fur, and human skin, spreading the plant seeds.
Uses
Bidens pilosa L. var. glabrata has been used for medicinal and food purposes in various cultures worldwide. In traditional medicine, the entire plant or its components have been used as herbal tea, extracts, or poultices to treat a wide range of ailments, such as diarrhea, dysentery, fever, inflammation, respiratory infections, rheumatism, among others. Scientific studies have revealed that the plant contains a wide range of phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, terpenes, and triterpenoids, that possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and immune-modulating activities. Moreover, the plant has also been used as a leafy vegetable, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and as a dye for textiles and clothes.
Growth Conditions of Bidens Pilosa L. Var. Glabrata (Vatke) Engl.
Bidens Pilosa L. Var. Glabrata (Vatke) Engl. is commonly known as smooth beggarticks. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions and is a fast-growing weed. Here are some of the typical growth conditions:
Light Requirements
Smooth beggarticks require full sun exposure and thrive in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Shade can result in poor growth and a reduction in flowering. So, it is highly recommended to plant this weed in areas that receive full sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens pilosa L. var. glabrata requires warm temperatures to grow and flourish. It is a heat-loving plant and can be found in places with a temperature ranging from 20-33°C, making it an ideal plant for tropical and subtropical regions. If the temperature drops below 12°C, the weed may become stunted in growth and may eventually cease to grow altogether.
Soil Requirements
Smooth beggarticks prefer well-draining, fertile soils that are rich in organic matter. However, the weed can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including slightly alkaline and acidic soils. The ideal soil pH range for smooth beggarticks is 5.5 to 7.5. The weed can tolerate drought but grows best in soils that are consistently moist.
Smooth beggarticks is a hardy plant that can adapt to different growth conditions. If the above growing conditions are maintained, this weed can grow and flourish in many different environments.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens pilosa L. var. glabrata (Vatke) Engl. is a hardy plant that can grow in various soil types and climatic conditions. It prefers full sunlight, but can also grow in partial shade. This plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. It's essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil. To improve soil fertility, you may add compost or organic manure before planting.
Watering Needs
Bidens pilosa L. var. glabrata (Vatke) Engl. requires regular watering to thrive, especially during dry spells. Deep and infrequent watering is preferable to frequent shallow watering. Be careful not to overwater the plants as this can lead to root rot. You can check the moisture level of the soil by inserting a finger to a depth of about two inches. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water the plant.
Fertilization
It's essential to fertilize Bidens pilosa L. var. glabrata (Vatke) Engl. regularly to promote healthy growth and blooming. You may use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season and repeat the application every four to six weeks during the growing season. Be cautious not to overfertilize the plant, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning Bidens pilosa L. var. glabrata (Vatke) Engl. is not necessary, but it can help to keep the plant tidy and promote blooming. Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage the growth of new flowers. You can also pinch back the tips of the plant to promote bushier growth and prevent it from getting too tall and lanky. Sterilize your pruning tools before and after pruning to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Bidens pilosa L. var. glabrata (Vatke) Engl.
Bidens pilosa L. var glabrata (Vatke) Engl. can be propagated through various methods which include:
Seed Propagation
Bidens pilosa L. var. glabrata (Vatke) Engl. can be propagated through seeds. The seeds need to be collected from dried flowerheads. The seeds must be sown in seed trays or seedbeds. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. The seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately 2 mm into the soil. It is important to keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
Cutting Propagation
Bidens pilosa L. var. glabrata (Vatke) Engl. can also be propagated through cuttings. For cutting propagation, select healthy cuttings from the mother plant. These cuttings should be at least 10 cm long with at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower node. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining, moist soil. The soil should be kept moist until the cuttings have rooted.
Division Propagation
Bidens pilosa L. var. glabrata (Vatke) Engl. can also be propagated through division. This method can be used when the mother plant has become too large or overcrowded. Dig up the rhizomes of the mother plant and divide them into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one shoot and a few healthy roots. Plant the divided sections in well-draining soil and water them well.
Regardless of the propagation method used, Bidens pilosa L. var. glabrata (Vatke) Engl. requires warm temperatures and moderate levels of sunlight to grow and establish themselves. With proper care and attention, this plant can thrive and beautify any space.
Disease Management
Bidens pilosa L. var. glabrata is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Leaf Spot: This is a common fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves. The spots may be brown or black, and the affected leaves may eventually wilt and fall off. To manage this disease, avoid overhead watering and remove infected leaves from the plant and the soil. Fungicides may also be used in severe cases.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. The affected leaves may become deformed or drop prematurely. Maintaining good airflow around the plant and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent this disease. Fungicides may also be used to manage severe cases of powdery mildew.
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and eventually die. The plant may wilt and show signs of stunted growth. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage. Treat the soil with a fungicide if necessary.
Pest Management
Bidens pilosa L. var. glabrata is also susceptible to pest infestations. Common pests that may affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They may cause stunted growth and distortions in the leaves. To manage aphids, wash them off with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and stippling. They may also produce fine webs on the plant. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a strong stream of water or use an insecticidal soap or miticide.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths or butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant. They may cause large holes and ragged edges on the leaves. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or use an insecticide labeled for caterpillar control.
