Overview of Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta
Bidens Pilosa L. Var. Quadriseta is a herbaceous plant widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is known by many common names, including Spanish needle, beggar's tick, hairy beggar ticks, and cobbler's pegs.
Origin of Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta
Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta originates from Central and South America but is now naturalized in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America.
Uses of Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta
Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta is known for its medicinal properties. Its leaves, stems, and roots are used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including coughs, colds, fevers, malaria, diarrhea, and inflammation. Additionally, the plant is a good source of antioxidants and has been shown to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising candidate for drug development.
In some countries, such as Brazil and Peru, Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta is also used as a culinary herb. The young leaves and shoots are added to salads, soups, and stews, while the mature leaves are cooked like spinach.
General Appearance of Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta
Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta is an annual or perennial plant that can grow up to 2 m in height. It has a branched stem that is covered in fine hairs and produces small yellow flowers that bloom from early summer to fall. The leaves are opposite, lanceolate in shape, and toothed along the margins. The plant produces small, flattened, and dark-colored seeds that have two or four barbed awns that stick to clothing or fur, facilitating their distribution by animals.
Light Requirements
Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta requires full sunlight exposure to thrive. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it will not grow as vigorously compared to its growth in direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the growth of Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta ranges from 20-30°C. The plant can withstand temperatures as low as 10°C but growth will be slow. The plant can also tolerate temperatures as high as 38°C but it must be provided with adequate water supply to prevent wilting.
Soil Requirements
Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta can grow in various soil types but it prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Soil that is too acidic or too alkaline affects the plant's nutrient uptake and hampers its growth. The plant can tolerate soils that are slightly sandy or clayey but heavy soils should be avoided as they contribute to waterlogging and can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta
Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta is an easy-to-grow plant that prefers warm weather. It is best grown in well-draining soils with a pH of about 5.5 to 7.5. The plant also tolerates sandy soils, but it doesn't do well in areas with high salinity levels.
You can cultivate Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta through seeds or from cuttings. It is advisable to start growing the plant in pots or seed trays before transplanting them into the ground.
Watering Needs for Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta
Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta requires moderate watering. Water the plant once a week if rainfall is insufficient. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Avoid watering the plant from above as the water can cause fungal infections on the leaves. Instead, water it at the root level.
Fertilization of Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta
Applying a balanced fertilizer several times during the growing season can help improve the plant's growth and performance. You can use 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizers, but follow the recommended dosage specified on the package.
You can also add organic matter like compost to the soil before planting the Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta.
Pruning of Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta
Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta doesn't require much pruning. However, you can pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage branching and bushiness.
Removing the dead flowers or spent blooms can also encourage healthy growth and more blooming.
Propagation of Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta
Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta, commonly known as black-jack, is a flowering plant that belongs to the sunflower family. It is known for its medicinal properties, and the plant is propagated through both sexual and asexual means.
Propagation by seeds
The most common method of propagation for Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta is through seeds. The seeds of the plant are relatively small and can be easily collected from the mature flower heads. They can be sown directly in the soil or in seed trays. It's important to sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until germination.
Germination usually takes between one and two weeks. Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted to their final growing location.
Propagation by cuttings
Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta can also be propagated through stem cuttings. To do this, select a healthy stem with several nodes and cut it at a 45-degree angle. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist until roots develop.
Rooting usually takes between two to three weeks. Once roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted to its final location.
Propagation by division
Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta can also be propagated through division. This is most commonly done with mature plants. Dig up the plant and separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have several shoots and a good root system. These new sections can then be replanted in their final location and watered well.
It's important to note that Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta can become invasive if allowed to self-seed and spread freely. Therefore, it's important to properly manage the plant and avoid over-propagating it.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta
Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta (Hochst. ex Oliv. & Hiern) Engl. is a resilient weed species that can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. However, like any other plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Farmers and gardeners need to be mindful of these diseases and pests and take appropriate actions to manage them. Here are some of the commonly found diseases and pests that can affect Bidens pilosa and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including Bidens pilosa. It is characterized by a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it's vital to improve the air circulation around the plant by spacing them out, pruning the affected parts, and applying fungicides if the symptoms persist.
2. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as small, dark spots on the leaves of Bidens pilosa. These spots can merge and cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. To manage the disease, it's essential to prune the affected parts, avoid watering the leaves, and apply fungicides to prevent further spread of the disease.
3. Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease caused by waterlogged soil and can affect the roots of Bidens pilosa. It causes the plant to wilt, turn yellow, and eventually die. To manage root rot, avoid over-watering the plant, ensure proper drainage, and apply fungicides if the symptoms persist.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of Bidens pilosa, leaving behind yellow, misshapen, and curling leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them, apply insecticidal soap, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck the sap from the leaves of Bidens pilosa, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, improve the humidity level around the plant, prune the heavily infested parts, and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
3. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, winged insects that feed on the sap of Bidens pilosa. Their feeding activity can cause the leaves to wilt, turn yellow, and eventually drop off. To manage whiteflies, use yellow sticky traps to lure and trap them, apply insecticidal soap, or use natural predators such as parasitic wasps.
In conclusion, Bidens pilosa L. var. quadriseta is a plant that can be affected by various diseases and pests. To manage them properly, farmers and gardeners should be aware of the common diseases and pests and take appropriate actions to prevent their spread. Regular monitoring of the plant and maintaining optimal growing conditions can go a long way in keeping them healthy and free from diseases and pests.
