Overview
Cakile edentula (Bigelow) Hook. ssp. lacustris (Fern.) Hultén, commonly known as American searocket is a member of the Brassicaceae family. This plant is found along the coasts of the northern Atlantic and on the shores of the Great Lakes. It is a salt-tolerant plant that grows in sandy or rocky soil.Description
American searocket is an annual herb that grows up to 40 cm tall. The plant has a simple stem that is either branched or unbranched. The leaves of this plant are oblong and pinnately lobed. The flowers are white to pale pink in color and have four petals. They bloom from June to August and are self-fertile. The plant produces a fruit that is a long, cylindrical silique that contains many black seeds.Uses
American searocket is used for erosion control and as a decorative plant. It has a high salt tolerance and can grow in harsh, coastal conditions. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as rheumatism and scurvy.General Appearance
American searocket is a small, herbaceous plant that has oblong leaves and white to pale pink flowers. It grows up to 40 cm tall and has a simple stem that is either branched or unbranched. The plant produces a cylindrical fruit that contains many black seeds. It is commonly found along the coasts of the northern Atlantic and on the shores of the Great Lakes.Light Requirements:
Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris typically prefers full sun to partial shade to grow successfully. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not thrive in full shade conditions. The plant will grow more vigorously and produce more flowers if it is grown in full sunlight.
Temperature Requirements:
The ideal temperature range for the growth and development of Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris is between 10°C to 28°C. The plant can tolerate high salt concentrations and low temperatures, making it suitable for growth in coastal regions. However, it cannot tolerate extreme hot and dry weather conditions. It is best to grow the plant in areas with mild summers and cool winters.
Soil Requirements:
Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris grows well in sandy or sandy-loam soils, which are well-drained and have a high salt content. The plant can also tolerate slightly alkaline or slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It is essential to avoid waterlogged and heavy clay soils as they can cause root rot and damage the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris grows well in sandy soils near coastal regions, but it can also thrive in moist soils. In general, this plant requires full sun to partial shade and a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Watering Needs
Watering the plant frequently during the growing season is important, but not to the point of overwatering which may damage the roots. Always ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During winter when the plant goes dormant, it requires minimal watering.
Fertilization
Applying fertilizer during the growing season is recommended, but it should be done sparingly. Use a balanced fertilizer that is rich in phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen. Avoid fertilizing during the winter season when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary but removing the dead or diseased tissue is recommended to encourage healthy growth. More often than not, the plant will naturally shed the oldest leaves, and it usually dies back to the ground during winter. If pruning is necessary, it should be done during the dormant period, as pruning during the growing season can put the plant at risk of infections and other issues.
Propagation of Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris
The propagation of Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris can be accomplished through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris can be sown directly in the ground in the late fall or early spring. The seeds should be planted in sandy soil that is well-drained and in full sun. Planting depth should not exceed that of the seed's diameter. During germination, the seeds should be kept moist. The seeds generally germinate in 2-4 weeks.
Propagation through cuttings
Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the plant in the early summer and should be about 4-6 inches long. The cuttings should be stripped of leaves on the lower third and coated in rooting hormone. The cuttings can then be planted in sandy soil that is well-drained and in full sun. The cuttings should be regularly misted and kept in a humid environment until roots are established, which typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Both seed and cutting propagation methods have been successful in establishing new populations of Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris. However, it's important to keep in mind that this species is native to a unique habitat and appropriate measures should be taken to ensure that propagated plants are reintroduced to suitable locations.
Disease and Pest Management for Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris
Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris, commonly known as Great Lakes searocket, is a salt-tolerant plant that grows in sandy beach areas near the Great Lakes. While it is relatively resilient, there are a few diseases and pests that can damage or kill the plant if left unmanaged.
Common Diseases
Bacterial leaf spot is a common disease that affects Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris. It appears as small, water-soaked lesions that eventually turn brown and can cause the leaves to drop off. To manage this disease, it is important to remove infected leaves and properly dispose of them. Additionally, avoid overhead watering, as it can increase the likelihood of infection. Fungicides can also be used to prevent and manage bacterial leaf spot.
Verticillium wilt is another disease that can cause significant damage to Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris. It is caused by a fungus that attacks the plant's vascular system, causing wilting, yellowing, and eventually death. There is no cure for this disease, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the fungus. To prevent the disease from spreading, avoid planting Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris in areas where other plants have previously been infected with verticillium wilt.
Common Pests
The most common pest that affects Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris is the root-knot nematode. These microscopic worms invade the plant's roots, causing them to swell and form galls. This can lead to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and even death. To manage this pest, it is important to maintain healthy soil and avoid planting in areas with high nematode populations. Additionally, crop rotation can help to reduce nematode populations in the soil.
Aphids are another pest that can affect Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris. These small insects suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to curl and yellow. They can also transmit plant viruses. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and regularly inspect plants for signs of infestation.
Conclusion
By properly managing diseases and pests, it is possible to maintain healthy Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris plants. By removing infected leaves, avoiding overhead watering, maintaining healthy soil, and using appropriate insecticides and fungicides, you can keep these plants thriving in their natural beach habitats.
