Description of Centrosema (DC.) Benth. Plant
Centrosema (DC.) Benth. is a perennial plant species native to Central and South America. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is commonly known as butterfly pea or centro, among other names. The plant has a trailing growth habit and can reach up to 2 meters in length.
General Appearance
The leaves of Centrosema are trifoliate, meaning they consist of three leaflets. The leaflets are ovate to elliptic in shape, with a smooth or slightly toothed margin and a prominent midrib. The flowers are butterfly-shaped, with five petals that are purple, blue, or white in color. They are arranged in dense clusters and bloom continuously throughout the growing season.
The fruits of the plant are flat, elongated pods that contain multiple seeds. The seeds are kidney-shaped and vary in color from dark brown to black.
Common Uses
Centrosema is a valuable plant for soil improvement and erosion control, as it has a deep root system that helps to stabilize soil. In addition, it is often used as a forage crop for livestock, as it has a high protein content.
The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including respiratory infections, digestive disorders, and inflammation. Centrosema extract has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo.
Overall, Centrosema (DC.) Benth. is an important plant species that provides a range of benefits to both humans and the environment.
Growth Conditions for Centrosema (DC.) Benth.
Centrosema (DC.) Benth. is a tropical perennial legume that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. Here are some essential factors to consider:
Light
Centrosema (DC.) Benth. is a sun-loving plant that requires full sunlight to grow and develop properly. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight to photosynthesize effectively and produce energy for growth. Therefore, it is essential to plant it in areas with high light intensity or adequate exposure to sunlight.
Temperature
Centrosema (DC.) Benth. is a warm-season plant that requires warm temperatures to grow well. It grows optimally in temperatures ranging from 25-35°C (77-95°F). Temperatures below or above this range can adversely affect its growth and may lead to stunted growth, physiological disorders, or premature death.
Soil Requirements
Centrosema (DC.) Benth. prefers well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. It cannot thrive in heavy clay soils or waterlogged soils. Therefore, it is crucial to plant it in soils with good drainage and organic matter content. The soil should also be free from pests, diseases, and weeds that may compete with the plant for nutrients and water.
In conclusion, Centrosema (DC.) Benth. requires full sunlight, warm temperatures, and well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soils to grow well. Proper management practices such as regular irrigation, fertilization, and pest control can also improve its growth and yield.
Cultivation of Centrosema (DC.) Benth.
Centrosema (DC.) Benth. prefers well-drained and slightly acidic soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. It can be propagated from both seeds and cuttings, and it is recommended to start propagation during the rainy season. The depth of planting should not be more than 1-2 cm deep. It can be planted in rows with a spacing of 50-60 cm between plants and 20-30 cm between rows.
Watering Needs for Centrosema (DC.) Benth.
Centrosema (DC.) Benth. requires consistent moisture but cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions. Young plants should be watered frequently, at least every other day, until established. Once established, it should be watered every 10-14 days, depending on rainfall. It is important to monitor soil moisture and adjust watering frequency as needed.
Fertilization of Centrosema (DC.) Benth.
Centrosema (DC.) Benth. benefits from a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 20-20-20, applied every two months during the growing season. It is also recommended to add organic matter to the soil, such as compost or manure, to improve soil fertility. However, do not over-fertilize as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower and seed production.
Pruning of Centrosema (DC.) Benth.
Centrosema (DC.) Benth. does not require regular pruning but can be trimmed back after flowering to encourage bushier growth and to remove any dead or diseased branches. It is important to use clean, sharp pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease. Avoid heavy pruning as it can reduce flower and seed production.
Propagation of Centrosema (DC.) Benth.
Centrosema (DC.) Benth. can be propagated through different methods:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for Centrosema (DC.) Benth. Seeds can be collected from dry pods, or from fresh pods that are left to dry after harvesting. The collected seeds should be cleaned, dried and stored in a cool, dry place to avoid mold. Prior to planting, it is recommended to scarify the seed coat by gently rubbing the seeds against sandpaper, or soaking them in hot water for 24 hours to help break down the hard seed coat.
Seedlings should be raised in a seedbed or nursery and transplanted to the field when they have reached the 5-leaf stage. To ensure proper establishment, it is recommended to irrigate the seedlings regularly, especially during the first few weeks after transplanting.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation can also be used to propagate Centrosema (DC.) Benth. This method involves taking cuttings from mother plants and planting them in a rooting medium. The cuttings should be approximately 10 cm in length and preferably taken from mature plants. The base of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to promote root growth and improve the chances of successful rooting. The cuttings should be planted in a mix of sand and soil, and kept moist and warm. When roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted to the field.
Vegetative Propagation
Centrosema (DC.) Benth. can also be propagated through vegetative means, such as layering and division. Layering involves bending a low-hanging stem of Centrosema (DC.) Benth. to the ground and covering it with soil, leaving the tip of the shoot exposed. Roots will form at the covered section of stem, and when strong roots have developed, the stem can be cut from the mother plant and transplanted to the field.
In division, the mother plant is carefully dug up, and divided into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and an attached stem. The divided sections are replanted in the field, where they will continue to grow.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen for Centrosema (DC.) Benth., it is important to provide adequate care and attention to the young plants to ensure proper establishment and growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Centrosema (DC.) Benth.
Centrosema (DC.) Benth., commonly known as centro, is a valuable forage legume due to its high nutritional value and ability to improve soil fertility. However, this plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Centrosema, and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora sp. Symptoms include small circular or elongated spots on leaves that gradually expand and dry. Management includes practising crop rotation, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying fungicides such as copper-based sprays.
2. Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease presents symptoms of white powdery patches on leaves, steams, and pods. To control powdery mildew, it is important to avoid overcrowding and increase spacing to improve air circulation. Fungicides can also be used.
3. Root Knot Nematode: Nematodes are parasitic worms that cause formation of knots or galls on roots. The affected plants may exhibit stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Management involves planting resistant varieties and crop rotation with non-host crops.
Pests
1. Aphids: These pests suck the sap from young leaves and shoots, which leads to wilting and deformities. Management includes regular scouting and the use of insecticides such as neem oil or pyrethrins as needed. Beneficial insects such as lady beetles can also be introduced to control aphids populations.
2. Caterpillars: Caterpillars are common pests that feed on leaves, reducing the quality of the forage. Management involves manual removal, introducing natural predators such as birds and parasitoid wasps or using insecticides.
3. Snails and Slugs: These pests leave slime trails and feed on leaves and stems. Management methods include handpicking and applying slug baits.
By identifying and managing these diseases and pests, Centrosema can remain a productive forage crop, providing high-quality feed for livestock.
