Description of Centrosema pubescens Benth
Centrosema pubescens Benth is a tropical legume that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a twining perennial vine that grows up to 3 meters in length. The plant has several common names, including Butterfly pea, Centro, Egungun-Owo, Centro de Lagos, Morning Glory Bean, and Clitoria pubescens.
Origin of Centrosema pubescens Benth
Centrosema pubescens Benth is native to Africa, and it is found in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone. It has also spread to other parts of the world, including South America, the Caribbean, and Asia. The plant is adaptable to various soil conditions, and it thrives in both dry and humid environments.
General Appearance of Centrosema pubescens Benth
The plant has a slender, twining stem that is covered with fine, grayish hairs. The leaves are green and trifoliate, and they have elliptic to ovate leaflets that are 3 – 10 cm long and 1.5 – 7 cm wide. The flowers are attractive and showy, with blue to purple petals that are about 2 cm long. The plant produces small, flattened pods that contain up to six seeds.
Uses of Centrosema pubescens Benth
Centrosema pubescens Benth has several important uses. It is widely used as a forage crop in many parts of the world. The leaves and stems are highly nutritious and contain high levels of crude protein and minerals. This makes it a valuable source of food for livestock, especially cattle and goats. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs, respiratory disorders, and snakebites. In addition, the plant has ornamental value, and it is used as an attractive garden plant and ground cover.
In conclusion, Centrosema pubescens Benth is a versatile plant with many important uses. Its adaptability to different soil conditions and climates makes it a valuable crop and source of food for both humans and livestock. Its attractive appearance and medicinal properties also make it an important plant in traditional medicine and ornamental horticulture.
Light Requirements
Centrosema pubescens Benth. is a plant species that prefers bright but indirect light. It can tolerate partial shade but does best in full sun exposure. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day is required for the plant's optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant's ideal temperature range is between 23°C to 30°C. This species can withstand high temperatures but not frost or prolonged cold weather. It is best to keep Centrosema pubescens Benth. in well-ventilated areas and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures to prevent stress and promote vigorous growth.
Soil Requirements
Centrosema pubescens Benth. grows in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH of 5.0 to 7.5. It prefers well-drained and fertile soils that are rich in organic matter, such as loamy and sandy loam soils. The plant can tolerate drought but thrives best when given regular watering and moisture. It is advisable to water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Cultivation Methods of Centrosema pubescens Benth.
Centrosema pubescens Benth., commonly known as centro, is a perennial legume plant that is widely planted for forage and soil improvement. It is generally propagated by seed and can be grown in a variety of soil types, including sandy loam, sandy clay loam, and clay soils. The plant requires full sun exposure and a well-draining soil to thrive.
Centro can be planted either by direct seeding or transplanting. Transplanting is often preferred as seedlings establish quickly and grow faster than direct-seeded plants. The ideal planting time is during the rainy season when soil moisture is optimal for germination and establishment. Plant spacing should be about 10-15 cm between plants and 50-60 cm between rows.
Watering Needs of Centrosema pubescens Benth.
Centro requires sufficient water to grow well, especially during the establishment phase. During the rainy season, natural rainfall may provide sufficient water for optimal growth. However, during the dry season, the plants need supplementary irrigation to ensure proper growth and development. Irrigate regularly and deeply, ensuring that the soil is not waterlogged to avoid root rot.
Fertilization of Centrosema pubescens Benth.
Centrosema pubescens Benth. is a nitrogen-fixing plant. It should be inoculated with a specific type of Rhizobium bacteria to enable nitrogen fixation. If the Rhizobium is not present in the soil, the plant will require additional nitrogen fertilizer. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can also be applied to improve plant growth and yield. Fertilizers should be applied after the first flush of growth to avoid promoting excessive vegetative growth that may reduce seed production.
Pruning of Centrosema pubescens Benth.
Pruning of Centrosema pubescens Benth. is necessary to improve the stand density, encourage branching, and maximize seed production. The plant can be pruned to remove the apical shoots when it reaches 30-40 cm in height to promote lateral branching. This will enable the plant to produce more stems and leaves, leading to higher yields. During seed production, it is recommended to remove the overly mature pods or those that exhibit signs of decay to prevent damaging healthy pods.
Plant propagation methods of Centrosema pubescens Benth.
Centrosema pubescens Benth., also known as hairy butterfly pea, is a leguminous plant that is commonly grown for its forage and soil conservation values. It can be propagated through several methods including:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Centrosema pubescens is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature pods that have turned brown. The pods should be left to dry and open naturally, after which the seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place for planting in the next season. The seeds should be planted in a well-drained soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. Germination usually takes place within 7 - 10 days.
Stem cutting propagation
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Centrosema pubescens. The cuttings should be taken from mature plants that have soft and succulent stems. The cuttings should then be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a soil mix of perlite and peat moss in equal parts. The soil should be watered regularly until the cuttings develop roots, which usually takes about 3 - 4 weeks. Once the roots are fully developed, the plants can be transplanted to their permanent locations.
Tissue culture propagation
Tissue culture propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Centrosema pubescens. This method involves the use of specialized equipment and techniques to produce large numbers of genetically identical plants from a small piece of plant tissue, such as a stem tip or leaf. This method is more complex and requires a specialized laboratory setup and skilled personnel.
Overall, Centrosema pubescens can be propagated using seed, stem cutting and tissue culture propagation methods. The choice of method depends on the resources available, the desired outcome, and the expertise of the grower.
Disease Management
One of the most common diseases that can affect Centrosema pubescens Benth. is anthracnose. This fungal disease can cause wilting, yellowing, and necrosis of the leaves. It can also lead to stem cankers and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, it is essential to maintain good sanitation practices, such as removing and destroying infected plant parts. Fungicides may also be used to control the disease, but it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to prevent any damage to the plant or the environment.
Another fungal disease that can affect Centrosema pubescens Benth. is powdery mildew. This disease can cause a powdery white coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can lead to poor growth and reduced yield. To manage powdery mildew, it is crucial to practice good cultural practices, such as providing proper airflow around the plant, removing infected plant parts, and avoiding overhead irrigation. Fungicides may also be used to control the disease.
Pest Management
Centrosema pubescens Benth. can be affected by a wide range of pests, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting. To manage these pests, it is essential to practice good sanitation practices, such as removing and destroying infected plant parts. Insecticides may also be used to control pests, but it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to prevent any damage to the plant or the environment.
Root-knot nematodes can also be a significant pest threat to Centrosema pubescens Benth. These microscopic worms can cause root galls, stunted growth, and reduced yield. To manage root-knot nematodes, it is essential to practice good crop rotation practices and remove and destroy infected plant parts. Nematicides may also be used to control nematodes, but it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to prevent any damage to the plant or the environment.
