Description of Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton
Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family of Amaranthaceae. It is a subspecies of Chenopodium album L., also called lambsquarters, fat-hen, and goosefoot.
Origin and Common Names
The plant is native to North America and commonly found in the Midwest region of the United States, particularly in Missouri. It also grows in Mexico and Canada. The plant has different common names such as Missouri lambsquarters, Mapleleaf goosefoot, and Narrowleaf goosefoot.
General Appearance
Missouri lambsquarters are herbaceous annuals that can grow up to 0.9 to 2.4 meters tall. The leaves are alternate, simple, and triangular in shape, measuring 3 to 10 cm long and 2 to 8 cm broad. Its leaves have serrated edges and a whitish to grayish coating on the underside with a distinct mid-vein. The stem is erect, branched, and pubescent. Its flowers are small and greenish-yellow, club-shaped and grow in dense inflorescences. The plant blooms from June to October.
Uses
Missouri lambsquarters have a variety of uses. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat digestive disorders, respiratory infections, and anemia. Also, the leaves of the plant are edible and are prepared in the same way as spinach. Some farmers use the plant as a natural fertilizer and soil conditioner, as it is rich in minerals such as potassium and nitrogen. Missouri lambsquarters are also used as animal feed for grazers, such as sheep, cattle, and deer.
In conclusion, Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton is a versatile plant that has many potential uses. It is a common plant in the Midwest region of the United States and has historical and medicinal significance.Light Requirements
Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton is an annual plant that prefers full sun to partial shade. It can grow in areas with low light, but it typically thrives in areas with adequate sunlight throughout the day. Therefore, it is best to plant this variety in locations where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows well in cool and moderate-temperature climates. It tolerates frost, and it can germinate in low soil temperatures. It is recommended to sow Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton during the early spring when the temperature reaches around 60-65°F (15.5-18.3°C). It can also tolerate high temperatures of up to 100°F (37.8°C).
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. Therefore, it is best to amend heavy soils with organic matter to improve drainage. Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton can also tolerate periodic drought, but it prefers moist soil. Therefore, it is recommended to water the plant whenever the soil drops to 1-2 inches deep. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other soil-borne diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton is a hardy plant that thrives in various soil types. These plants grow well in full sun and also in partial shade. They prefer well-drained soils that have a pH range of 6.0–7.5. The soil should also be rich in nutrients.
It is ideal to sow the seeds in the spring or early summer when the temperature is above 10°C. Plant the seeds at a depth of about ½ inch and 1 foot apart. Ensure that the soil is kept moist until the seedlings start to emerge.
Watering Needs
Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton needs consistent watering until it gets established. Once established, the plant can tolerate short periods of drought. Ensure that the soil is kept moist and not waterlogged.
The best time to water this plant is in the early morning or late afternoon. This is to ensure that the plant has enough moisture to photosynthesize during the day and also that the leaves don't burn from water droplets magnifying the sunlight during mid-day watering.
Fertilization
Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton plants require regular fertilization to maintain their vigour. Ensure that you use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the recommended quantities. Apply the fertilizer twice a year, in the early spring and late summer.
Avoid overfertilizing the plant as it can cause the plant to become leggy with fewer flowers.
Pruning
Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton is not a plant that requires heavy pruning. However, trimming back the stems towards the end of summer will encourage new growth and create a bushier plant while also extending the flowering period into the fall. Pinching off spent flowers will help to keep the plants tidy and encourage the growth of new buds.
Remove any dead or diseased branches promptly to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton
Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton, also known as white goosefoot, is commonly propagated by seeds.
Seed propagation: The plant produces abundant seeds that can be collected once they are dry and brown. Sow the seeds directly into the soil during spring or fall when the soil temperature is warm. The seeds should be placed 1/4 inch deep in well-draining soil and should be watered well until the plant germinates. The seeds typically germinate within 2 to 3 weeks, and the seedlings can be thinned to a distance of 8 to 12 inches apart.
Cuttings: Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton can also be propagated through stem cuttings, although this method is less common. Take a cutting of about 5 to 6 inches from a mature plant during the early summer and remove all the lower leaves. Place the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. The cutting should develop roots in about 2 to 3 weeks and can then be transplanted into the garden.
Division: Another method of propagation for Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton is through division. This is done in the spring or fall by digging up mature plants and separating them into sections, each with their root system. These sections can be replanted in a new location in the garden.
Overall, the easiest and most practical method of propagating Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton is through seed propagation.
Disease Management
Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton is susceptible to various diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Some of the common diseases affecting this plant include:
- Leaf spot: This is caused by various fungal pathogens and results in circular brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and a fungicide should be applied to protect healthy leaves.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by a fungal pathogen and results in a white powdery growth on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, remove affected plant parts and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread.
- Virus diseases: There are a number of viruses that can infect Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton, resulting in stunted growth, yellowing foliage, and deformities. There is no specific cure for virus diseases, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
Chenopodium album L. var. missouriense (Aellen) I.J. Bassett & C.W. Crompton is also susceptible to attack by various pests, including:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing curling and distortion of the leaves. To manage aphids, spray affected plants with a strong jet of water to wash them off, or apply an insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests are hard to see and can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray affected plants with a strong jet of water, or apply a miticide.
- Cabbage loopers: These caterpillars can cause extensive damage to the foliage by feeding on it. To manage cabbage loopers, handpick them off the plant, or apply a biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
To prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene by removing dead or diseased plant material, using disease-resistant varieties, and rotating crops. Additionally, regular scouting of the plants can help identify any potential problems early, allowing for prompt management.
