Overview of Coronopus didymus
Coronopus didymus, also known as Lesser Swine-cress, is a small annual plant that belongs to the mustard family Brassicaceae. The plant is native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Asia, but it is widely distributed in temperate regions worldwide, including the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand.
General Appearance
Coronopus didymus is a small plant, typically growing to a height of 20-30 cm. The leaves are arranged in a basal rosette and are pinnately lobed, with the lobes being toothed. The stem is erect, branched and hairy, often forming a small clump. The flowers are tiny and white, found in small clusters at the end of the stems, and the fruits are green, flattened and winged 1-2mm long silicles.
Common Names
Coronopus didymus has a range of common names: less swine-cress, two-fruited swinecress, swine cress, double-fruited British cress, lesser swinecress, and wart cress.
Uses
The young leaves of Coronopus didymus are edible and are used in salads or cooked as a potherb. In the past, the plant was used as a remedy for various ailments such as constipation, asthma, coughs, and blood disorders. Recent studies suggest that the plant has anti-viral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties and could be used for the treatment of some diseases. In addition, the plant is a beneficial forage plant for livestock and wildlife
Light Requirements
The plant Coronopus didymus thrives in full sunlight and requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight for proper growth. It is an annual plant and prefers bright light conditions to grow and produce flowers. Exposure to sunlight plays a crucial role in the photosynthetic process, which is essential for the plant's growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
Coronopus didymus grows well in warm and temperate climates and can tolerate temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C. The plant prefers a temperature of 20°C to 25°C for optimal growth. At temperatures below 10°C, the plant growth is stunted, and the leaves become yellow and droopy. High temperatures above 30°C can cause the plant to wilt and dry up.
Soil Requirements
Coronopus didymus requires moist, well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter to support the plant's growth and development. The plant is tolerant of different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soil types. However, it prefers loamy soils that are fertile and well-draining. Adequate soil moisture is crucial for the plant's growth, and the soil should be watered regularly to keep it moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm., also known as lesser swine cress, is a hardy annual plant that can easily be grown in a wide range of soil conditions. The plant thrives well in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from cool to warm. It grows best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter and with a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5.
The plant can be propagated from seeds, which should be sown in the spring or the fall. It is advisable to sow the seeds directly in the garden bed, about ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart. Alternatively, you can start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date and then transplant the seedlings when they are 3 to 4 inches tall.
Watering Needs
Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm. requires moderate watering. Overwatering or allowing the soil to become waterlogged can cause root rot and other problems. It is essential to water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. The frequency and amount of water required will depend on the soil type, temperature, and humidity levels in your area. In general, the plant should receive about 1 inch of water per week.
Fertilization
To keep Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm. healthy and thriving, it requires regular fertilization. You can use any balanced, all-purpose fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 16-16-16 blend. It is advisable to apply the fertilizer when you plant the seeds or seedlings. Once the plant is established, you can apply a slow-release fertilizing agent or side-dress with compost or aged manure in the spring and summer to keep the plant healthy.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm. The plant typically grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches and spreads to form a dense mat. However, you can pinch back the tips of the plant occasionally to encourage bushy growth and increase the number of leaves. You can also harvest the plant by cutting it back to about 2 inches above the soil to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm.
Coronopus didymus, commonly known as lesser swine cress, is a herbaceous annual plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is primarily found in wet or disturbed areas and is commonly used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. Propagation of Coronopus didymus is typically done through seeds since it is an annual plant.
Seed Propagation
Coronopus didymus can be easily propagated through seeds. Collect ripe seeds from the plant and store them in a cool and dry place until ready to use. The seeds should be sown in the desired location at a depth of 1/8 inch and spaced about 4-5 inches apart in rows. The ideal time for planting the seeds is in the spring or fall when the temperatures are cooler, and the soil is moist. The seeds should germinate within 7-10 days under proper conditions.
Coronopus didymus seeds can also be started indoors in pots or trays. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until germination. Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted to their final location in the garden.
Cuttings Propagation
Coronopus didymus is primarily propagated through seeds, and there is limited information available regarding its propagation via cuttings. However, it is possible to propagate the plant through stem cuttings. Take cuttings of 3-4 inches from a healthy plant, making sure to remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light until the cutting establishes roots and new growth appears.
Propagation of Coronopus didymus is relatively easy, and with proper care, the plant can thrive in various growing conditions. Regular watering, fertilization, and pest control are necessary for the successful growth of the plant.
Disease Management
The plant Coronopus didymus is susceptible to various diseases that can affect their growth and development, resulting in low yield and poor quality. Some common diseases are:
- Downy mildew: It is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems and flowers of the plant, causing yellowing, wilting, and eventual death of the plant. The spores of the fungus spread rapidly, infecting nearby plants. To manage this disease, apply fungicides such as copper-based products or neem oil to control the spread of the fungus.
- Root rot: It is a soil-borne disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. The plant exhibits yellowing of leaves, shrinking and wilting. To manage this disease, improve drainage of the soil, avoid over-irrigation, and apply fungicides like captan or thiophanate-methyl.
- Gray mold: It is a fungal disease that affects the flowers, stems, and leaves of the plant. The affected parts of the plant turn brown and develop a grayish-brown mold. The spores of the fungus spread rapidly and can kill the plant. To manage this disease, remove the infected parts of the plant and apply fungicide sprays like thiophanate-methyl.
Pest Management
The plant Coronopus didymus is also prone to attack by various pests that can cause severe damage to the plant. Here are some common pests:
- Aphids: They are small insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. To manage them, prune infested leaves, use insecticidal soap, or introduce natural predators like ladybirds.
- Cutworms: They are caterpillars of moths that feed on the roots and stems of the plant. To manage them, remove the small plants, till the soil to disrupt the caterpillar's habitat, and use of insecticides like carbaryl or pyrethrins.
- Spider mites: They are tiny arachnids that feed on the underside of leaves, causing them to turn yellow and brown. To manage them, use a strong jet of water to hose them off the plant, apply insecticidal soap or a neem oil solution. Predatory mites like Phytoseiulus persimilis can be introduced to control their population.
