Crotalaria Bequaertii Baker F. Var. Pubescens R.wilczek

Origin

Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family of the order Fabales. It is native to Africa, where it grows in the tropical regions of Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon.

Common Names

This plant is commonly known as hairy rattlepod, woolly crotalaria, or bequaertii crotalaria. The name "rattlepod" comes from the sound of the seeds inside the pods when shaken, while "woolly" and "hairy" refer to the pubescent character of the leaves and stems.

Uses

Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek has some traditional medicinal properties. It is believed to help alleviate fever, headaches, and other ailments. It has also been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and asthma. Additionally, this plant is sometimes used in agroforestry projects to enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.

General Appearance

Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek is a perennial sub-shrub that can grow up to one meter in height. Its stems are pubescent, and its leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate to oblong in shape, covered in silky, grayish hairs. The flowers are yellow and bloom in long racemes from July to September. The fruit is a dehiscent, linear pod, densely pubescent, and containing numerous seeds.

Light Requirements

Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek thrives well under full sunlight exposure or partial shade. However, it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to bloom tiny yellow flowers in clusters of 10 to 15 flowers. It flourishes extravagantly under the full sun with a minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight, making it an ideal option for sunny locations in your garden.

Temperature Requirements

The plant grows best when exposed to daytime temperatures ranging from 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F). It needs higher temperatures during its initial stages, typically requiring a temperature of approximately 32°C (90°F) during its germination phase. The plant can withstand relatively high temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F). It is vulnerable to frost and requires protection if there is a sudden drop in temperature.

Soil Requirements

Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek grows well in well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 6.5 - 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and it should have excellent aeration and water absorption capacity. The ideal soil type is loamy soil and sandy loam soil. The plant is intolerant of water-logged soils or soils with poor drainage.

Cultivation Methods for Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek

Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek is a shrub that can grow up to a height of 2 meters. It prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic and can tolerate periods of drought. The following are the basic cultivation methods for this plant:

• Propagation: The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a seedbed during the rainy season and transplanted to a permanent site after about six months. Cuttings should be taken from mature stems and planted in a mixture of sand and soil.
• Spacing: When planting the seedlings, ensure a distance of at least 2 meters between them. This will provide enough space for the plant to grow unhindered.
• Sunlight: The plant requires at least six hours of sunlight per day. It should be planted in an open area away from trees or other tall plants that may shade it.
• Pruning: Prune the plant during the dry season to encourage bushy growth. Remove any dead or diseased branches and shape the plant as desired.

Watering Needs for Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek

Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek needs moderate watering. The following are some of the watering needs for this plant:

• Frequency: Water the plant once a week during the dry season and once every two weeks during the rainy season.
• Amount: Apply enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of about 10 cm. Avoid overwatering as this may lead to root rot.
• Timing: Water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid water evaporation during the day.

Fertilization for Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek

Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek requires moderate fertilization for optimal growth. The following are some of the fertilization practices for this plant:

• Type: Apply a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in equal proportions.
• Frequency: Fertilize the plant once every three months during the growing season.
• Application: Spread the fertilizer around the plant, avoiding direct contact with the stem or leaves. Water the plant after fertilization to ensure proper absorption of nutrients.

Pruning for Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek

Pruning is an essential part of caring for Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek. The following are some of the pruning practices for this plant:

• Timing: Prune the plant during the dry season to avoid damage to new growth.
• Tools: Use sharp knives or pruning shears to avoid tearing or crushing the stems or branches.
• Technique: Cut off any dead, diseased or damaged branches. Shape the plant as desired by cutting off the tips of the branches. This will encourage bushy growth and flowering.

Propagating Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek

Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek is a beautiful plant that can be propagated in different ways. These include:

Propagation from seeds

The easiest way to propagate Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek is through seeds. The seeds should be collected when it starts to turn brown. After collecting, they should be dried in a cool and dry place for a few days, after which they can be planted in a seedbed.

The seedbed should be filled with a sandy loam mixture and should be watered regularly. The seeds should be sown just below the soil surface, with a spacing of about 3-4 inches between them. Germination should occur within 5-6 days after sowing. When the seedlings have grown to a height of about 4 inches, they can be transplanted to individual pots or directly to the garden.

Propagation from stem cuttings

Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek can also be propagated from stem cuttings. However, this method of propagation is more difficult than propagation from seeds. The cuttings should be prepared from young shoots and should be about 4-5 inches long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder.

The cutting should then be planted in a pot filled with a well-drained soil mixture. The pot should be kept in a warm, humid place with indirect sunlight. Watering should be done regularly, but care should be taken not to over-water the cuttings. Within a month, new roots should start to develop, and the cutting can be transplanted to individual pots or to the garden.

Disease Management

Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek is susceptible to different fungal and bacterial diseases. Proper management of these diseases helps in maintaining the health and quality of the plant. Here are some common diseases associated with the plant and their management strategies:

Fusarium Wilt Disease

Fusarium wilt is a devastating disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. The disease affects the plant's vascular system, leading to yellowing, wilting, and ultimate death of the plant. Management strategies include:

• Planting resistant varieties
• Avoiding planting infected seed or plants
• Crop rotation with non-host species
• Soil solarization before new plantings
• Fungicide application for early infection control

Anthracnose

Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek leaves, stems, and pods, leading to defoliation and yield loss. The management of this disease includes:

• Planting resistant varieties
• Proper sanitation practices to reduce transmission
• Application of copper-based fungicides

Pest Management

Leaf Miner

Leaf miner is a common pest of Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek, which affects the leaves, leading to reduced photosynthesis and plant stunting. Management strategies include:

• Manual removal of infected leaves
• Application of biological agents such as parasitoid wasps and predators like ladybugs
• Application of insecticides or neem oil for severe infestations

Bean Beetle

Bean beetle is another pest that attacks Crotalaria bequaertii Baker f. var. pubescens R.Wilczek, causing damage to the leaves, flowers, and pods. Management strategies include:

• Handpicking infested parts of the plant
• Application of insecticides such as pyrethrin and neem oil
• Planting resistant varieties
• Crop rotation with non-host species