Overview of Crotalaria lotononis Welw. ex Baker
Crotalaria lotononis Welw. ex Baker, also known as Lotononis crotalaria, is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is an annual or short-lived perennial sub-shrub that is indigenous to southern and eastern Africa.Common Names
Crotalaria lotononis Welw. ex Baker is commonly known as Birdsfoot Crotalaria, Tick Bean, and Kraalbean in English. In isiZulu, it is known as "Umlotha" and in isiXhosa, it is known as "Isapharhapharha."Appearance
This plant has green-grey, softly hairy leaves that are alternate and divided into three leaflets. It has yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The pod is up to 3 cm long and contains up to 20 flat, brown seeds that are about 2.5 mm in diameter.Uses of Crotalaria lotononis Welw. ex Baker
Crotalaria lotononis Welw. ex Baker is widely used in various industries such as agriculture, medicine, and environmental restoration. Agriculturally, it is used as a forage crop for grazing animals and as a green manure crop to improve soil fertility. Medicinally, it is used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach aches. It has also been used to treat mental illness and as a laxative. Environmentally, it is a useful plant for erosion control on slopes as well as for nitrogen fixation. It is also used in intercropping to improve soil fertility due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.Growth Conditions for Crotalaria lotononis Welw. ex Baker
Crotalaria lotononis Welw. ex Baker, also known as Lotononis bainesii or the velvet bean, is a hardy plant that can thrive well under certain growth conditions. The following are the typical growth conditions for this plant:
Light Requirements
The plant requires a significant amount of sunlight to develop well. It does well in an area with full sun exposure or partial shade. Therefore, it should be planted in an area where it can get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Crotalaria lotononis thrives well in warm temperatures. It grows well in areas with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It is not frost-tolerant and therefore should be planted in areas where temperatures remain above 10 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow on a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-draining soils. It can also grow in poor and sandy soils. However, it cannot grow in waterlogged soils. The ideal soil pH range for the plant is between 6.5 and 7.5.
In conclusion, Crotalaria lotononis Welw. ex Baker is a hardy plant that can thrive well in areas with significant sunlight exposure or partial shade, warm temperatures, and well-draining soils. Proper attention to these growth conditions will ensure that the plant grows optimally and produces good yields.
Cultivation Methods
Crotalaria lotononis Welw. ex Baker is a leguminous plant indigenous to Africa. It is a hardy, perennial plant that grows in sandy soils. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix. They should be barely covered with soil and kept moist until they germinate. Stem cuttings should be taken during the growing season from semi-hardwood and rooting hormone applied.
Watering Needs
Crotalaria lotononis Welw. ex Baker requires moderate watering. It can tolerate drought conditions but cannot tolerate waterlogged soils. During the growing season, the plant should be watered when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry. In the winter, watering should be reduced to avoid root rot.
Fertilization
Crotalaria lotononis Welw. ex Baker is a nitrogen-fixing plant. Therefore, it requires minimal fertilization. However, a complete fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium should be applied every six months to boost flowering and enhance plant growth. Organic fertilizers such as well-rotted manure or compost can also be used.
Pruning
Crotalaria lotononis Welw. ex Baker requires minimal pruning. However, dead, diseased or damaged leaves and branches should be removed regularly to prevent the spread of diseases. The plant can also be pruned to maintain its shape and size. Pruning should be done after the plant has finished flowering and before the next growing season.
Propagation Methods of Crotalaria lotononis Welw. ex Baker
Crotalaria lotononis Welw. ex Baker, commonly known as Lotononis crotalaria or sericea lespedeza, is a leguminous plant species that is native to South Africa. This plant is known for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities and has been used as a forage crop and green manure in agriculture. Propagation of Crotalaria lotononis can be done using several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Crotalaria lotononis is through seeds. These seeds can be obtained from mature pods harvested from the plant. The best time to collect seeds is when the pods have dried and turned brown. The seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be sown.
Sowing the seeds can be done directly in the field or in containers. If sowing in containers, it is recommended to use a well-draining potting mix. Seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until germination, which usually takes about 7 to 10 days.
After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted into the field or larger containers. Transplant shock can be reduced by using a root hormone and applying compost or other organic matter before and after transplanting. Seed-propagated plants usually take about 6 to 8 months to reach maturity.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method of propagating Crotalaria lotononis. This method involves taking stem cuttings that are 15 to 20 cm long with a diameter of about 0.5 cm. The cuttings should be taken from mature plants that are about 1 to 2 years old.
The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix or directly in the field. Cuttings should be kept moist until they root, which usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks. After rooting, the cuttings can be transplanted into the field or larger containers. Cutting-propagated plants usually take less time to reach maturity compared to seed-propagated plants.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is a method of propagating Crotalaria lotononis that is usually done on mature plants that are about 1 to 2 years old. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a good portion of roots, stems, and leaves.
The divided sections should be planted in a well-draining potting mix or directly in the field. The plants should be kept moist until they establish root systems and begin to produce new growth. Division-propagated plants usually take less time to reach maturity compared to seed-propagated plants.
Overall, propagation of Crotalaria lotononis can be done using seed, cutting, or division methods. The choice of method may depend on the availability of plant material and the desired time to reach maturity.
Disease Management for Crotalaria lotononis Welw. ex Baker
Crotalaria lotononis Welw. ex Baker can be affected by a number of diseases such as:
- Root rots: This disease affects the roots of C.rotalaria and can be caused by various species of fungi such as Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium spp., and Pythium spp. It can be managed by planting the crop on well-drained soils, avoiding waterlogged conditions, and practicing crop rotation with non-host crops.
- Viral diseases: Some of the viruses that affect C.rotalaria include Crotalaria yellow mottle virus, Crotalaria streak virus, and Crotalaria yellow vein virus. These viruses can be transmitted by aphids, whiteflies, and other insect vectors. The best way to manage viral diseases is to prevent the introduction of infected plant materials and vectors into the field, practicing good sanitation practices, and controlling the vector populations through the use of insecticides or biological control methods.
- Bacterial blight: This disease is caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. It can be managed by planting disease-free seed, avoiding overhead irrigation, and spraying with copper-based bactericides.
Pest Management for Crotalaria lotononis Welw. ex Baker
C.rotalaria can also be attacked by pests such as:
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars such as Spodoptera exempta and Helicoverpa armigera can damage the leaves and flowers of C.rotalaria. They can be managed using chemical insecticides and biological control agents like Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Aphids: Aphids like Aphis craccivora can suck the sap from C.rotalaria, leading to stunted growth and reduction in yield. They can be managed through the use of insecticides, biological control agents like lady beetles and lacewings, or through intercropping with repellent crops like onions.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies like Bemisia tabaci can also damage C.rotalaria by sucking sap and transmitting viral diseases. They can be managed using insecticides, biological control agents like parasitic wasps, or through cultural practices like the use of reflective mulches.
