Overview of Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth.
Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. is a tropical, deciduous tree species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to India and Southeast Asia and is commonly found in rainforests and swamps. The plant is also known as "Ironwood" and "Tuba" in the Philippines and "Kokko" in India.
Physical Description
The Derris ferruginea tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a trunk diameter of 40 centimeters. The bark of the tree is grayish and smooth, with scales that peel off in small circular patches. The leaves of the plant are pinnate, which means that they have an even number of leaflets arranged on a common stem. The leaflets are oval-shaped and have a leathery texture, with a length of 5-12 cm and a width of 2.5-5 cm.
The flowers of the Derris ferruginea tree are small and white, with a length of 0.7-1.6 cm. The flowers are arranged in racemes, which are elongated clusters of flowers that grow along the stem. The fruit of the plant is a pod that is 6-8 cm long and 2-2.5 cm wide. The pod contains several seeds, which are oblong and brownish-black in color.
Uses
The Derris ferruginea tree has several uses in traditional medicine. The roots of the tree contain compounds that have insecticidal and pesticidal properties and are commonly used to treat lice infestations, scabies, and other skin conditions caused by parasitic insects. The roots of the tree are also used to treat rheumatism, syphilis, and other inflammatory conditions.
The wood of the Derris ferruginea tree is hard and durable and is used for making furniture, tool handles, and other construction materials. The bark of the tree is used to make dye, which is used to color textiles and other materials. In addition, the plant is often used as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
Conclusion
The Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. tree is a valuable and versatile plant with several medicinal, industrial, and ornamental uses. It is an important part of traditional medicine in Southeast Asia and India and is valued for its insecticidal and pesticidal properties. The plant's wood and bark are also important industrial materials, while its attractive foliage and flowers make it a popular choice for landscaping and gardening.
Light Requirements
Derris ferruginea requires a moderate amount of light for optimum growth. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and inhibit growth. Partial shade or filtered sunlight is ideal, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Derris ferruginea is native to tropical and subtropical regions, so it thrives in warm, humid environments. The ideal temperature range for Derris ferruginea growth is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can stunt growth, while temperatures above 35°C (95°F) can cause leaf wilting and damage.
Soil Requirements
Derris ferruginea prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, with good moisture retention. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, as long as the soil is not waterlogged.
In its natural habitat, Derris ferruginea plants grow on hillsides and riverbanks with good drainage. To replicate these growing conditions, add sand or perlite to the soil mixture to improve drainage.
Cultivation of Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth.
Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. is a leguminous plant that is usually propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. For seeds, they should be sown in well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5, and they should be barely covered with soil. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks. For stem cuttings, they should be taken from mature and healthy plants and should be treated with a rooting hormone before planting in well-drained soil. Planting is usually done during the rainy season.
Watering Needs
Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. During the rainy season, watering may not be necessary, but during the dry season, regular watering should be done to maintain soil moisture.
Fertilization
To ensure healthy growth and development, Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. requires regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilization should be done every three to four months, starting from the planting stage.
Pruning
Pruning is usually done to maintain the shape and size of Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. plants. It is recommended to prune during the dormant season, which is usually at the end of the rainy season. Pruning should be done by removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any branches that have grown too long or too crowded. This will help to promote healthy growth and prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth.
Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. is a woody climber commonly found in tropical regions. The plant is propagated by both sexual and asexual methods.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. are collected from mature pods. The pods are allowed to dry and then crushed to separate the seeds. The seeds are then sown in well-prepared soil in small pots or seedling trays. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 to 2 cm.
The pots or trays should be kept moist, and the seeds should germinate within 2 to 4 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to about 4 to 5 cm tall, they are ready for transplanting.
Propagation by cuttings
Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants during the rainy season. The cuttings should be about 20 to 25 cm long and should have at least four to six nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and then planted in well-drained soil.
The soil around the cuttings should be kept moist, and the cuttings should develop roots within 3 to 4 weeks. Once the cuttings have developed a good root system, they can be transplanted to their final location.
Conclusion
Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. can be propagated by both seeds and stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown in well-prepared soil, while stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and planted in well-drained soil after dipping in rooting hormone powder.
Disease and Pest management for Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth.
Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. is a vital medicinal plant and an essential source of the insecticide rotenone, commonly known as Derris root. The plant grows in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Derris ferruginea has few reported diseases and pests, but some common ones can impact the plant's growth and development. Therefore, proper management strategies are necessary to prevent significant losses.
Common diseases affecting Derris ferruginea:
1. Root rot: Root rot is a severe disease caused by fungi, including Fusarium spp., Phytophthora spp., and Rhizoctonia spp. The infected plant shows yellowing and wilting of the leaves and stunted growth. The roots of the affected plant appear brown and rotting. The disease could kill the plant. To manage the disease, the use of fungicides and improved soil drainage is necessary. The plant should be watered sparingly to avoid creating an ideal environment for fungal growth.
2. Leaf blight: Leaf blight is a fungal infection that affects Derris ferruginea leaves. The infected leaves show yellowing, dark spots, and eventually fall off. Avoid overwatering and improve air circulation in the growing area to prevent the spread of the disease. The use of fungicides like Bordeaux mixture and copper oxychloride can effectively manage leaf blight.
Common pests affecting Derris ferruginea:
1. Leaf-eating caterpillars: Caterpillars devour the foliage of Derris ferruginea, leading to defoliation and stunted growth, reducing the yield significantly. Removing the caterpillars by handpicking is an effective control method for small-scale cultivation. For larger fields, the use of insecticides like neem oil and spinosad could be considered.
2. Mites: Some mite species like spider mites feed on the plant sap, leading to yellowing of the leaves and eventually, defoliation. The use of acaricides like abamectin or fenazaquin effectively manages mites and prevents further damage.
Disease and pest management are crucial for a productive yield of Derris ferruginea. Effective control measures, including the use of chemicals, cultural, and biological practices, should be used to manage diseases and pests. Always read and follow the label instructions to avoid chemical-related problems.
