Origin
Derris giorgii De Wild. is a plant species that belongs to the Leguminosae family and is native to the African region, particularly in Cameroon and Nigeria. The plant typically grows in various ecological zones, including the rainforests, riverbanks, and secondary forests, at an altitude of up to 1,000 meters above sea level.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several local names, including Akpafu and Egungun-oyinbo in Nigeria and Kwene in Cameroon.
Uses
The plant has significant economic and medicinal uses. The roots and bark of Derris giorgii De Wild. contain rotenoids, which are potent insecticides and acaricides. As such, the plant is a source of natural insecticides used both in the prevention and control of insect pests in crops.
The plant also has medicinal properties, and has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as malaria, skin irritations, and fevers. Additionally, the roots of the plant are used as a natural remedy for stomach ailments such as diarrhea and dysentery.
General Appearance
Derris giorgii De Wild. is a woody climber that grows up to 20 meters long, with its stem usually supported on larger trees or braided around them. The plant's leaves are pinnately compound, with up to 9 leaflets, and measure between 6 to 12 centimeters long. The plant's flowers are small and white, and the fruits are pods that are up to 10 centimeters long and contain several seeds. The bark of the plant is dark brown and has vertical stripes, while the roots are brown and woody.
Light Requirements
Derris giorgii De Wild. thrives best in areas with partial to full sun exposure, commonly in the understory of tropical rainforests. A minimum of four hours of direct sunlight every day is necessary for it to grow and bloom efficiently. Insufficient lighting may result in weak stems and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires a warm and humid climate to thrive. It can grow in temperatures ranging from 23 to 32 degrees Celsius. Derris giorgii De Wild. should be planted in areas where the relative humidity remains at around 60-80%. Temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius damage the plant's overall health, and it may not survive frost.
Soil Requirements
Derris giorgii De Wild. requires well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, and a pH level ranging between 6.0-7.0. The soil should not be waterlogged, as this may result in root rot, reducing the plant's overall health. The plant prefers acidic to neutral soils and dislikes alkaline soils. Adding compost to the soil will improve its nutrient content and fertility, promoting healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods for Derris giorgii De Wild.
Derris giorgii De Wild. is a tropical plant species that requires a warm, humid environment to thrive. The ideal temperatures for its growth range from 18°C to 28°C, with a relative humidity level between 60% and 80%.
It grows well in a rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 and adequate sunlight exposure. The plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. If starting from seeds, soak them in water overnight to break their dormancy before planting them in a pot or the ground.
When planting cuttings, ensure they contain at least two nodes for successful rooting. Plant the cuttings in moist soil and place them in a warm, shaded area. It takes about two to four weeks for the cuttings to root and establish.
Watering Needs for Derris giorgii De Wild.
The watering needs of Derris giorgii De Wild. vary depending on the season and climate. During the growing season, water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to the death of the plant.
In winter or the dry season, reduce the frequency of watering to prevent waterlogging. Check the soil moisture level regularly to adjust the watering accordingly.
Fertilization of Derris giorgii De Wild.
Fertilizer application enhances the growth and productivity of Derris giorgii De Wild. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy foliage and flowering. Use a fertilizer ratio of 20:20:20 or 15:15:15 and apply it at a rate of 1-2 tablespoons per plant every three to four months.
Avoid over-fertilization as it can cause leaf burn and other growth abnormalities. Always water the plant after applying fertilizer to prevent the roots' fertilizer burn.
Pruning of Derris giorgii De Wild.
Pruning enhances Derris giorgii De Wild.'s growth by removing dead, infected, or weak branches and stimulating new growth. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins.
Start by removing all downward-facing and crossing branches to maintain an open canopy that allows adequate sunlight and air circulation. Always sterilize the pruning equipment to prevent the spread of diseases to the plant.
After pruning, mulch around the plant's base to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Propagation of Derris giorgii De Wild.
Derris giorgii De Wild. is a flowering plant species native to Cameroon, Central Africa, and other tropical regions of the world. The plant is mainly propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Derris giorgii De Wild. can be collected from mature seed pods. The seeds should be cleaned and dried after harvesting to prevent decay. After drying, the seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place until the planting season. For planting, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until germination, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks. During germination, the seeds should be kept warm and exposed to light.
Propagation through cuttings
Propagating Derris giorgii De Wild. through cuttings is an easy and straightforward method. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season, preferably in spring or summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long, and taken from the softwood part of the stem. The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone solution before planting. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist. After rooting, the plants can be transplanted into individual pots or planted in the garden.
Overall, Derris giorgii De Wild. can be propagated through seeds and cuttings. Both methods are easy, require minimal effort, and produce healthy plants when done correctly. With proper care and maintenance, Derris giorgii De Wild. can thrive and produce beautiful flowers for many years.
Disease and Pest Management of Derris giorgii De Wild.
Derris giorgii De Wild. is a species of plant in the family Fabaceae, commonly known as rotenone. It is used as a natural insecticide and piscicide. However, this plant can be susceptible to some pests and diseases.
Common Diseases of Derris giorgii De Wild.
The common diseases that can affect Derris giorgii De Wild. include bacterial wilt, powdery mildew, and root rot. Bacterial wilt is a serious disease caused by the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum, which can lead to wilting and death of the plant. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. Root rot is a disease caused by various fungi that attack the roots of the plant, leading to stunted growth and wilting.
Pest Management of Derris giorgii De Wild.
Derris giorgii De Wild. can also be attacked by pests such as aphids, mites, and whiteflies. These pests can cause damage to the leaves, causing them to turn yellow, curl, or fall off.
One effective way to manage pests is by using insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are natural and safe for the plant. These products can be sprayed directly onto the plant to kill the pests. Another way to manage pests is by introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can feed on the harmful pests and keep them under control.
Disease Management of Derris giorgii De Wild.
To prevent bacterial wilt, it is important to grow the plant in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease. Powdery mildew can be managed by providing good air circulation and avoiding overcrowding of plants. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Root rot can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease. Antifungal treatments can also be used to control the disease.
In conclusion, managing pest and disease for Derris giorgii De Wild. is crucial for maintaining its health and productivity. By following good cultural practices and applying appropriate control measures, growers can ensure that their plants remain healthy and productive.
