Overview of Derris leucobotrya (Dunn) Roberty
Derris leucobotrya is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as Fish-Killer Tree, Timbre, and Breve Ceniza, among other names. It is a woody climbing vine native to China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Appearance of Derris leucobotrya
The plant is a climbing vine with woody stems that can grow up to a length of 15 meters. The leaves are alternate, pinnate, and have oval leaflets that measure 3-5 cm in length. The flowers are white or greenish-white in color and form clusters at the stem tips. The fruits are slender and elongated pods that grow up to 15 cm long and contain several seeds.
Uses of Derris leucobotrya
The plant contains rotenone, a compound that acts as a natural insecticide and fish poison. The bark and roots of the plant have been used for centuries by indigenous peoples in Southeast Asia for fishing purposes. They would grind the bark and roots into a powder, mix it with water, and dump it into rivers or ponds. The rotenone would affect the fish's nervous system, causing them to float to the surface, making them easier to catch.
Derris leucobotrya has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as stomach problems, fever, and snake bites. The plant has shown potential in scientific studies for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antidiabetic properties.
In recent years, Derris leucobotrya has also been studied for its potential use in agriculture as a natural insecticide. The plant's rotenone compound has been found to be effective against pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and beetles.
Overall, Derris leucobotrya is a versatile plant with various uses and potential applications in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and pest management.
Light requirements
Derris leucobotrya is adapted to grow best in areas with direct sunlight exposure. Proper lighting is necessary to promote healthy vegetative growth and flowering. Insufficient lighting can severely limit the plant's growth and lead to stunted development. Therefore, it is advisable to grow Derris leucobotrya in well-illuminated regions for optimal plant growth.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature for Derris leucobotrya growth is between 20°C and 27°C. The plant's growth is significantly inhibited, and the leaves may become yellowed when grown in temperatures below 15°C. Temperatures above 30°C may cause the plant to suffer from heat stress, which often results in a reduction in growth rate and productivity. Consistent temperature conditions must be maintained to ensure optimum Nutrient up take and lead to optimal growth
Soil requirements
Derris leucobotrya prefers a well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. The soil must have a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The plant requires sufficient water retention capacity of the soil, which allows consistent nutrient uptake by the roots. However, the soil must not be waterlogged as it may cause root rot. A relatively sandy, loamy soil mixture is ideal for planting Derris leucobotrya.
Cultivation Methods
Derris leucobotrya is a tropical plant that thrives in warm, humid climates; therefore, it is best grown in regions with mild winters and long, hot summers.
This plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH of around 6.0 to 7.5. Although it can tolerate partial shade, it grows best in full sun, which enables it to produce more leaves and flowers.
Propagating the plant is typically through seeds, but it can also grow from cuttings made from mature, healthy plants.
Watering Needs
Derris leucobotrya possesses moderate drought resistance, but it performs best when planted in well-drained soils with regular watering.
Water the plant generously during active growth periods, but allow the soil to dry out partially before the next watering to prevent root rot.
Reduce watering during the plants’ dormancy.
Fertilization
Applying fertilizer moderately during the growing season in the form of compost, general-purpose fertilizer, or manure can help improve the plant's overall health and boost growth rates.
However, avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter, as this can cause leggy growth and susceptibility to diseases.
Pruning
Prune Derris leucobotrya regularly to control its size and shape and to promote bushier growth.
Pruning is best done during the plant's dormant season, which typically falls between late autumn and early winter.
Remove any diseased, damaged, or dead branches from the plant as soon as possible to avoid disease spread.
Besides, thin out crowded areas in the plant by cutting back old branches that no longer produce foliage and flowers.
Propagation of Derris leucobotrya (Dunn) Roberty plant
Derris leucobotrya (Dunn) Roberty is commonly known as "Deg-teg" in Assam, India. It is a perennial woody climber that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to Northeast India, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. Propagation is the process of reproducing a plant, and there are several methods for propagating Derris leucobotrya, including:
Seed propagation
The most common method for propagating Derris leucobotrya is seed propagation. The seeds should be sown in the nursery during early spring. Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat. The nursery bed should be well-drained, and the soil should be rich in nutrients. Once the seeds are sown, they should be covered with a thin layer of soil. It takes about 15-20 days for the seeds to germinate. After 4-6 months, the seedlings can be transplanted to the main field.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings can also be used for propagation. The best time to take cuttings is during the early spring season when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least one node. The lower portion of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. The cutting should be watered regularly, and it takes around 4-8 weeks to form roots. Once the roots are formed, the cutting can be transplanted to the main field.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering can also be used to propagate Derris leucobotrya. In this method, a branch of the plant is selected, and a portion of the bark is removed from the middle portion of the branch. The exposed area should be covered with soil mixed with cow dung and kept moist. Roots will develop within a few weeks, and the branch can be cut and transplanted to the main field.
Propagation is crucial for the survival of any plant species. With these three methods, Derris leucobotrya can be successfully propagated to create new plants for farming purposes or to preserve the species.
Disease and Pest Management for Derris leucobotrya (Dunn) Roberty
Derris leucobotrya (Dunn) Roberty, commonly known as "Tuba" in the Philippines, is a tropical leguminous plant that has been used traditionally for numerous medicinal and industrial purposes.
Common Diseases
The plant is susceptible to various fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. One of the most common diseases affecting Tuba is the powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe cichoracearum. This disease is characterized by white powdery spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation and reduced plant vigor. Other fungal diseases that can affect Tuba include anthracnose, leaf spot, and root rot.
Pest Management
Tuba is also susceptible to pests such as aphids, beetle borers, and mealybugs, which can cause damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves and stem or burrowing into the plant tissue. To manage these pests, several methods can be employed.
Cultural control methods: These include practices such as crop rotation, proper sanitation of planting materials, and removing and destroying any infested plants to prevent pest spread.
Mechanical control methods: These methods involve the use of physical barriers, traps, or manual removal of pests from the plant. For example, sticky traps can be used to trap flying insects like aphids, while manually picking off beetle borers and mealybugs can also be effective.
Chemical control methods: These involve the use of pesticides to control pests. However, pesticides should be used as a last resort and only if all other methods have failed. It is important to use pesticides that are specific to the pest being targeted to minimize harm to beneficial insects and the environment.
In conclusion, disease and pest management for Derris leucobotrya (Dunn) Roberty is crucial to ensure optimal plant growth and productivity. Employing a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods can effectively manage and prevent the spread of diseases and pests affecting the plant.
