Overview
Derris microphylla (Miq.) B.D.Jacks. is a species of plant in the family Fabaceae, native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "tuba" in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Uses
The plant has various uses in traditional medicine. The roots and stems contain rotenone, an insecticide and piscicide. The plant is also used to treat fever, headaches, and skin diseases. In Malaysia, tuba root is used to treat rheumatism, pain, and swelling. The plant has also been used to treat dysentery and diarrhea.
Furthermore, Derris microphylla is used in agroforestry systems, where it is planted as a support for other crops like pepper and coffee. The plant improves soil fertility by fixing nitrogen and can help prevent soil erosion.
Appearance
Derris microphylla is a large woody climber that can grow up to 30 meters long. The stems are slender and greenish-brown in color. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 11 to 19 leaflets that are ovate to oblong in shape. The flowers are small and purple, and are borne in clusters on short axillary racemes. The fruit is a pod, which is cylindrical in shape and up to 15 cm long. The seeds are black and kidney-shaped.
Growth Conditions for Derris Microphylla (Miq.) B.D.Jacks.
Derris microphylla (Miq.) B.D.Jacks., commonly known as the small-leaved derris, is a plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant species is distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, particularly in the countries of China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. Derris microphylla is a perennial plant that can grow up to 3 meters tall. It is commonly grown as a source of rotenone, a natural insecticide that is extracted from its roots.
Light Requirements
Derris microphylla grows best in areas where there is full to partial sunlight. In general, this plant species requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth, reduced yield, and susceptibility to diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to plant Derris microphylla in areas that receive adequate sunlight, or to provide artificial lighting in areas with insufficient sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Derris microphylla prefers warm temperatures, with an ideal temperature range of 20°C to 30°C. At temperatures below 10°C, the growth of this plant species is significantly reduced. Frost can also cause damage to the leaves and stems of Derris microphylla. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this species in areas with a warm and humid climate or to provide artificial heating during colder periods.
Soil Requirements
Derris microphylla grows best in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. This plant species can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, from sandy to clayey soils, as long as they are well-drained. However, it is important to note that Derris microphylla is sensitive to waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this species in areas with good soil drainage and to avoid areas with a high water table.
Cultivation Methods for Derris microphylla (Miq.) B.D.Jacks.
Before planting Derris microphylla (Miq.) B.D.Jacks., ensure to prepare loose, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. The plant grows well in full sun or partial shade and requires a warm climate to thrive. Depending on the location, you can either plant the seeds or propagate the plant vegetatively using stem cuttings.
When planting the seeds, you need to sow them in a plastic pot filled with sandy soil and place it in a warm location. Ensure to maintain the soil's moisture levels by watering lightly. After four to six weeks, transplant the seedlings to a larger pot or plant directly into the soil.
Watering Needs of Derris microphylla (Miq.) B.D.Jacks.
Regular watering is necessary for Derris microphylla (Miq.) B.D.Jacks. The plant requires moderate amounts of water during the growing season, but you need to be careful not to overwater it. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and ultimately lead to the plant's death. Ensure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
During the dry season, the plant requires more frequent watering compared to the rainy seasons. Observe the plant and adjust the watering schedule to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization of Derris microphylla (Miq.) B.D.Jacks.
Derris microphylla (Miq.) B.D.Jacks. requires regular fertilization to give the plant the necessary nutrients for growth. You can use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure or chemical fertilizers such as NPK. The fertilizer application should be done during the growing season, and you can apply it once every two to three months.
The quantity of fertilizer applied will depend on the plant's age and size. Young or newly planted plants will require less fertilizer compared to mature plants.
Pruning of Derris microphylla (Miq.) B.D.Jacks.
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of the plant. You need to prune the plant at the beginning of the growing season to encourage healthy growth. Pruning helps to remove any weak or dead stems, promoting healthy new growth.
The pruning should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid exposing the plant to high temperatures. Ensure to use sharp and clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. You should also dispose of any pruned material properly to avoid the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Derris microphylla
Derris microphylla (Miq.) B.D.Jacks., commonly known as "Tuba-tuba" in the Philippines, is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach up to 15 meters in height with a trunk diameter of up to 30 cm.
Seed propagation
The propagation of Derris microphylla can be done through seed propagation. The seeds should be collected from fully matured pods. The seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place before sowing. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat.
The soil used for sowing should be well-draining and nutrient-rich. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and covered lightly with soil. Water the seeds immediately after sowing and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
Cutting propagation
Derris microphylla can also be propagated through cutting propagation. In this method, stem cuttings are taken from healthy and mature trees. The cuttings should be taken from the upper part of the tree and should be approximately 1 meter long.
The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone before planting them in a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil. The cuttings should be planted at a depth of 10-15 cm and should be watered immediately after planting. The soil should be kept moist until the cuttings develop new shoots.
Air-layering
Air-layering is another method of propagating Derris microphylla. In this method, a branch of the tree is selected and a small portion of the bark is removed. A moist growing medium such as sphagnum moss is wrapped around the exposed portion of the branch. The branch is then wrapped with a plastic film to maintain a moist environment.
Roots will develop from the exposed area and grow into the growing medium. Once roots have developed, the branch can be cut below the roots and transplanted into a pot or directly into the soil.
Propagation of Derris microphylla can be easily done through seed propagation, cutting propagation, and air-layering. Proper care should be taken to provide adequate moisture and nutrient supply to the young seedlings or cuttings until they establish themselves.
Disease Management for Derris microphylla (Miq.) B.D.Jacks.
Diseases can cause significant damage to Derris microphylla plants and impact the yield and quality of their roots. The following are some of the common diseases that affect Derris microphylla and their management strategies:
Root Rot
Root rot can be caused by soil-borne pathogens like Fusarium solani and Pythium spp. It can cause stunted growth, chlorosis, and wilting. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering and maintain well-draining soil. Solarize the soil before planting and remove infected plants immediately.
Rhizoctonia Leaf Spot
Rhizoctonia solani can cause leaf spots that enlarge with time and cause the leaves to yellow and die. Crop rotation, weed control, and treatment with fungicides like azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, and myclobutanil can help in managing Rhizoctonia leaf spot.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. It causes sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits, which can affect plant growth and yield significantly. To prevent anthracnose, avoid wounding the plants, practice good sanitation, and use fungicides like chlorothalonil, thiophanate-methyl, and azoxystrobin.
Pest Management for Derris microphylla (Miq.) B.D.Jacks.
Pests like insects and mites can cause extensive damage to Derris microphylla plants and reduce their productivity. Here are some common pests that affect Derris microphylla and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing yellowing and distortion of leaves and stunted growth. Insecticidal soap, neem oil, and pyrethrin are effective for managing aphids. Encouraging the presence of natural enemies like ladybugs and lacewings can also help control the aphid population.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars like the legume pod borer and bean roller can cause extensive foliage damage. Handpicking caterpillars and spraying with Bacillus thuringiensis can help control the population. Regular pruning of plants also helps remove any egg masses and prevent infestations.
Mites
Spider mites can feed on the underside of leaves and cause yellow stippling and defoliation. Spraying with neem oil, insecticidal soap, and horticultural oil can help control spider mites. Conserving natural enemies like predatory mites can also help manage spider mite populations effectively.
