Overview
Descurainia obtusa (Greene) O.E. Schulz, commonly known as blunt-fruited tansy mustard, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is an annual or biennial herb found in arid regions across North America and parts of Europe.
Appearance
The plant typically grows to a height of between 10 and 50 centimeters and has stiff, upright stems that are branched near the base. The leaves are small, slender, and bipinnately dissected, with the lower leaves being more divided than the upper. The flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in racemes at the end of the stems. The fruit is a short, blunt pod that is wider than it is long.
Uses
Descurainia obtusa has been historically used in traditional medicine for various ailments, such as bronchial infections, stomach pains, and venereal diseases. The plant also has culinary uses, and the leaves and seeds have been used to flavor food and beverages. Additionally, the plant is used in landscaping due to its drought tolerance and attractive appearance.
Common Names
Blunt-fruited tansy mustard is commonly referred to by several other names including Bluntfruit Lepidium, Blunt-fruit Pepper-grass, and False Tansy Mustard.
Light Requirements
Descurainia obtusa typically grows in full sun to partial shade. It prefers bright sunlight for most of the day. A lack of adequate light can cause the plant to grow tall and spindly.
Temperature Requirements
Descurainia obtusa prefers cool temperature ranging from 15°C to 20°C during the day and 10°C to 15°C at night. It can tolerate high temperatures in the summer. However, in hot and arid climates, the plant requires some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent heat stress and dehydration.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils that drain well and have a neutral pH. The plant requires fertile soil with moderate moisture for optimum growth. It can tolerate brief periods of drought but will require additional watering during prolonged dry spells.
Cultivation Methods for Descurainia Obtusa
Descurainia obtusa, commonly referred to as blunt-fruited dwarf-cress, is a hardy herbaceous plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It thrives under full sunlight in well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant requires minimal care and attention, making it ideal for beginners.
Start by planting the seeds during the early spring in a seedbed or directly in the garden. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and ensure the soil is moist. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge.
Watering Needs for Descurainia Obtusa
Descurainia obtusa requires minimal watering once established. It is drought-resistant and only requires watering once a week. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot. Overwatering the plant may lead to stunted growth and reduce the plant's ability to produce flowers.
Fertilization for Descurainia Obtusa
Descurainia obtusa is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal fertilization. Fertilize the plant once in the spring with a low-nitrogen fertilizer to support its growth. Over-fertilizing the plant can result in excessive foliage growth and reduced flower production.
It is recommended to test the soil's pH level before fertilizing the plant to ensure that it falls within the required range.
Pruning for Descurainia Obtusa
Pruning is not a necessary task for Descurainia Obtusa. However, removing spent blooms can encourage more flower production and enhance the plant's appearance. Cut the spent blooms just above the nearest leaf axil with a sharp pair of pruning shears.
It is essential to wear gloves when pruning the plant as it can irritate the skin. Additionally, prune any damaged or dead foliage to improve the plant's overall health.
Propagation of Descurainia obtusa
Descurainia obtusa (Greene) O.E. Schulz, commonly known as blunt-fruited dwarf-lettuce or Plains tansy mustard, is a small annual plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to western North America and is found in the Great Plains region of the United States and Canada.
Seed Propagation
The most common method to propagate Descurainia obtusa is through seeds. The seeds of this plant are small and can be easily collected from mature plants. They should be sown in well-draining soil in small pots or directly in the ground during the fall or early spring. The soil should be kept moist, but not overly wet, until the seeds germinate, which typically takes 7-14 days.
The seedlings should be kept in a sunny spot, and once they have grown to a size of 2-3 inches, they can be transplanted to their permanent location. When transplanting, it is essential to be gentle with the roots as they can be easily damaged.
Cutting Propagation
Descurainia obtusa can also be propagated through stem cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings from mature plants and planting them in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be placed in a bright, humid location and kept moist until roots develop. This process usually takes 2-3 weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted.
Cutting propagation is not a common method for Descurainia obtusa as it can be challenging to obtain a high success rate with this method.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Descurainia obtusa. This method involves dividing mature plants into smaller sections and replanting them in well-draining soil. The division should be done during the early spring or fall, and the soil should be kept moist until new growth appears.
Although division propagation can be successful, it is not a common method used for Descurainia obtusa as this plant does not develop a prominent root system suitable for division easily.
In conclusion, the most common method used to propagate Descurainia obtusa is through seed propagation. This method is relatively easy, and the success rate is high. However, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining and to keep it moist until the seeds germinate.
Disease and Pest Management for Descurainia Obtusa (Greene) O.E. Schulz
Descurainia Obtusa (Greene) O.E. Schulz, commonly known as tansy mustard, is a plant species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is a known weed in cropland, rangeland, and non-crop areas. Tansy mustard is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can negatively impact plant growth and yield. Therefore, it is essential to manage these diseases and pests to ensure successful crop production.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect tansy mustard include:
- Black Leg: This is a fungal disease that causes wilting of the plant. It can be controlled by removing infected plants and minimizing soil moisture. Fungicides such as copper-based fungicides can be applied before planting.
- Sclerotinia Stem Rot: This is a fungal disease that causes the stem to rot and the plant to wilt. It can be managed by crop rotation, removing infected plants, and reducing plant density. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
- Clubroot: This is a soil-borne disease that causes root rot and stunting of the plant. It can be managed by planting resistant varieties of tansy mustard, practicing crop rotation, and improving soil drainage.
- Alternaria Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes the leaves to turn yellow and develop black spots. It can be managed by removing infected leaves and practicing good sanitation. Fungicides can also be used in severe cases.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect tansy mustard include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They can be controlled by introducing natural predators such as lady beetles or lacewings, using insecticidal soaps, or spraying with neem oil.
- Cabbage Loopers: These are green caterpillars that chew on the leaves of the plant, causing severe defoliation. They can be controlled by introducing natural predators such as birds or spraying with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).
- Cutworms: These are caterpillars that feed on the stem of the plant, causing wilting and death. They can be managed by applying diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant or by using collars made of paper or cardboard.
- Wireworms: These are soil-dwelling pests that feed on the roots of the plant, causing stunting and reduced yield. They can be managed by crop rotation, using resistant varieties of tansy mustard, and applying insecticides before planting.
Overall, managing diseases and pests in tansy mustard is important to ensure crop growth and yield. Using a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control measures can help prevent and manage these issues.
