Overview
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. argyreum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical and southern Africa and is also found in other parts of the world like Asia and the Americas. The plant is widely known for its many medicinal properties and is also used for livestock feed.
Common Names
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. argyreum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. is commonly known as silver-leaved tick clover, silverbean, hairy desmodium, and tick-trefoil. Its name ‘tick-trefoil’ comes from its ability to repel ticks and other insects.
Uses
There are many uses of Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. argyreum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. The plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments like asthma, bronchitis, and diarrhea. It has also been used to reduce fever and control hypertension.
In addition to its medicinal properties, Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. argyreum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. is used as a forage crop for livestock, providing high-quality protein and other essential nutrients. The plant is highly recommended for improving soil fertility, erosion control, and nitrogen fixation.
Appearance
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. argyreum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. is a small, erect herbaceous shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The leaves are alternate, trifoliate, and hairy, with a silver appearance on the underside. The flowers are pink to purple in color, with a characteristic pea-like appearance. The fruits are small, cylindrical, and hairy, with seeds that are small and black in color.
Overall, Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. argyreum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. is a versatile plant with many uses that have made it a valuable resource for traditional medicine and agriculture. Its striking appearance and tick-repelling properties make it a popular ornamental plant as well.
Light Conditions
Desmodium barbatum var. argyreum typically requires a fair amount of sunlight to grow properly. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight exposure per day is recommended, although it can tolerate partial shade and still grow.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature range for optimal growth of Desmodium barbatum var. argyreum is between 20°C to 30°C. It is a tropical plant and cannot survive in cold temperatures below 15°C. The plant can also withstand a high level of humidity.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium barbatum var. argyreum prefers well-drained soils with good moisture retention capability. Sandy loam soils are the most ideal, and the soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5). The plant can also grow in soils with low fertility level, but it will benefit from regular application of organic manure and fertilizers.
Cultivation Methods:
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. argyreum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. grows best in well-draining soil and a warm climate. It prefers full sunlight but can grow in partial shade. The ideal soil pH for this plant is between 6.0 to 7.5. It is essential to plant the seeds at the right depth, approximately 2-3 cm deep. The planting should be done during the rainy season to ensure good germination rates.Watering Needs:
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. argyreum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. requires regular watering for proper growth and maintenance. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. In hot and dry conditions, it may require watering two to three times a week. However, during the rainy season, watering can be reduced to avoid overwatering.Fertilization:
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. argyreum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. benefits from regular application of fertilizers. Compost or well-rotted manure is an excellent source of nutrients for the plant. The application of organic fertilizers should be done at the beginning of the growing season. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium-based fertilizers can be applied if the soil lacks these nutrients. However, it is essential to avoid excessive use of fertilizers as it may damage the plant.Pruning:
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. argyreum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. does not require extensive pruning. However, it is recommended to prune the plant intermittently to control its growth. Removing dead or damaged leaves and stems should be done regularly. Pinching or cutting back the stem tips can promote bushier growth, which results in better flowering. A light pruning after flowering can help in maintaining a healthy plant structure.Propagation of Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. argyreum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub.
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. argyreum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division. Here is a detailed discussion of each method:
Propagation through seeds
The most common method of propagating Desmodium barbatum is through seeds. It is best to sow the seeds during the rainy season. The seeds can be collected from the plant after the pods have dried and turned brown. The seeds need to be scarified before planting by soaking them in hot water for 10-15 minutes. This helps to break any hard outer shell that may inhibit germination. The seeds can then be sown in a seedbed or directly in the field. The soil should be moist and well-drained. The seeds will germinate within 10-14 days.
Propagation through cuttings
Desmodium barbatum can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken during the rainy season. Take cuttings from a healthy plant that is at least one year old. Use sharp pruning shears to cut a stem that is about 10-15 cm long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cutting in rooting hormone before planting it in a rooting medium. Keep the soil moist and shaded. The cuttings will develop roots within 3-4 weeks.
Propagation through division
Propagation through division involves taking a rooted plant and dividing it into several parts. This method is best done when the plant is dormant during the winter season. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the sections, ensuring that each section has some roots attached. Replant the sections in a well-drained soil and water them thoroughly. Keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. argyreum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub.
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. argyreum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub., commonly known as Silverleaf Desmodium, is an important leguminous plant with multiple benefits such as soil improvement, weed suppression, and animal feed. However, like any other crop, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause damage or reduce yield. Here are some common diseases and pests of Desmodium barbatum and methods to manage them.
Diseases
Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases such as leaf spot, blight, and powdery mildew can affect Desmodium barbatum. Leaf spots appear as small, circular lesions on the leaves, while blight causes wilting and death of the plant. Powdery mildew presents as a white, powdery coating on the leaves.
Management: To manage fungal diseases, it is recommended to remove infected leaves, use disease-free seeds, and rotate crops. Fungicides can also be used, following manufacturer instructions.
Bacterial diseases: Bacterial diseases such as bacterial wilt and leaf spots can also affect Desmodium barbatum. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and necrosis on the leaves.
Management: Similar to fungal diseases, bacterial diseases can be managed by removing infected plant parts, rotation, and using disease-free seeds. Copper-based fungicides may also help control bacterial diseases.
Pests
Cutworms: Cutworms are common pests that can cut down the young plants at the base, causing severe damage.
Management: To manage cutworms, it is recommended to remove weed hosts, plow under crop residue, and use cutworm baits.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and yellow. They can also transmit viruses.
Management: Aphids can be managed by removing infected leaves, using insecticidal soap or neem oil, and introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing a stippled appearance. They can also spin webs over the leaves.
Management: Spider mites can be managed by pruning infected leaves, using insecticidal soap or neem oil, and introducing natural predators such as predatory mites.
In summary, managing diseases and pests in Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. argyreum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. involves a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods. The use of integrated pest management approaches can help reduce the use of chemical inputs and promote a healthy ecosystem.
