Origin
Desmodium ciliare (Muhl. ex Willd.) DC. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the "Hairy Small-leaved Tick Trefoil". This plant is native to North America and can be found in different parts of the world, including Asia and Africa.
Common Names
Besides "Hairy Small-leaved Tick Trefoil", Desmodium ciliare has various other common names, including "Fringed Small-leaved Tick-trefoil", "Small-leaf Desmodium", "Wavy-leaf Tick-trefoil", and "Hairy Desmodium".
Uses
Desmodium ciliare has been used medicinally for centuries. The plant's roots, leaves, and stems are used to make various herbal remedies to treat conditions such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. The plant contains several compounds such as flavonoids and alkaloids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The leaves can also be made into a tea and used to relieve fevers and sore throats.
This plant also has industrial uses as it is a great source of biomass. It is known to have a high protein content, which makes it an ideal feed for livestock. The roots of the plant can also fix nitrogen, making it a valuable crop in organic farming.
Appearance
Desmodium ciliare is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 1 meter in height. It has a thin stem, and its leaves are trifoliate with a hairy texture. The leaflets are about 3-6 cm long with smooth margins and pointed tips. The flowers of the plant are pink-purple and bloom from July to September. The fruit produced by this plant is a hairy pod that is around 2-3 cm long.
Light Requirements
Desmodium ciliare thrives in bright, indirect sunlight with some shade protection. It can tolerate partial shade but does not tolerate direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to temperate to subtropical regions, so it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The optimal growth temperature for Desmodium ciliare is between 18°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -5 °C, but it will not survive frost conditions.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium ciliare prefers well-drained, moist, and fertile soil. The plant can adapt to different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The soil pH range should be between 6.0 and 7.5. The presence of organic matter in the soil enhances the plant’s growth and development.
Cultivation of Desmodium ciliare
Desmodium ciliare is best grown in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It thrives well in areas with annual rainfall between 900-1500 mm. This plant is easily propagated from seeds or cuttings during the warmest months of the year.
Seeds should be planted at a depth of 1 cm and spaced 15 cm apart within a row. Cuttings should be planted vertically at a depth of 10 cm and spaced 60 cm apart between rows. Germination can take up to 14 days, and once the seedlings are established, they require proper care to ensure successful growth.
Watering Needs
Desmodium ciliare requires consistent moisture during the first few months after planting to encourage proper root development. Watering should be done deeply but not excessively, to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot. After the plants have established, watering can be reduced, but the soil must not be allowed to dry out entirely.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be done before planting and at regular intervals throughout the growth period to ensure healthy plant development. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 15:15:15 or 20:10:10 (NPK) can be applied at a rate of 30-50 kg/ha. Organic fertilizers can also be used instead of inorganic ones if preferred.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep the Desmodium ciliare plant healthy and promote the growth of new stems. This plant responds well to pruning, which stimulates growth of new leaves and branches. Pruning should be done early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is not too intense. Only one-third of the plant should be pruned at one time, and all dead and diseased branches should be removed.
Propagation of Desmodium ciliare
Desmodium ciliare (Muhl. ex Willd.) DC. can be propagated by various methods depending on the availability of resources and the desired outcome. Some of the common methods include:
Seed Propagation
Desmodium ciliare can be propagated through seeds. Seeds should be collected from mature plants and stratified for at least two months before planting. The seeds should be sown in a mixture of loam soil and compost in a nursery bed or directly to the field that has been properly prepared. Germination usually takes around two weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Desmodium ciliare can also be propagated by cuttings. This method requires healthy stems that are at least 15 cm long. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a mixture of sand and compost. The stem cuttings should be planted at an angle of at least 45 degrees and kept in a moist environment until well-rooted. Rooting usually takes around six weeks.
Division Propagation
Desmodium ciliare can also be propagated through division. The plant should be lifted from the ground and divided into several parts using a sharp knife or garden spade. Each division should contain healthy roots and shoots. The divisions should be planted immediately in the field or prepared bed, and ensure to provide enough moisture and good drainage to ensure healthy establishment.
Disease and Pest Management for Desmodium ciliare
Desmodium ciliare (Muhl. ex Willd.) DC. is a perennial legume that is commonly found in pastures, fields, and roadsides. It is an important forage crop due to its high nutritive value and ability to fix nitrogen. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests, which can negatively impact its growth and production. Below are some common diseases and pests that affect Desmodium ciliare, as well as ways to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose - This fungal disease causes circular spots on the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. Severe infections can lead to defoliation and reduce forage yield. To manage anthracnose, use resistant cultivars, avoid overhead irrigation, and practice crop rotation.
Rust - Rust is a fungal disease that appears as rusty brown spots on leaves and stems. It can cause defoliation and weaken the plant. Managing rust involves planting resistant varieties, avoiding overhead irrigation, and removing infected plant debris.
Southern blight - Southern blight is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes wilting and yellowing of leaves, as well as stem and root rot. To manage southern blight, avoid planting in poorly drained soils, practice crop rotation, and avoid excess application of nitrogen fertilizers.
Pests
Armyworms - Armyworms are caterpillars that feed on the leaves and stems of Desmodium ciliare. They can cause severe defoliation and reduce forage yield. To manage armyworms, scout regularly for their presence and apply insecticides if populations exceed threshold levels.
Cutworms - Cutworms are large caterpillars that cut the stems of the plant at or below the soil surface. They can be particularly damaging to young plants. To manage cutworms, use physical barriers, such as collars or insecticides, and plant when soil temperatures are above 50°F.
Mites - Mites are tiny arthropods that feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause discoloration and deformation of the leaves. To manage mites, apply insecticidal soaps or oils, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, and increase humidity by watering the plants in the morning.
In summary, managing diseases and pests in Desmodium ciliare involves a combination of cultural and chemical management practices. Using resistant varieties, scouting regularly for potential problems, and practicing good crop rotation can all help minimize the impact of pests and diseases on the plant.
