Overview
Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich. is a perennial legume plant known for its delicate and feathery leaves. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is native to the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America.
Common Names
Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich. is also known by several common names such as Tick trefoil, Small-leaf tick-trefoil, Smallleaf beggarweed, and Small-leaved Desmodium.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 50 to 100 centimeters tall and has slender stems that are covered with fine silky hairs. The leaves are alternate, trifoliate (three-leaflet), with an ovate shape, and the leaflet size ranges from 8 to 28 millimeters long. The flowers are small, pink or purple in color, and arranged in sets of five or six on a short stalk. The plant bears small, curved, and hairy fruits containing two to four seeds.
Uses
Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich. has several medicinal uses in traditional medicine. The plant is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-allergic properties. The leaves, stems, and roots are used to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, asthma, bronchitis, and skin conditions. The plant's roots and leaves can also be used to make a tea that is believed to aid digestion, serve as a diuretic and laxative and reduce blood pressure. Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich is also used in the pharmaceutical industry to synthesize quinazoline derivatives, which have been found to have antiprotozoal, antitumor, and antiviral activities.
Light Requirements
Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich. grows well in full to partial sunlight. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day to grow and bloom to its full potential.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature for the growth of Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich. ranges between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 10°C and above 35°C may negatively affect its growth. The plant can withstand mild frost and can grow in different regions with varying temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich. prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The soil should be loamy to sandy-loam with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.2. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soils, so the soil should be well-drained. The plant can grow in a variety of soils, including loamy, sandy, clayey, and rocky soils.
Cultivation Methods of Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich.
Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich., commonly known as tick clover, can be grown either through direct seeding or transplanting from seedlings. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun exposure. The ideal soil pH range for Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich. is between 5.5 and 7.5.
The seeds require proper preparation before planting, which involves soaking them overnight in warm water to promote germination and increase the success rate of planting. Care must be taken not to damage the seed while removing the seed coat.
Watering Needs of Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich.
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season to keep the soil moist. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's essential to ensure proper drainage. The frequency of watering depends on the prevailing weather conditions, soil type and moisture retention, and stage of growth. The plant can withstand short periods of drought, but prolonged periods can affect the yield.
Fertilization of Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich.
Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich. responds well to organic fertilizers, including well-rotted manure or compost. The ideal fertilizer should have a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The application rate varies depending on the prevailing soil fertility, weather conditions, and stage of growth. It's essential not to over-fertilize, as this can cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of the root system, leading to reduced yields.
Pruning Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich.
Pruning helps to maintain the plant's shape, promote branching, and improve airflow, leading to better yields. The plant can be pruned during the growing season by removing any dead or diseased branches or stems. Care must be taken not to remove too much foliage, as this can weaken the plant and affect its ability to produce flowers and fruits. After the growing season ends, the plant can be cut back to ground level to rejuvenate it for the next season.
Propagation of Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich.
Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich. can be propagated through various methods that include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich. can be collected from the matured pods and sown directly in the field or in seed trays. Seedlings are transplanted to the field after a few weeks. Seed propagation is the easiest and most reliable method for propagating Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich. Plants grown through seed propagation are genetically diverse.
Cuttings propagation
Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich. can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken from the mother plant. Cuttings can be collected at any time of the year, but best results are achieved if cuttings are taken during the active growing period. Cuttings should be about 10 to 20cm long and should be taken from sections of the stem that are still green. Cuttings are then directly planted in the field or in a nursery bed. Root formation takes about three to four weeks, after which the new plant can be transplanted to the field.
DIVISIONS
Another method of propagating Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich. is through division of the mother plant. This method is effective in areas where the mother plant grows in clusters or where the stem of the plant is woody enough to divide. The mother plant is carefully dug out from the field and divided into several smaller plants. These small plantlets are then directly planted in the field or nursery bed, where they grow into mature plants.
Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich. can be propagated through several methods, including seed propagation, cuttings propagation, and division of the mother plant. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, but the most appropriate method will depend on the availability of resources and the intended use of the plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich.
Desmodium delicatulum A.Rich., commonly known as Tick Clover, is susceptible to various diseases and pests. The following are some of the most common ones that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that causes brown to black spots on the leaves and stems. The spots can enlarge and cause the leaves to wither and fall. To manage anthracnose, apply fungicides containing copper or sulfur and remove and destroy the infected parts of the plant.
Powdery mildew: It is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. The disease weakens the plant and reduces its yield. To manage powdery mildew, prune the affected parts and apply fungicides containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate.
Bacterial blight: It is a bacterial disease that causes water-soaked lesions on the leaves and stems. The lesions can merge and cause the leaves to dry and fall. To manage bacterial blight, remove and destroy the infected parts and apply copper-based fungicides.
Common Pests
Leafhoppers: These are small, winged insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing the leaves to yellow and curl. To manage leafhoppers, use insecticidal soaps or neem oil and remove weeds around the plants where they might breed.
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, spray the plants with neem oil or insecticidal soaps and introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
Cutworms: These are caterpillars that cut off the stems of young plants at the soil line. To manage cutworms, use physical barriers like collars made of cardboard or plastic around the base of the plant or apply insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis.
In conclusion, maintaining good cultural practices such as regular watering and fertilization can also help improve the plant's resistance to diseases and pests. Be sure to inspect the plant frequently, and take appropriate action as soon as you note any signs of infestation or infection.
