Overview
Desmodium diffusum (Willd.) DC. is a species of flowering plant from the pea family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. It is commonly known as diffused tick-trefoil or spreading tick-trefoil. The plant has a number of traditional medicinal uses and is also used as a forage crop.
Appearance
Desmodium diffusum is a herbaceous perennial plant that typically grows up to 60 cm tall. It has a short and slender stem that is often branching, and leaves that are trifoliate. The leaflets are ovate to elliptic in shape and have serrated margins. The flowers are small and pink or purple and are arranged in racemes that arise from the leaf axils. The plant's fruit consists of elongated, narrow, twisted pods that split open to release the seeds.
Uses
Desmodium diffusum has a number of traditional medicinal uses. In Ayurvedic medicine, the plant is used to treat respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis, and to improve digestion. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to treat fever, cough, and rheumatism. In addition, Desmodium diffusum is used as a forage crop and is an important source of feed for livestock. The plant is also used in reforestation programs as it has nitrogen-fixing properties, which can help to improve soil fertility.
Light Requirements
Desmodium diffusum plants require abundant sunlight for optimal growth. It is classified as a sun-loving plant, and it is advised to place it in a location with full sun exposure. Partial shade may also be provided during the hottest part of the day to prevent scorching.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures, with a range of 20°C to 30°C being the ideal growing range. It can tolerate high temperatures but is not frost-tolerant. It is recommended to shelter the plant from heavy winds that can damage the foliage and dry out the soil.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium diffusum grows best in well-draining, loose, and fertile soil. It can grow in a wide range of soil types like sandy loam, clay loam, and laterite soils. However, it prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. Organic matter should be incorporated into the soil to improve soil quality and fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Desmodium diffusum (Willd.) DC. is an easy-to-grow plant that can thrive in various climates. It requires a lot of sun and prefers well-draining soil. A pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal for the plant to grow. The best time to sow the seeds is during the rainy season.
The seeds should be sown in rows at a depth of about 0.5 cm. Within two weeks, the seedlings will emerge. It's best to thin them out to about 10 cm apart to ensure that they have enough space to grow.
Watering Needs
Desmodium diffusum (Willd.) DC. is a plant that does not require too much watering. Depending on the climate, the plant should be watered once in two to three days during the initial stages of growth. Once the plant has grown and established itself, it requires less frequent watering. It is essential to avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized once a year during the growing season. Organic fertilizers like well-rotted manure or compost can be used. Fertilizing is essential to ensure that the plant has all the nutrients it needs to grow. Care should be taken not to use excess fertilizer as it can lead to the burning of the plant.
Pruning
Desmodium diffusum (Willd.) DC. does not require rigorous pruning. However, it may be necessary to prune the plant if it appears to be growing beyond the space available. The plant can be pruned after the flowering season has ended. Ensure that the pruning is done with sterilized tools to prevent infection. A good way to promote bushiness is by pinching out the tips of the stems.
Propagation of Desmodium Diffusum (Willd.) DC.
Desmodium diffusum (Willd.) DC. commonly known as spreading tick-trefoil, is a perennial medicinal plant used for the treatment of various ailments. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be used for the propagation of Desmodium diffusum (Willd.) DC. The seeds should be sown in plastic pots filled with a mixture of sand and soil or any other suitable soil mix. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist throughout the germination period. Germination time may vary, but generally takes around 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly to the field.
Cutting Propagation
The propagation of Desmodium diffusum (Willd.) DC. can also be done through cuttings. Stem cuttings of about 10-15 cm in length can be taken from mature plants during the active growing season. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in soil mix with adequate drainage. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid place until they start to root. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly to the field.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is also possible for Desmodium diffusum (Willd.) DC. This method can be done during transplanting of older plants. The mature plant is lifted from the soil and the root system is carefully divided into several smaller sections. Each section should have a few leaves and some roots. These smaller sections can be immediately planted in the field or pots with suitable soil mix.
Disease Management
Desmodium diffusum is a plant that can be affected by several diseases. One of the most common diseases that affects this plant is powdery mildew, caused by fungi of the order Erysiphales. The symptoms of this disease are white or gray powdery spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, proper sanitation and cultural practices should be put in place to prevent it. It is also advisable to use fungicides for effective powdery mildew control.
Fusarium wilt is another disease that affects Desmodium diffusum. This disease is caused by the Fusarium oxysporum fungus. It can cause the plant to wilt and die. Crop rotation, proper irrigation and drainage practices can help manage this disease. Also, using resistant cultivars can help prevent its occurrence.
The plant can also be affected by bacterial blight, which is caused by the Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli bacterium. The symptoms of the disease are small, water-soaked lesions on the leaves that later grow into large spots that turn brown and dry. Copper-based fungicides are effective in managing this disease. Sanitation practices such as removing infected plant debris can help prevent its spread.
Pest Management
Desmodium diffusum can be attacked by several pests that affect its growth and productivity. The most common pests that attack this plant are leaf-mining weevils. These pests create small tunnels on the leaves, reducing the photosynthetic capacity of the plant, which can lead to reduced growth and yield. The use of neem-based insecticides is effective in managing leaf-mining weevils.
The plant can also be attacked by aphids, which suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. This can weaken the plant and reduce its yield. Insecticidal soaps and oils can help control these pests.
The Desmodium pod borer is another pest that can attack the pod of the plant, causing significant damage to the seeds. However, early detection and the use of biological control agents such as parasitic wasps can help manage this pest.
In conclusion, the use of integrated pest management strategies that combine cultural, biological and chemical management practices can help maintain healthy Desmodium diffusum plants that are productive and free from pests and diseases.
