Origin
Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p., also known as Tick Trefoil, is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical regions of Asia and Australia, but it has been naturalized in other parts of the world, including Africa, America, and the Pacific Islands.
Common Names
Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p. has several common names depending on the region it is found in. Some of the common names include:
- Tick Trefoil
- Horsefly Weed
- Bushy Desmodium
- Green-Pods Desmodium
- Coatbuttons
Uses
Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p. has several uses in traditional medicine. In some cultures, the plant is used to treat fevers, stomach ailments, and skin diseases. The leaves also have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which make them useful in treating wounds and cuts. In addition to its medicinal value, the plant is also used as a forage crop for livestock. The leaves and stems of the plant are highly nutritious and can provide a good source of protein for animals.
General Appearance
Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p. is a perennial herb that grows up to 1-2 meters in height. It has trifoliate leaves that are ovate to lanceolate in shape and approximately 6-12 cm long. The flowers are pink or purple in color, and they bloom from September to November. The plant produces small, flattened pods that contain several small seeds. The seeds are dispersed by animals and wind.
Light Requirements
Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p. thrives in areas with moderate to full sunlight exposure. In the wild, it grows best under the canopy of trees that allow partial sunlight. For cultivation, the plant is highly adaptable to various lighting conditions, but too much shade can affect its growth and yield.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature for Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p. growth ranges from 20°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate high temperatures of up to 40°C and grow in areas with a minimum temperature of 15°C. However, temperatures below 10°C can lead to stunted growth, delayed maturity, and even death.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p. can thrive in a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained soils with good fertility. The soil pH should range from 5.5 to 7.0, and the plant does well in soils rich in organic matter. The plant is quite tolerant to dry spells and can grow in areas with low rainfall, but it does best in areas with sufficient moisture levels.
Cultivation methods
Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p. is best grown in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. It prefers a sunny or partially shaded location and can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Sow the seeds in the soil in early spring or summer, covering them with a light layer of soil. Water the seeds well and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 7 to 21 days. If growing from cuttings, cut a 4 to 6-inch long stem from a healthy plant and remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder and plant in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Water well and keep the soil moist until the cutting starts to grow.
Watering needs
Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p. needs enough water to keep its roots moist, but not so much that it becomes waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often in hot, dry weather, making sure to water the soil around the plant and not the leaves. Avoid getting water on the leaves as this can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p. benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season. Always follow the instructions on the product label to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to burned roots and leaves.
Pruning
Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p. benefits from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Prune in the early spring before new growth appears by cutting back the stems to just above a healthy leaf node. This will encourage new growth and lead to a denser, more compact plant. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will also encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
Propagation of Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p.
Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The plant can be propagated through seeds. The seeds should be collected from fully matured pods. The collected seeds should be dried and stored under cool and dry conditions until ready to be used for sowing. The time of sowing should be during the rainy season. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm and proper irrigation should be done. Germination should take place within 2-3 weeks, and the young plants should appear above the ground within 4-5 weeks of sowing.
Asexual Propagation
Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p. can be propagated asexually through cutting. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants during the rainy season. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should be taken from the branches that are not flowering. The cuttings should be planted in a well-prepared soil mix with proper drainage. Irrigation should be done regularly, and after 3-4 weeks, the cuttings should show new growth. The cuttings can also be treated with rooting hormones to promote faster and better growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p.
Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p. is a plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family and is commonly known as the tick clover. The plant has several uses such as medicinal, feed, fuel, and soil conservation. However, like any other crop, it is prone to several pests and diseases that may affect its growth and yield. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt appropriate pest and disease management strategies to minimize their effects.
Common Pests Affecting Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p.
The following are some common pests that attack Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p.:
- Aphids: These are tiny sap-sucking insects that cause curling, yellowing, and wilting of the leaves. They excrete honeydew, which attracts other pests and can lead to the growth of black sooty mold.
- Thrips: These are minute insects that feed by scraping and rasping on the plant's tissues, causing stippling, distortion, and discoloration of the leaves.
- Cutworms: These are the larvae of several species of nocturnal moths. They feed voraciously on the young seedlings, causing them to wilt and eventually die.
- Mites: These are tiny pests that pierce the leaves' cells to feed, causing stippling, bronzing, and discoloration of the affected areas.
Management of Pests
The following are some management techniques that can be adopted to control pests affecting Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p.:
- Cultural Control: Practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, and maintaining proper plant nutrition can reduce pest occurrence and severity.
- Mechanical Control: This involves physically removing pests from affected plants using methods such as handpicking, spraying with water, or vacuuming.
- Biological Control: This involves using natural enemies of pests, such as predators, parasites, or pathogens, to control them. Examples include ladybugs, lacewings, and nematodes.
- Chemical Control: This involves the use of pesticides to control pests. However, it is essential to follow label instructions to prevent environmental contamination and harm to non-target organisms.
Common Diseases Affecting Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p.
The following are some common diseases that affect Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p.:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes dark lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods. It can lead to defoliation, premature leaf drop, and reduced yield.
- Rust: This is a fungal disease that causes yellow-orange spots on the leaves, stems, and pods. It can lead to defoliation and reduced yield.
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes small, circular, brownish-black spots on the leaves. It can lead to defoliation and reduced yield.
- Nematodes: These are soil-dwelling pests that attack the roots, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield.
Management of Diseases
The following are some management techniques that can be adopted to control diseases affecting Desmodium dillenii Darl. p.p.:
- Cultural Control: Practices such as crop rotation, planting disease-resistant varieties, and maintaining proper plant nutrition can reduce disease occurrence and severity.
- Mechanical Control: This involves physically removing and destroying infected plant parts to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Biological Control: This involves using microorganisms, such as fungi or bacteria, to control the growth of disease-causing organisms.
- Chemical Control: This involves the use of fungicides or nematicides to control the disease. However, it is essential to follow label instructions to prevent environmental contamination and harm to non-target organisms.
