Origin and Common Names
Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. var. strigosum Meeuwen, also known as Tick Trefoil or Hairy Small-Leaf Desmodium, is a plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to North America, specifically the eastern United States.
Appearance
Tick Trefoil is a perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to three feet tall. It has a straggling, branching stem that is heavily covered in fine hairs. The leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet being elongated and narrow with sharp tips. The leaflets are densely hairy and have small teeth on their edges. The yellow flowers appear in dense clusters at the end of long stems. The fruit is a flattened, hairy pod that measures about an inch long.
Uses
In traditional medicine, Tick Trefoil has been used to treat a variety of ailments. The plant’s roots, leaves, and stems can be processed and used to make a tea or tincture. The tea is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat fever, headaches, and coughs. The tincture has been used to treat stomach cramps, indigestion, and diarrhea.
Tick Trefoil is also known for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. This means that it can pull nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that other plants can use. As a result, farmers often grow Tick Trefoil as a cover crop to improve soil fertility.
Due to its attractive appearance and ability to attract pollinators, Tick Trefoil is also used in landscaping and as a forage crop for livestock. It provides good quality feed for animals and can help improve soil health by fixing nitrogen and preventing erosion.
Light Requirements
Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. var. strigosum Meeuwen requires moderate to high levels of light for growth. In its natural habitat, it grows under partial shade conditions. Therefore, it tolerates a wide range of light intensities and can grow well under full sun or partial shade conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures for optimal growth. It thrives in warm and humid conditions and can withstand temperatures as high as 35°C. However, it can also grow in cooler temperatures, as long as they remain above freezing point. The ideal temperature range for Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. var. strigosum Meeuwen growth is between 20°C to 30°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils, rich in organic matter. It grows well in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. The soil pH should be between 5.5 to 7.5. However, it can grow well in soils with pH as low as 4.5 or as high as 8.0. Moderate soil moisture is also required for optimal growth. Therefore, irrigation may be necessary during periods of drought.
Cultivation methods
Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. var. strigosum Meeuwen is a tropical forage legume that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It is best grown in full sunlight in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant is typically propagated through seeds, which should be planted at a depth of about 1 cm. Seedlings should be transplanted when they are about 4-6 weeks old and are 6-8 cm in height. The recommended spacing between plants is about 30-40 cm.
Watering needs
Watering is crucial for young Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. var. strigosum Meeuwen plants. In the early stages of growth, the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Mature plants have a moderate tolerance for drought and can survive on rainfall alone. However, if rainfall is inadequate, supplementary irrigation may be necessary. It is important not to overwater the plants as this can lead to root rot and other soil-borne diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for optimal growth and yield of Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. var. strigosum Meeuwen. The plant requires high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus for vigorous growth. The soil should be tested for nutrient deficiencies before fertilization. The amount and type of fertilizer applied will depend on the soil test results. Generally, a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen and phosphorus is recommended. Fertilizer should be applied at the beginning of the rainy season or at the onset of growth, and again at mid-season.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. var. strigosum Meeuwen, but it can be useful for maintaining plant health and encouraging new growth. For instance, pruning can be done to remove dead or diseased branches and to promote the growth of new shoots. This should be done in the early stages of growth. Cutting back the plant to about 15-20 cm from the ground after the first harvest can also promote regrowth and increase forage yield.
Propagation of Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. var. strigosum Meeuwen
Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. var. strigosum Meeuwen can be propagated through both sexual and asexual method.
Sexual Propagation
The seeds of Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. var. strigosum Meeuwen can be collected from mature pods. The seeds should be cleaned and placed in a seedbed for germination. The seedbed should be moistened regularly, and the seeds will germinate within a few weeks. After the seedlings are established and healthy, they can be transplanted to their final location.
Asexual Propagation
Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. var. strigosum Meeuwen can be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from a healthy and mature plant. The cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long and have multiple leaves. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in a soilless mix and keep the soil moist. The cuttings will root within a few weeks and can be transplanted to their final location.
Overall, both sexual and asexual propagation methods can be used to successfully propagate Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. var. strigosum Meeuwen.
Disease and Pest Management of Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. var. strigosum Meeuwen
Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. var. strigosum Meeuwen is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its overall growth and yield. Here are some common ones and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal Diseases: The plant can be affected by several fungal diseases like anthracnose, stem rot, and leaf spots. These diseases usually occur during humid weather conditions, and appropriate management practices are essential to prevent their spread. Apply fungicides such as copper-based fungicides and mancozeb to prevent fungal attack and employ crop rotation to reduce disease severity.
Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial wilt and leaf blight are two common bacterial diseases that can attack Desmodium heterocarpon. These bacterial diseases can be managed using copper-based bactericides and by removing infected plants to prevent further spread.
Pests
Root-Knot Nematodes: The plant root system can be attacked by root-knot nematodes, which can cause stunted growth and reduced yield. Crop rotation and planting of tolerant cultivars can manage this pest.
Aphids: Aphids are common pests of Desmodium heterocarpon that can cause leaf curling and yellowing of leaves. They can be managed through the application of insecticides such as neem oil and imidacloprid.
Cutworms: Cutworms can lead to significant damage by cutting the stem of seedlings and young plants. Handpicking the cutworms or applying insecticides like cypermethrin can be used to manage them
