Overview
Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb., commonly known as beggarweed, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a subshrub species that originated from tropical America and is now cultivated in different parts of the world including Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 1 meter in height. It has slender branches that spread along the ground, forming a mat-like habit. The stems are cylindrical and covered with fine hairs. The leaves are alternate, trifoliate, with serrated edges, and have a green color. The flowers are small, pink, or white, and are arranged in clusters on spikes. The fruits are small, flat, and segmented pods that split open when ripe, releasing small black seeds.
Common Names
Beggarweed is known by several names including tick-trefoil, bundleflower, trailing tick-trefoil, and beggar lice.
Uses
The plant has several uses both in traditional medicine and agriculture. In traditional medicine, the roots, leaves, and seeds are used to treat a wide range of ailments such as fever, anemia, asthma, constipation, and urinary disorders. Some studies have also shown that beggarweed extracts have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Furthermore, the plant is used in agriculture as a cover crop or forage for livestock. The deep roots of the plant help to prevent soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and increase water retention. It also helps to provide nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil through its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen.
Light Requirements
Desmodium intortum requires a moderate amount of sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but full sun exposure is preferred. The plant can grow in direct sunlight but may require extra watering to prevent drying out of the soil.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Desmodium intortum is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The plant can tolerate higher temperatures, but it may require more frequent watering. The plant is sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
Desmodium intortum prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range between 5.5 to 6.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy or clay soil, but it grows best in loamy soil. The soil should be fertile with a good nutrient content, and it should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods:
Desmodium intortum or the "tortuous" tick clover is a hardy and low-maintenance plant. It is best grown in well-draining soil under partial shade, although it can also survive in full sun conditions. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings and should be planted in the ground or in pots during spring or summer. It can grow up to two meters tall and can spread up to one meter wide. For optimal growth, maintain a distance of three feet between each plant.
Watering Needs:
The plant requires regular watering, especially during its early stages. Water the plant a few times a week, ensuring the soil is moist, but not flooded. During hot and dry weather, increase the frequency of watering to keep the soil moist. However, avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot and other infections.
Fertilization:
Adequate fertilization helps improve the plant's growth and increases its yield. Use a balanced fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium content. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season at intervals of three to four weeks. Avoid using an excess of nitrogen-rich fertilizers that encourage leafy growth but may reduce the amount of flowers produced.
Pruning:
Desmodium intortum requires minimal pruning. However, removing spent, dead, or damaged leaves and branches helps maintain the plant's health and appearance. Pruning the plant during winter when it is dormant can help stimulate new growth in the spring.
Propagation of Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb.
Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. is a perennial, nitrogen-fixing legume that is used for forage production. It is an important plant for soil conservation and can be grown in a range of environments. The following are the propagation methods used for this plant:
Seed propagation
Desmodium intortum is typically propagated through seeds. The seeds should be harvested from the plant when they are fully mature, which is usually around 90 days after flowering. The seeds should be dried in the sun for several days and then stored in cool and dry conditions until they are ready to be sown. To increase the germination rate, the seeds can be scarified using sandpaper or soaked in water overnight before sowing.
Cutting propagation
Another propagation method for Desmodium intortum is through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy stem segments that are free of pests and diseases. The cuttings should be around 15-20 cm long and should be taken from new growth that is still green. The leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be planted in a well-draining potting mix. The container should be kept in a warm and humid place until the roots are established.
Division propagation
Desmodium intortum can also be propagated through division. This method is typically used for mature plants that have multiple stems. The plant should be dug up, and the root system should be carefully separated into sections, ensuring that each section has enough stem and root material. Each section should be replanted immediately in well-draining soil and watered well.
Disease and Pest Management for Desmodium Intortum (Mill.) Urb.
Desmodium intortum, commonly known as curly desmodium, is a leguminous, perennial plant that is mainly used for forage and soil conservation purposes. However, it is prone to several diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggested ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes the plant's leaves to develop yellow or brown spots, which later expand, coalesce, and form circular or irregular-shaped lesions. It can also cause stem cankers, pod rot, and defoliation. To manage the disease, use resistant varieties, practice crop rotation, and avoid planting in areas with a history of the disease. Additionally, applying fungicides like thiophanate-methyl or copper-based formulations can also help control the disease.
Southern blight: Southern blight is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant's leaves and stems. The fungus can also form white to tan-colored, cottony fungal growth around the lower stem. To manage the disease, remove infected plants and debris, avoid waterlogging, and ensure good drainage. Additionally, soil solarization, application of biocontrol agents like Trichoderma spp or Bacillus spp, and fungicides like azoxystrobin or flutolanil can also help control the disease.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and distortion of leaves. They also excrete honeydew, which promotes fungal growth. To manage aphids, use natural enemies like lacewings and lady beetles, remove weed hosts, and use reflective mulches. Additionally, spraying with insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, or neem-based products can help control the pests.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck the plant's sap, causing stippling, yellowing, and bronzing of leaves. They also produce webbing, which can cover the plant's leaves and stems. To manage spider mites, maintain a high relative humidity, use natural enemies like predatory mites, avoid over-fertilization, and remove weeds around the plant. Additionally, spraying with horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, or acaricides can help control the pests.
By properly managing the diseases and pests that might affect Desmodium intortum, you can ensure that the plant grows healthily and produces a good yield for forage and soil conservation purposes.
