Overview of Desmodium scorpiurus (Sw.) Desv.
Desmodium scorpiurus (Sw.) Desv. is a perennial leguminous plant species that is a member of the Fabaceae family. This plant is also known by various common names including scorpion senna, scorpion ticktrefoil, and sharp-flowered ticktrefoil.
Origins of Desmodium scorpiurus (Sw.) Desv.
Desmodium scorpiurus (Sw.) Desv. is believed to originate from tropical regions of Brazil and Argentina. However, it is now widely distributed and naturalized throughout many tropical regions of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
Characteristics of Desmodium scorpiurus (Sw.) Desv.
Desmodium scorpiurus (Sw.) Desv. is a sprawling leguminous plant that grows up to 1-2 meters in height. The leaves are trifoliate with a lanceolate leaflet shape and can grow up to 15cm in length, while the flowers are pink-purple in color and grow in clusters along axillary branches.
Uses of Desmodium scorpiurus (Sw.) Desv.
Desmodium scorpiurus (Sw.) Desv. has many traditional medicinal uses, including the treatment of fever, headaches, and malaria. It is also used as fodder for livestock, as the plant is highly nutritious and palatable. Additionally, Desmodium scorpiurus (Sw.) Desv. has been found to have soil-improving benefits as it fixes nitrogen in the soil, making it a valuable cover crop for farmers.
Light Requirements
Desmodium scorpiurus (Sw.) Desv. prefers bright, indirect sunlight and can tolerate partial shade. It should be placed in a location where it receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires a warm environment with temperatures ranging between 20 °C to 30 °C. It cannot tolerate frost or cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. A good mix would consist of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. It can also grow in soils consisting of sandy loam or clay loam. The soil should be kept moist, but not excessively wet.
Cultivation of Desmodium Scorpiurus
Desmodium scorpiurus can be grown in most types of soils, but it thrives best in well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It is recommended to plant the seeds in early spring or autumn, in rows with a distance of 40-60 cm between each row and 10-15 cm between seeds. It also needs adequate sunlight to grow, so planting it in an open area is highly recommended.
Watering Needs for Desmodium Scorpiurus
Desmodium scorpiurus requires moderate watering. Irrigation is necessary during prolonged dry spells to ensure that the soil is moistened to a depth of 15-20 cm. During the rainy season, the plant does not require much watering as the rainfall is sufficient enough. However, it is important to note that too much waterlogging can lead to stunted growth or even root rot.
Fertilization of Desmodium Scorpiurus
Desmodium scorpiurus is not very demanding when it comes to fertilization. However, adding organic matter to the soil is beneficial for its growth. Manure, compost, or any other organic fertilizers can be used. Nitrogen is also essential for the growth of this plant, and it can be supplied through the application of nitrogen-based fertilizers. It is recommended to fertilize the plant twice a year, once in the beginning and once during its growth cycle.
Pruning of Desmodium Scorpiurus
Desmodium scorpiurus requires minimal pruning, and it is done to remove dead or damaged branches or to control its height. Pruning is usually done during the end of the rainy season, and only the top growth is cut to encourage a uniform growth of vegetation.
Propagation of Desmodium Scorpiurus (Sw.) Desv.
Desmodium scorpiurus is a leguminous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is known for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it a valuable cover crop for improving soil fertility. Propagation of this plant can be done in different ways.
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is the most common and easiest method for Desmodium scorpiurus. The seeds are readily available in the market or can be collected from the mature pods of the plant. The seeds are small and can be directly sown in the field after the onset of the rainy season. Before sowing, the seeds must be treated with a fungicide to prevent fungal attacks.
Seedlings emerge after 10-14 days of sowing. The seedlings are then transplanted to their final location after 4-5 weeks of germination. The recommended spacing between the plants is 30-45 cm.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another way to propagate Desmodium scorpiurus. This method involves taking cuttings from the mature branches of the plant. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and should have 3-4 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, leaving only 1-2 leaves at the top.
These cuttings are then planted in nursery beds filled with well-drained soil. The cuttings should be watered regularly to maintain soil moisture. The roots develop within 3-4 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to the main field after 6-8 weeks of planting.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is an alternative method for propagating Desmodium scorpiurus. This method involves dividing the mature plants into smaller sections. The sections should have a well-developed root system and a few aerial shoots.
These sections are then planted in nursery beds and treated the same way as the cuttings. They are watered regularly to maintain soil moisture, and the seedlings are transplanted to the final planting field after 6-8 weeks of planting.
Overall, Desmodium scorpiurus can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, but all of them are efficient in propagating healthy and viable Desmodium scorpiurus plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Desmodium scorpiurus
Desmodium scorpiurus, also known as tick clover, is a legume crop that is used for forage and soil improvement. However, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests, which can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that may infest Desmodium scorpiurus and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fusarium wilt – This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Desmodium scorpiurus, causing them to rot and eventually die. It is characterized by yellowing and wilting of the leaves, stunted growth, and death of the plant. To manage this disease, ensure proper drainage, avoid planting in infected soil, and apply fungicides.
Anthracnose – It is a fungal disease that causes dark lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods of Desmodium scorpiurus. It can result in defoliation, reduced yield, and stunted growth. Regular crop rotation, proper sanitation, and applying fungicides can help manage anthracnose.
Rust – Rust is a fungal disease that appears as rusty brown spots on the leaves and stems of Desmodium scorpiurus. It can cause defoliation, reduced yield, and stunted growth. To manage rust, remove infected plant debris, practice good sanitation, and apply fungicides.
Pests
Aphids – They are small insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of Desmodium scorpiurus, causing them to curl and distort. Aphids also excrete honeydew which attracts other insects. To manage aphids, plant resistant varieties, apply insecticidal soap, and introduce predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Cutworms – Cutworms are caterpillars that eat the stem of Desmodium scorpiurus at the base, causing the plant to collapse. They are active at night and hide during the day. To manage cutworms, handpick them and destroy them, use collars around the plants, and apply biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
Spider mites – These tiny arachnids feed on the sap of the leaves of Desmodium scorpiurus causing them to turn yellow and eventually fall off. They are usually found on the undersides of leaves and prefer hot and dry weather. To manage spider mites, apply insecticidal soap, introduce predators such as mite-eating bugs, and maintain adequate soil moisture.
In conclusion, Desmodium scorpiurus is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Proper management practices such as regular sanitation, planting resistant varieties, and applying insecticides and fungicides when necessary can help prevent or manage these issues.
