Overview
Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf. is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to East and West Africa and commonly found in areas with altitude ranging from 1300-3200m above sea level.
Common Names
The plant has various common names such as Silver Leaf Desmodium, Desmodium, and Silver Necklace.
Appearance
Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf. is a herbaceous plant with stems that are slightly woody at the base. It grows up to 1m high and has leaves that are alternate and trifoliate. Each leaflet is oblong and measures 3-10cm long. The upper side of the leaves is green, and the underside is gray-green, giving it a silvery appearance. The flowers are small, pink to purple, and borne in terminal racemes.
Uses
Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf. is widely used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, coughs, and respiratory infections. It has also been reported to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. The plant is used as forage for livestock and is also used in soil conservation due to its ability to fix nitrogen.
Growth Conditions for Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf.
Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf. is a perennial shrub that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the Sennaar desmodium and is native to Africa. The plant prefers to grow in tropical and subtropical regions.
Light Requirements
The Sennaar desmodium plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate shade but may not produce as many flowers and fruits as those grown in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm to hot temperatures and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. The optimal temperature range for growth and development of Desmodium sennaarense is between 20-30 °C. High temperatures above 35°C may cause heat stress and damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium sennaarense grows well in a well-draining loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The soil must contain enough organic matter and nutrients for the plant to grow well. It is moderately tolerant of drought conditions, but prolonged drought may adversely affect growth and productivity. Adequate moisture is required for optimal growth and fruit formation.
The root system of the Sennaar desmodium plant is shallow and spreading. Therefore, the soil must have good aeration and be free from compacted layers that can impede root growth and development.
In conclusion, Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf. requires full sun to partial shade, warm to hot temperatures, and well-draining loamy soil with enough organic matter and nutrients. Proper soil moisture and good aeration are also essential for optimal growth and productivity.
Cultivation Methods
The Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf. plant grows best in well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. It thrives in full sunlight and requires regular watering. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
When propagating through seeds, plant them in a nursery bed and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and wait for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings are 4-6 inches tall, transplant them into the main field at a spacing of 60 cm x 30 cm.
If propagating through stem cuttings, take cuttings from the plant's mature shoots and plant them in a nursery bed. Keep the soil moist and wait for the roots to form. Once the cuttings have rooted, transplant them into the main field.
Watering Needs
The Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf. plant requires regular watering, especially during its early growth stages. The plant needs about 30-40 mm of water per week.
However, it is important to avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. To ensure proper drainage, the soil must be well-draining, and the plants must be spaced properly.
Fertilization
The Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf. plant has moderate fertilizer needs. The plant uses nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers. Fertilize the plants with 25-30 kg/ha of nitrogen, 20 kg/ha of phosphorus, and 30-35 kg/ha of potassium.
The fertilizer should be applied in two equal splits: the first half just before the onset of the rainy season, and the second half during the flowering stage of the plant.
Pruning
The Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf. plant does not require heavy pruning. However, it is beneficial to remove the dead or diseased branches to promote healthy growth and prevent the spread of diseases.
During the early stages of growth, the shoots of the plant should also be trimmed to encourage bushy growth. This will result in a higher yield of foliage and contribute to a more productive harvest.
Propagation of Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf.
Propagation of Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf. can be done through several methods, including:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf. are readily available and can be used to propagate the plant. The seeds are small and require a well-draining soil mix for germination. Sow the seeds in pots or trays and place them in a warm, well-lit location. Keep the soil evenly moist and transplant the seedlings to a permanent location once they are large enough to handle.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation can also be used to propagate Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf. Take cuttings from healthy plants and remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a warm, well-lit location. Rooting should occur within a few weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Division propagation
Another propagation method for Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf. is division. Dig up the plant and remove the side shoots from the main plant. Each side shoot should have some roots and a few leaves. Plant the divisions in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist. The new plants should begin to grow within a few weeks and can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Disease Management for Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf.
Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf. is a hardy plant that is usually resistant to most diseases. However, some common diseases such as root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spots may still affect the plant.
To manage root rot, it is advisable to practice proper drainage, avoid waterlogging the plant, and use well-draining soil. If the plant is affected by powdery mildew, one can apply neem oil or a mixture of baking soda and water. Leaf spots can be controlled by using fungicides such as copper-based sprays.
Pest Management for Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf.
Some pests that might affect Desmodium sennaarense Schweinf. include aphids, spider mites, and beetles.
The use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control aphids, while spider mites can be controlled through regular misting with water or the use of neem oil. Beetles can be managed through handpicking or using insecticides such as neem oil, pyrethrin-based sprays, or carbaryl-based sprays.
It is vital to monitor the plant regularly for pests and diseases since early detection and action can help prevent the spread of these problems.
