Overview of Desmodium uncinatum
Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.) DC., commonly known as Tick Trefoil, is a perennial and leguminous plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions in Africa, where it is an important forage crop for animals.General Appearance of Desmodium uncinatum
Desmodium uncinatum is a sprawling and densely-tufted plant that grows up to 1.5 metres in height. It has erect or ascending stems that are branched and hairy, with a woody base. The leaves are pinnately compound, with three leaflets that are elliptical or oblong in shape and about 4 to 10 cm long. The leaflets are dark green in colour and have a smooth or slightly rough texture. In autumn, the plant produces small, purplish-pink flowers that bloom in clusters along the stem. Each flower has an elongated shape and is about 1 cm in length. These flowers eventually give way to small, flattened pods that are about 2 cm long and contain 1 to 3 seeds each.Common Names of Desmodium uncinatum
This plant species has various common names depending on the specific region. Some of its common names include: - Tick Trefoil - Silver Leaf Desmodium - Kenya Clover - Silver Bush - BundiUses of Desmodium uncinatum
Desmodium uncinatum is primarily used as a forage crop for animals. The plant's foliage is highly palatable and nutritious, making it a valuable source of protein and essential nutrients for livestock. It is also commonly used as a cover crop and soil improver, due to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. In traditional medicine, Desmodium uncinatum is used to treat various ailments such as liver disease, respiratory infections, and tuberculosis. Its roots and leaves are known to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, making it a popular ingredient in herbal remedies. Overall, Desmodium uncinatum is a versatile and valuable plant species that is widely used in various industries and applications. Its hardiness, adaptability, and multiple uses make it an important crop for farmers and communities in tropical and subtropical regions.Light Requirements
Desmodium uncinatum prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It grows well in areas with intense sunlight, but it can tolerate periods of shade during the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm temperatures and is not cold hardy. It grows best when the temperature ranges between 20°C to 35°C. Any temperature below 15°C could cause slow growth, frost damage, or death.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium uncinatum grows well in various well-drained soil types, including sandy loam, loam, and clay loam soils. It prefers soils with pH ranging between 5.5 and 7.5, but the plant can also grow in soils outside these ranges. However, the plant is intolerant to waterlogged soils and low soil fertility conditions. Adequate soil moisture is important for good plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.) DC. is a leguminous forage plant that grows well in warm regions with annual rainfall between 800 to 3000 mm. The plant can grow on a variety of soils, particularly well-drained fertile soils. The cultivation of Desmodium can be done through seeds or vegetatively through stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.) DC. requires regular watering for optimum growth and quality forage production. In areas with low rainfall, there is a need for irrigation to maintain soil moisture. The plant is sensitive to waterlogging; thus, proper drainage is necessary to avoid root rot. The frequency of watering is dependent on the soil type, temperature, and humidity levels.
Fertilization
Fertilization of Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.) DC. improves its quality and production. Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential nutrients for the growth of the plant, and their application can be inorganic or organic. Organic sources of fertilizer like compost and manure are effective in maintaining soil health, while inorganic fertilizers are useful in providing immediate nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning helps to improve the quality and yield of Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.) DC. Regular pruning encourages branching, leading to a bushy plant that provides more forage. When pruning, it is recommended that not more than a third of the plant is removed at a time to promote growth and avoid excessive stress. Pruning should be done when the plant is nearing maturity or after grazing.
Propagation of Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.) DC.
Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.) DC., also known as Silverleaf Desmodium or Tick Trefoil, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is a forage legume that is used for animal feed and is native to tropical and subtropical Africa. The plant has high nutritional value and is highly palatable to livestock.Propagation Methods:
Desmodium uncinatum can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods:1. Seed Propagation:
Seeds of Desmodium uncinatum can be obtained from mature pods. The pods should be allowed to dry out naturally, and then threshed to release the seeds. The seeds should then be cleaned and stored in a cool and dry place until sowing time. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 centimeters in a well-prepared seedbed. The optimum sowing time is at the onset of the rainy season.2. Vegetative Propagation:
Desmodium uncinatum can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings or root cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the rainy season. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and should be planted in well-prepared soil in a nursery bed. Root cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the dormant season. The cuttings should be 5-10 cm long and should be planted in well-prepared soil in a nursery bed. Both stem and root cuttings should be watered regularly until they are established.3. Division:
Desmodium uncinatum can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the root system of an established plant into several smaller sections. Each section should have at least one vigorous shoot and a healthy root system. The sections should then be planted in well-prepared soil in a nursery bed, and watered regularly until they are established. Propagation of Desmodium uncinatum can be done throughout the year, but the optimum time is at the onset of the rainy season. With proper care and maintenance, Desmodium uncinatum can be propagated successfully using any of the above methods.Disease Management
Desmodium uncinatum is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases. The most common diseases that may affect the plant include anthracnose, root rot, rust, leaf spot, and stem blight.
To manage anthracnose, the infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed immediately. Fungicides such as copper-based products or chlorothalonil can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Root rot can be prevented by avoiding over-watering and ensuring proper drainage of the soil. Fungicides such as mefenoxam can help control the disease.
Rust can be managed using fungicides like tebuconazole or azoxystrobin. The infected plant parts should also be removed to reduce the spread of the disease.
Leaf spot can be managed using copper-based fungicides or mancozeb. Plant debris should be removed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Stem blight can be prevented by avoiding waterlogging and ensuring proper ventilation around the plant. Fungicides such as metalaxyl can be used for disease control.
Pest Management
Desmodium uncinatum may be attacked by various pests such as cutworms, stem borers, and aphids.
Cutworms can be managed by clearing the area around the plant from weeds and using Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki.
Stem borers can be prevented by inspecting the plant regularly and removing affected parts. To control the pest, insecticides like neem oil, cypermethrin or lambda-cyhalothrin can be used.
Aphids can be managed by using insecticides such as imidacloprid or acephate. Natural predators such as ladybugs or parasitic wasps can also be introduced to the plantation.
