Origin
Desmodium velutinum (Willd.) DC. is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Africa and can be found in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Sudan.
Common Names
Desmodium velutinum has several common names, depending on the region where it is found. In Nigeria, it is known as Akwukwo Elewa, while in Cameroon, it is called Nchimenang. In Sudan, it is referred to as Hagar El-Salam.
Uses
Desmodium velutinum has various medicinal uses, such as treating respiratory system disorders, fever, and rheumatism. It is also used to improve digestion and appetite. In addition, the leaves of the plant can be used to control soil erosion and as fodder for livestock.
General Appearance
Desmodium velutinum is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The stems are woody and grow from rhizomes. The leaves are compound, with three leaflets, and are velvety to the touch. The flowers are pink to purple and grow in clusters. The fruit is a pod that contains several seeds.
Light Requirements
Desmodium velutinum does well in both full sun and partial shade. It grows best in areas that receive at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures, with a range between 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate higher temperatures to an extent, but may not grow as well in areas with lower average temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium velutinum prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soils, but it performs best in clayey soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It can tolerate some level of soil salinity and slight acidic conditions as well.
Cultivation Methods
Desmodium velutinum is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and can withstand drought. The plant does well in areas with warm temperatures and requires full sunlight to perform optimally. The best time to plant Desmodium velutinum is during the rainy season, between May and September. One should space the seedlings about one meter apart, and ensure that they are not planted too deeply, as this can affect their growth.
Watering Needs
Although Desmodium velutinum can tolerate drought, it requires adequate watering during the first year of establishment. As such, a newly planted field of Desmodium velutinum should be watered at least twice a day during the dry season. Once the plant is established, it can be watered twice a week.
Fertilization
Desmodium velutinum is naturally a nitrogen-fixing plant, making it essential in crop rotations as it helps increase soil fertility. However, to further enhance growth and development, farmers can add additional fertilizers such as phosphorus and potassium. The addition of organic matter such as compost can also help increase nutrients in the soil.
Pruning
Desmodium velutinum requires pruning to remove old and dead stems, improve its shape, and promote new growth. This should be done regularly, especially during the rainy season when growth is most active. When pruning, one should ensure that only the tips of the stems are cut so as not to affect their regrowing capacity. It is also essential to ensure that pruning tools are sharp and sanitized to prevent disease spread.
Propagation of Desmodium velutinum (Willd.) DC.
Desmodium velutinum (Willd.) DC. can be propagated using various methods including:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Desmodium velutinum are the most commonly used method of propagation. The seeds are collected from matured pods after the seeds have turned brown. After collection, the seeds are dried properly to prevent mold growth. They can be stored for up to six months before planting.
The seeds should be sowed at a depth of 1-2 cm and spaced about 30cm apart. They should be planted in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Germination takes about 10-14 days at a temperature range of between 20-30°C.
Cutting propagation
Desmodium velutinum can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Cuttings of about 10-15cm long are taken from mature plants and planted in moist sand or compost. The cuttings should be kept moist and protected from direct sunlight. Roots start to develop within 2-3 weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted into pots after 4-6 weeks.
Division propagation
Another propagation method for Desmodium velutinum is division of the root clumps. This method is best done during the early stages of the growing season when the plant starts to put out new shoots. The clumps are dug up, divided using a sharp tool, and planted in new locations or pots. The new divisions should be kept well-watered and protected from direct sunlight until they become established.
Propagation of Desmodium velutinum (Willd.) DC. is relatively easy, and these methods can be used to increase the population of this useful plant quickly.
Disease and Pest Management for Desmodium velutinum (Willd.) DC.
Desmodium velutinum (Willd.) DC. is a perennial legume that is widely distributed across Africa. It is an important forage crop that is valued for its high protein content, drought tolerance, and ability to fix nitrogen. However, the plant is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can significantly reduce its yield and quality. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Desmodium velutinum, as well as some strategies for managing them:
Diseases
Fungal leaf spots: Fungal leaf spots are one of the most common diseases that affect Desmodium velutinum. Symptoms include circular or irregularly shaped lesions on the leaves, which may be surrounded by a yellow halo. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant material, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides if necessary.
Root rot: Root rot is a serious fungal disease that can cause wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant. It thrives in wet soil conditions and is more likely to occur in poorly drained soils. To manage root rot, it is important to improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides if necessary.
Pests
Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are common pests of Desmodium velutinum that feed on the plant's sap, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage leafhoppers, it is important to use insecticidal sprays or biological control methods such as releasing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Stem borers: Stem borers are another common pest that can cause significant damage to Desmodium velutinum. They bore into the stems of the plant, causing wilting, stem breakage, and eventual death of the plant. To manage stem borers, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant material, cultivate the soil around the plant, and use insecticidal sprays if necessary.
In conclusion, Desmodium velutinum (Willd.) DC. is a valuable forage crop that is susceptible to several diseases and pests. By implementing effective disease and pest management strategies, farmers can protect their crops and ensure a healthy and productive harvest.
