Overview
Lemna oblonga Phil. is a species of small aquatic fern commonly known as "duckweed". It is a freshwater perennial plant that is native to South America, specifically found in Argentina and Chile. This plant belongs to the family Araceae and its scientific name "oblonga" comes from the Latin word "oblongus" which means oblong or elongated.
Appearance
Lemna oblonga Phil. is a small, floating, and free-floating aquatic plant that grows on still or slow-moving freshwaters like ponds, lakes, and streams. It is a very small plant, only reaching up to 3.5mm in length and 1mm in width, and it has an oval to oblong-shaped frond that is flat, smooth, and leathery in texture. Its fronds have a characteristic green coloration, a single root that originates from the underside of the frond, and since the plant is free-floating it lacks a stem.
Uses
Lemna oblonga Phil. has no significant commercial or economic use yet, but its small size and fast reproduction rate make it important in aquatic ecosystems as it serves as food source and habitat for small aquatic organisms like insects, fish, and amphibians. It has also been studied for its ability to remove nutrients and pollutants from wastewater, phytoremediation, and its potential use as a biofuel.
Common Names
The common names of Lemna oblonga Phil. include: Duckweed, Falso lentejón, and Lila cazuela.
Growth Conditions for Lemna oblonga Phil.
Lemna oblonga Phil. is a small aquatic plant that belongs to the family Lemnaceae. This plant can thrive in a variety of aquatic habitats, including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams.
Light
One of the most important growth conditions for Lemna oblonga Phil. is adequate light. These plants need a good amount of natural light to perform photosynthesis and produce energy. Therefore, they prefer to grow in open waters where they can receive full sunlight.
Temperature
The growth of Lemna oblonga Phil. is also influenced by temperature. This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but prefers warmer waters with a temperature range of 20-30°C. If the water temperature falls below 10°C, the growth rate of the plant slows down, and it may eventually stop growing altogether.
Soil Requirements
Since Lemna oblonga Phil. is an aquatic plant, it does not grow in soil. Instead, it relies on the water in which it grows to provide the necessary nutrients. However, the quality of water can play a significant role in the growth of these plants. They prefer clean, nutrient-rich water with a neutral pH level (around 7.0).
Overall, the growth conditions for Lemna oblonga Phil. are quite simple and easy to maintain. They require adequate light, warm water temperatures, and nutrient-rich water to thrive and multiply. Any disturbances to these conditions can hinder the growth of the plant and affect its overall health and well-being.
Cultivation methods
Lemna oblonga Phil. is a floating aquatic plant that requires specific conditions for growth. The plant thrives in shallow water bodies with a slow-moving current. For cultivation, you can start by filling a container with water and adding organic manure rich in nutrients. Next, scatter the seeds evenly and cover them lightly with soil. Maintain a temperature range of 25-35°C for proper germination and growth.
Watering needs
Since it is a water plant, Lemna oblonga Phil. requires consistent watering. The water should be shallow, and the plant does not require soil to grow. The water should be clean and nutrient-rich to sustain optimal growth. However, excessive watering leads to the growth of mold and bacterial infections, leading to stunted growth.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization ensures healthy and robust growth of Lemna oblonga Phil. As a floating aquatic plant, you should use a slow-release fertilizer to avoid releasing large amounts of nutrients into the water. You can use organic fertilizers such as manure or compost. Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions provided to avoid overfeeding the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Lemna oblonga Phil. since it is a small, floating plant. Instead, proper cultivation and maintenance practices ensure healthy growth and the right size for the plant. In cases of excessive growth or overcrowding in the container, you can thin out the plants to ensure that they have adequate space and nutrients to grow.
Propagation of Lemna oblonga Phil.
Lemna oblonga Phil., commonly known as the oblong duckweed, is a small aquatic plant that reproduces rapidly through vegetative propagation. This plant species thrives in freshwater ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams, where it can form dense mats that cover the surface of the water.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is the primary method of reproducing Lemna oblonga Phil. This plant species produces small, oval-shaped fronds that multiply quickly by budding at the base. Each mother frond can produce up to 10 daughter fronds in just a few days, leading to rapid population growth.
In optimal conditions, one frond can produce up to 42 new fronds in just two weeks. This rapid reproduction is due to the plant's ability to produce daughter fronds without sexual reproduction, which requires the production and fusion of male and female gametes.
Division
Another method of propagation for Lemna oblonga Phil. is through division. This involves dividing the mother frond into smaller fronds, which can then form new plants. Division is typically done manually by taking a pair of scissors and cutting the mother frond into two or more pieces, making sure that each fragment has enough leaves and roots to form a new plant.
Division is most commonly used as a means of controlling population growth in commercial duckweed farms, where high densities of plants are required to maximize production. By dividing the plants and reseeding portions of the pond, the farmer can ensure fast and steady growth of new plants.
Seed propagation
While seed production is rare in Lemna oblonga Phil., it is possible to propagate this plant from seeds. However, seed production requires specific environmental conditions, such as prolonged exposure to low temperatures or high salinity levels. As such, seed propagation is not usually the preferred method of propagation for this plant species.
In conclusion, vegetative propagation and division are the primary methods of reproducing Lemna oblonga Phil. These methods are simple, fast, and efficient, allowing for rapid growth and colonisation of aquatic habitats.
Disease Management
Lemna oblonga Phil. is generally not susceptible to many diseases, and it is considered a hardy plant. However, it can be affected by some common diseases such as:
- Brown Spot: This disease causes brown spots to appear on the leaves of the plant, leading to their premature death. It is caused by a fungus that thrives in moist conditions. To manage this disease, it is important to avoid overwatering the plant and ensure good ventilation around it. Infected plants must be removed and destroyed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease to other healthy plants.
- Root Rot: Root rot is caused by waterlogged soil and poor drainage. It causes the roots of the plant to decay, leading to stunted growth and eventually the death of the plant. To manage root rot, it is important to reduce watering and improve drainage. Using a well-drained planting medium and mulch can also help to prevent this disease.
- Leaf Rust: This disease presents as orange or reddish-brown spots on the leaves of the plant. It is caused by a fungus that thrives in moist conditions. To manage this disease, it is important to practice good sanitation by removing and destroying all infected plant material. Providing good air circulation by spacing plants apart and avoiding overhead watering can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Lemna oblonga Phil. is not commonly affected by pests, but it can occasionally be attacked by the following insects:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to yellow and curl. To manage aphids, it is important to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can be introduced to the area to control their population.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant. They can cause the leaves to yellow and develop a stippled appearance. To manage spider mites, it is important to spray the plant with a forceful stream of water to dislodge them. Neem oil and insecticidal soap can also be used to control their population.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can chew holes in the leaves of the plant, leading to stunted growth. To manage caterpillars, it is important to handpick them and destroy them. Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) is a naturally occurring bacteria that can be sprayed on the plant to control their population.
