Overview
Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. gordonii is a flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This species is commonly found in North America, specifically in the Colorado Plateau region of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. It is also known by several common names, including Gordon's bladderpod, rock bladderpod, and Utah bladderpod.
General Appearance
Lesquerella gordonii var. gordonii is a small annual plant that typically grows up to 15-30 cm tall. It has a thin stem and small, oval-shaped leaves that are gray-green in color. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter and bloom from April to May.
Uses
The plant has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes by Native American tribes, including the Hopi and Navajo. The seeds of Lesquerella gordonii var. gordonii are a rich source of oil, containing high amounts of lesquerolic acid which is a rare fatty acid that is useful in pharmaceutical and industrial applications, including in the production of biofuels and lubricants. Additionally, it is a vital component in the production of biodegradable plastics.
It has been evaluated for its potential use in mine reclamation due to its ability to grow well in arid and semi-arid conditions of the Colorado Plateau. Its fast-growing nature and ability to tolerate harsh environments make it a suitable candidate for restoring disturbed lands.
In addition to its practical applications, Lesquerella gordonii var. gordonii is also grown as an ornamental plant due to the bright yellow flowers it produces.
Overall, this plant is a valuable resource for both its ecological and economic benefits.
Light Requirements
Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. gordonii requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. Exposure to intense sunlight helps the plant in photosynthesis and formation of a strong root system.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures to grow. Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. gordonii typically grows in regions with a temperature range of 20-35 °C. The plant can survive a short duration of frost, but cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Sandy soils with good drainage and nutrient content are ideal for the plant's optimal growth and development. The ideal soil pH range for Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. gordonii is 6.0-7.5.
Cultivation methods for Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. gordonii
Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. gordonii is a drought-tolerant plant that grows well in well-draining soil. The soil should be acidic, with a pH range of 5.8 - 6.3. This plant prefers full sun or partial shade, and it can grow up to 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide. It is recommended to sow seeds in spring, as it will give the plant enough time to grow and mature before the hot and dry season.
Watering needs for Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. gordonii
As mentioned, Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. gordonii is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive prolonged periods without water. During the first year of growth, it is essential to provide the plant with regular watering, mainly when the soil is dry. Once the plant has become established, reduce the frequency of watering to once a week. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is recommended always to allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
Fertilization of Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. gordonii
Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. gordonii is not a heavy feeder, so there is no need to fertilize the soil often. You can apply slow-release fertilizer to the soil during the growing season. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instruction carefully and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak growth and even death of the plant.
Pruning Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. gordonii
Pruning Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. gordonii is not necessary, but it can help to shape the plant and maintain its compact and bushy appearance. You can use pruning shears to remove dead, diseased, or damaged stems and leaves. You can also pinch the top of the stem to encourage the growth of new branches and improve the plant's overall appearance.
Propagation Methods for Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. gordonii
The Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. gordonii is a biennial plant, commonly known as Gordon bladderpod, belonging to the Brassicaceae family. Propagation of this plant has been a concern due to its weakened potential in sexual and asexual propagation. However, it can still be propagated by several methods, which includes:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most recommended method for the Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. gordonii. The seeds from the plant can be sown directly in the field or germinated in the greenhouse, depending on the growing season. The best time to sow the seeds outdoors is in early spring when the soil is moist and warm. The seeds must be sowed at a depth of 2-3 mm, and the ideal soil temperature should be 15-18 °C. The seedlings emerge in 2-3 weeks, and they are ready for transplanting after 3-4 weeks.
Stem Cuttings Propagation
Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. gordonii can be propagated through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings are cut from the parent plant, and they are planted in the greenhouse or nursery in an appropriate rooting media. The cutting must be 8-10 cm long and have at least two leaves. The lower leaves of the cuttings should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in a rooting hormone powder before planting in the soil. The cutting should be watered regularly to maintain the moisture and humidity level. After 4-5 weeks, the cuttings would have rooted and are ready for transplanting.
Tissue Culture Propagation
Tissue culture propagation is another method used for propagating Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. gordonii. Tissue culture refers to the in-vitro culture of plant cells or tissues in a nutrient medium, which replicates their normal growth and development. The method involves taking a small tissue sample from the parent plant and growing it in a nutrient medium under controlled conditions. The plantlets produced by this method are free from pathogens and genetically uniform. The produced plantlets can be propagated in the greenhouse or nursery until they are mature enough for transplanting in the field.
Disease Management
Lesquerella gordonii, also known as Gordon Bladderpod, is generally considered to be a disease-resistant plant. However, it is still susceptible to certain diseases, including:
- Root Rot: Root rot is a common disease caused by fungi that thrive in overly wet soil conditions. To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that the soil has good drainage. If root rot is detected, remove the affected plants and improve the soil drainage.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the plant's leaves and stems. To prevent powdery mildew, maintain adequate spacing between plants, ensure good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering. If powdery mildew is detected, remove and destroy the infected plant parts and treat with a fungicide if necessary.
- Downy Mildew: Downy mildew is another fungal disease that affects the leaves of plants, causing yellowing and wilting. To prevent downy mildew, ensure adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Remove and destroy infected plant parts, and treat with a fungicide if necessary.
Pest Management
Lesquerella gordonii is not typically prone to pest infestations. However, it is still susceptible to a few common pests, including:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can feed on plant sap and cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. To control aphids, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, or spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can cause yellowing and premature leaf drop. To control spider mites, hose down the plant with a strong spray of water or apply neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: Thrips are slender insects that feed on plant sap, causing distorted leaves and deformed flowers. To control thrips, introduce natural predators like mites or lacewings, or spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring of plants for signs of pests and diseases can assist in addressing issues before they escalate into more severe problems. As always, it is best to use natural or non-toxic pest and disease control methods whenever appropriate to protect the health and vitality of Lesquerella gordonii and the environment.
