Origin
Lesquerella lasiocarpa (Hook. ex Gray) S. Wats. var. lasiocarpa is a small flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is native to the western part of North America, ranging from California to Montana. It usually grows in dry and sandy areas, as well as in rocky slopes and cliffs.
Common Names
Lesquerella lasiocarpa is commonly known as bladderpod, hairy bladderpod, and woollypod bladderpod. The name bladderpod comes from the inflated seed pods that resemble small bladders. The term hairy and woollypod bladderpod refers to the hairy appearance of the foliage.
Uses
Lesquerella lasiocarpa is a valuable plant species for both ecological and economic reasons. Its leaves and seeds contain a high level of hydroxy fatty acids, which can be used as a substitute for fossil fuel in biodiesel production. Moreover, the plant's strong roots help to prevent soil erosion and improve soil quality. Lesquerella lasiocarpa is also an important habitat for many wildlife species, such as bees, butterflies, and birds.
General Appearance
Lesquerella lasiocarpa is a small perennial plant that grows up to 30 cm in height. It has a well-branched stem with narrow leaves that are covered with fine hairs. The leaves at the base of the plant are rounded while those on the stem are more oblong. The flowers are bright yellow and form loose clusters at the top of the stem. The fruit is a round and hollow bladder-like pod, about 1 cm in diameter, that contains many small, black seeds.
Light Requirements
Lesquerella lasiocarpa thrives in full sun, which means it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to develop properly. It can also do well in partial shade, but it may affect flower and seed production.
Temperature Requirements
L. lasiocarpa is a cold-tolerant plant that can adapt to a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in regions with an average annual temperature of 4-20°C (40-68°F). However, it prefers a temperature range of 10-15°C (50-59°F) for optimum growth. In addition, the plant requires a cold period for successful flowering and seed production.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, sandy or loam soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate higher pH soils but may suffer from iron deficiency. The soil must be rich in organic matter, and fertilizer application is recommended before planting. The plant can also grow in rocky or gravelly soils, but it requires regular irrigation during dry periods.
Cultivation Methods
Lesquerella lasiocarpa is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soils. In areas with heavy soils, consider working in some sand or gravel to improve drainage. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and grows well in USDA Zones 4 to 9. It is best to sow the seeds directly into the garden rather than transplanting seedlings.
Watering Needs
As with most plants, Lesquerella lasiocarpa requires adequate moisture to grow and thrive. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Water the plant regularly, but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering. Once the plant is established, it requires less frequent watering.
Fertilization
Lesquerella lasiocarpa is not a heavy feeder, and too much fertilizer can damage the plant. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring, just before new growth appears. You can also apply a light application of organic compost once or twice during the growing season, but avoid overfeeding.
Pruning
Lesquerella lasiocarpa does not require much pruning, but you can remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems to improve the appearance of the plant. Prune the plant back after it has finished blooming to promote bushy growth and encourage a second blooming period. You can also pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage branching.
Propagation of Lesquerella Lasiocarpa
Lesquerella lasiocarpa, commonly known as bladderpod, is a unique plant species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family, prized for its high seed oil content and utility in biofuel production. Propagation of this plant is mainly done through seeds, but cuttings can also be used if available.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of bladderpod through seeds is relatively easy and straightforward. The first step is to collect mature pods from plants that have finished flowering and begun to dry out. The pods should be carefully collected, and stored in a dry and cool place for further processing.
After some time has passed, the pods will open up, releasing the seeds within. These seeds can be collected, cleaned and then sown directly in the field or greenhouse. Sowing should be done in shallow furrows or seed trays at a rate of about 3-5 seeds per square inch.
The soil should be kept moist and warm for the seeds to germinate, with an ideal temperature range between 60°F and 70°F. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 21 days, and once the seedlings have grown to about 2 to 3 inches tall, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is a less common method of propagating bladderpod as not all cuttings taken from the plant will succeed in rooting. The cuttings should be taken preferably during the late spring or early summer from healthy mature plants.
The cutting should be about 3-6 inches long, with a few leaves attached near the top. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to enhance the rooting process.
The cutting should then be placed in a pot or tray that has a well-draining soil mixture made up of sand and perlite or a suitable substitute to improve aeration. The pot or tray should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity for the cutting.
The cutting should be kept in a bright location at a temperature of between 70°F to 75°F and watered as needed until the roots develop. Once established, the cutting can be transplanted into its permanent location.
Common Diseases of Lesquerella lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa
One of the common diseases that affects Lesquerella lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa is white mold. This disease is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and can cause significant losses in yield. Symptoms of this disease include the formation of white, cottony mycelium on infected tissues, stem rot, wilt, and the production of black sclerotia.
Another disease that can affect Lesquerella lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa is black root rot. This disease is caused by the fungus Thielaviopsis basicola and can cause stunting, yellowing, and wilting of the plant. Infected roots may also appear black and may have an unpleasant odor.
Pest Management for Lesquerella lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa
The primary pest that affects Lesquerella lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa is the flea beetle. These small beetles can cause significant damage to young plants by feeding on the leaves, resulting in skeletonized leaves and reduced growth. One way to manage flea beetles is to use row covers or other physical barriers to exclude them from the plants. Insecticides can also be used, although care must be taken to avoid harming beneficial insects or pollinators.
Another pest that can affect Lesquerella lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa is the aphid. These small insects can reproduce quickly and can cause stunted growth, curling of leaves, and reduced yields. One way to manage aphids is to introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps, which will feed on the aphids. Insecticidal soaps or oils can also be used, although repeated applications may be necessary.
Finally, cutworms can also be a problem for Lesquerella lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa. These larvae feed on the stems and roots of young plants, and can cause significant damage or even death. One way to manage cutworms is to use physical barriers such as collars around the base of the plants. Insecticides can also be used, although they should be applied carefully to avoid harming beneficial insects or pollinators.
