Origin
Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats., commonly known as Western bladderpod, is a rare plant that is native to the western United States.
Common Names
The plant is also known by various common names including Western bladderpod, western tansy mustard, yellowtop, and Juniper-pod.
Appearance
The Western bladderpod is a hairy, short-lived perennial herb that grows to a height of 5-20 cm. Its leaves are hairy and usually divided into three, narrow lobes. The flowers are yellow, small and arranged in clusters at the ends of the stems. The plant produces capsules that resemble bladders and contains small, spherical seeds.
Uses
Western bladderpod has several uses including medicinal, culinary and industrial. The plant contains glucosinolates, which are used to produce industrial lubricants. The oil extracted from the seeds of Western bladderpod has potential use as a biofuel. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat respiratory, liver, and kidney ailments.
Light Requirements
Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. grows best in full sunlight to partial shade. In areas with hot summers, it can benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent sun damage.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the western region of North America and can thrive in a range of temperatures. However, it prefers moderate temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C) and as high as 100°F (38°C).
Soil Requirements
Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. grows well in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can adapt to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it prefers soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6-7.5). The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil, so it is important to ensure proper drainage.
Cultivation
Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. prefers full sun and well-drained soil with a pH range of 7.0 to 8.5. It is tolerant of poor soil conditions and drought once established.
The plant can be grown from seed or propagated through stem cuttings. Seedlings should be transplanted when they are 3-4 inches tall and spacing of 12-18 inches between plants is recommended.
Watering Needs
Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. requires moderate watering during establishment, which is approximately 1-inch of water per week. Once established, the plant can withstand drought and is tolerant of low water conditions.
It is important to ensure that the soil has good drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. does not require regular fertilization. However, a slow-release fertilizer may be applied during planting and incorporated into the soil. A balanced fertilizer with low nitrogen content is preferred.
Excessive fertilization, especially with nitrogen, can lead to leafy growth and reduce the oil content of the plant.
Pruning
Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. does not require regular pruning. However, deadheading can be done to encourage new growth and promote flowering. The plant can also be pruned to control its size and shape.
It is important to avoid pruning too heavily as it can reduce the oil content and affect the overall health of the plant. Pruning should be done after flowering has stopped to avoid disrupting the blooming cycle.
Propagation of Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats.
Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by seeds:
Seeds can be collected from mature capsules by hand and stored in a cool and dry place until it is time for sowing. Before sowing, the seeds should be scarified to break their tough outer coating and allow for better germination. Scarification methods include rubbing the seeds between sandpaper or soaking them in sulphuric acid for a brief period (no more than 10 minutes). Once scarified, the seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist with regular watering. Germination should occur within 1-2 weeks and the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by cuttings:
Cuttings can be taken from mature plants during their dormant season (usually in late fall or winter). The cuttings should be 3-4 inches long and consist of woody stems. The bottom leaves should be removed and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and placed in a bright but indirect light location. Roots should form within 6-8 weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats.
Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. is a relatively disease-resistant plant species. However, certain pests and diseases may affect the crop and cause significant yield loss. Here, we describe the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that may affect Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. include root rot, black spot, and powdery mildew.
Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the plant to die suddenly. The disease is commonly caused by the soil-borne pathogens such as Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium spp. The best way to manage the disease is by practicing good field sanitation, such as crop rotation, using well-drained soils, and avoiding overwatering.
Black spot disease is a fungal infection that causes black spots on the plants' leaves. The disease is commonly caused by Alternaria brassicola. One of the best ways to control black spot is by using disease-resistant cultivars. Also, good field sanitation and regular pruning and removal of diseased plant parts can prevent the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that covers the plants' leaves, stems, and flowers with a white powdery substance. The disease is commonly caused by Golovinomyces orontii. Reducing humidity levels in the crop field can help to manage the disease. Regular field inspection and treatment with fungicides are also effective measures against powdery mildew.
Common Pests
The most common pests that might affect Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. include aphids, spider mites, and flea beetles.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plants' sap and cause damage to the leaves and stems. The best way to manage aphids is by introducing natural enemies such as ladybeetles or lacewings that feed on them. Regular foliar application of insecticidal soap can also help to manage the pest.
Spider mites are small mites that feed on the plants' sap and cause damage to the crop by forming webbing, which blocks the leaves' stomata. Removing infested plant parts and spraying the crop with insecticidal soap or sulfur-based insecticides can help to manage the pest.
Flea beetles are small, black beetles that feed on the plants' leaves and stems, causing significant damage to the crops. Placing sticky traps around the crop field and using row covers can help to manage flea beetles. Regular pruning and removal of infested plant parts can also help to manage the pest.
In conclusion, Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. is a relatively disease-resistant plant species. However, certain pests and diseases may affect the crop and cause significant yield loss. Maintaining good field sanitation, using disease-resistant cultivars, and regularly inspecting the crop field for pests and diseases can help to manage the crop and maximize yield.
