Origin:
Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. var. alba Goodman, commonly known as White bladderpod, belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Common Names:
White bladderpod bears common names such as whiteflower bladderpod, white Lesquerella, and white woolly bladderpod.
Uses:
The Native American tribes have used Lesquerella ovalifolia's roots and seeds for various medicinal purposes like treating skin ailments, stomach problems, and rheumatism. Being a brassica and rich in oil content, white bladderpod can be a potential source of biodiesel.
Lesquerella ovalifolia is an essential plant in the ecosystem as it serves as a primary food source for pollinators such as butterflies and bees.
General Appearance:
The plant grows up to a height of 6-18 inches and has hairy, gray-green leaves with a rosette-like arrangement. The flowers are small, white, and grow in clusters on a raceme at the end of the stems. It forms a brown, bladder-like fruit when the flowers bloom.
The plant prefers to grow in well-drained, sandy soil in prairies, roadsides, and open areas. Its blooming season starts in March and lasts until June.
Light Requirements
Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. var. alba Goodman typically requires full sun exposure to thrive. This plant variety needs about 6-8 hours of sunlight every day. If you are cultivating this plant indoors, it is recommended to place it near a south-facing window or under grow lights to ensure adequate light exposure that produces good quality crops.
Temperature Requirements
Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. var. alba Goodman is a cool-season crop that prefers to grow in areas with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C. If the temperature goes beyond the ideal range, it can negatively affect the plant's growth and yield quality. It is essential to take note that exposing this plant to high temperatures may lead to premature flowering, which could make the crop unmarketable.
Soil Requirements
The soil texture and quality affect the growth and yield of Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. var. alba Goodman. It requires well-drained soils with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. Additionally, the soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water-holding capacity. Preparing the soil with compost and other organic materials before planting is necessary to improve soil nutrients and structure that supports plant growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. var. alba Goodman, also known as white bladderpod, is a perennial plant that grows well in well-draining soils. It requires full sun exposure and a minimum temperature of 50°F (10°C) for optimal growth. The plant prefers sandy or loamy soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It can be grown in containers or in garden beds.Watering Needs
White bladderpod requires moderate watering during the growing season. It should not be watered excessively, as this may lead to root rot. The frequency of watering will depend on the soil type, weather conditions, and the growth stage of the plant. It is best to check the soil moisture before watering to ensure it is not too dry.Fertilization
White bladderpod requires moderate fertilization during the growing season. It is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season. It is important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for proper use.Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for white bladderpod, but it can be done to improve its appearance or to control its growth. It is best to prune the plant in early spring before new growth emerges. Any dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed using clean and sharp pruning shears. It is also recommended to remove any spent flowers to encourage more blooms.Propagation of Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. var. alba Goodman
Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. var. alba Goodman, commonly known as Blanca Peak bladderpod, is propagated through two main methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. var. alba Goodman. Seeds are collected from mature plants and dried to a moisture content of less than 9%. The seeds can be stored in a cool, dry location for up to five years.
Before planting, the seeds must be scarified to break the hard exterior coating and allow for germination. Scarification can be done mechanically by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or chemically by soaking them in concentrated sulfuric acid for a few minutes.
Once scarified, the seeds can be planted directly into the soil or started in a greenhouse or nursery. The seeds should be planted at a depth of approximately ¼ inch and kept moist until germination, which can take up to three weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. var. alba Goodman is not as common as seed propagation, but it can be an effective method for producing clones of desirable plants.
The plant can be propagated vegetatively through root cuttings, stem cuttings, or division. Root cuttings should be taken in the late winter or early spring from healthy, mature plants. The cuttings should be approximately 2-3 inches in length and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, humid environment to encourage root growth.
Stem cuttings should be taken in the late spring or early summer and treated with a rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, humid environment to encourage root growth.
The plant can also be divided in the early spring by digging up the root ball and separating it into smaller sections, each with their own stem and roots. Each division should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until established.
Disease and Pest Management for Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. var. alba Goodman
Like any other plant, Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. var. alba Goodman is prone to damage caused by different diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Common diseases
Soft Rot: This disease causes the plant to wilt and rot. It is caused by several different bacteria, including Erwinia carotovora. One of the primary methods of managing this disease is to remove and destroy any infected plants and avoid planting in poorly-drained soil.
Alternaria Blight: It is caused by a fungus called Alternaria brassicicola. This disease causes the leaves to turn yellow and develop black spot lesions. This can be managed by spraying the plant with a fungicide at the first sign of the disease and by getting rid of any infected plants.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by several different fungi, including Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium spp. The plant will start to wilt, and the leaves will show signs of yellowing. The best way to manage root rot is to avoid over-watering and providing adequate drainage.
Common pests
Aphids: These pests feed on the sap of plants, causing wilting, stunted growth, and death. They also produce honeydew, which can attract other pests such as ants. You can manage aphid infestations by introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, or by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites: These pests feed on the sap of plants, causing discoloration and wilting. Infested plants will have a fine webbing covering the leaves and stems. Spider mites can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or by introducing predatory mites.
Cabbage Looper: These pests are caterpillars that feed on the leaves of plants, causing large holes. You can manage cabbage loopers by introducing natural enemies like parasitic wasps or by using a Bacillus thuringiensis-based insecticide.
